Western Times Bathurst
Thursday 13/3/2008 Page: 40
QUEENSLAND homes using solar power will be paid more for the excess energy they generate for the electricity grid. Under the state government's Solar Bonus Scheme, the "feed-in tariff" for solar powered homes will be boosted to 44 cents per kilowatt hour. Premier Anna Bligh told state parliament the scheme would begin on July 1, and was guaranteed for 20 years. "We want Queenslanders to cash in on our reputation as the Sunshine State," she said.
"By providing this financial incentive, we hope to encourage greater use of solar energy systems, and boost our renewable energy market." Energy retailers now pay between 14 and 20 cents per kilowatt hour for excess solar energy fed into the grid. Ms Bligh said householders could save more than 25 per cent on their annual power bill, depending on the energy efficiency of their homes. This could see the cost of the solar power system recovered in about 10 years, she said. "It will put money back in family pockets.
"It will also provide an opportunity for households to play a direct role in tackling climate change." The announcement came after the government received an overwhelming response to its Queensland Solar Homes Scheme. Announced last week, that scheme will see the government bulk buy 1,000 solar power systems in an effort to drive down their price.
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