Interannual variability of solar energy generation in Australia

► Climate phenomena and their impact on solar radiation in Australia. ► The main impact of ENSO occurs during winter over a large part of eastern Australia. ► The main impact of IOD appears to be in winter in a band across the continent. ► ENSO may account for solar energy changes of more than 10% locations. ► We show that the solar radiation analysis is also applicable to solar energy yield.