Solar Cells Info

by Donna Kelly, 16 June 2009
Source. Hepburn Advocate
http://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/
general/sun-sets-on-solar-rebate-for-hepburn-shire-residents/1542192.aspx

THE sudden scrapping of solar rebates caught environmentally aware residents on the hop last week. The Federal Government decided last Tuesday to end its $8000 rebate scheme for domestic solar PV installation – three weeks ahead of schedule.  Sustainable Hepburn Association Renewing the Earth spokeswoman Anneke Deutsch, who co-ordinated a solar panel bulk-buy offer on behalf of SHARE members, said there had been rumours that the offer was “over subscribed”.

“About a week before the rebates ended, I sent a message to the people who hadn’t sent their application in to encourage them to do it as soon as possible,” she said.  “On Tuesday, there were about three people still interested that hadn’t submitted their paper work, so I called them to let them know the rebates were ending that day.”

David Grigg, from Forty Foot, the local accredited solar panel installer who has been working with SHARE, said the move made business difficult.  “I called the people I have been working with to make sure they got their applications in the mail,” he said.  “The renewable energy industry has been calling for consistency and predictability in policy.  “It is difficult to run a business when the scheme changes every year.”

However, Ballarat Federal Labor MP Catherine King said the rebate had achieved its objective.  “There’s been a record uptake of solar systems around the country. The installation of solar systems is now a strong green industry,” she said.

“The government is committed to a smooth transition to Solar Credits in mid-2009 and that is why Solar Credits have been made available from yesterday (June 9), following the passage of the RET legislation.  “Solar Credits will be available to all households, irrespective of income. And in some cases, they will encourage larger installations,” Ms King.