Rebate plan for solar panel use

Townsville Sun
19/03/2008 Page: 4

The State Government has announced a new scheme to pay Queensland households for solar electricity they generate and contribute to the electricity grid. Premier Anna Bligh said from July 1 the Solar Bonus Scheme would pay households and businesses 44 cents for every kilowatt-hour generated from solar power systems at work and at home and fed into the grid. We want Queenslanders to cash in on our reputation as the Sunshine State," Ms Bligh said.

By providing this financial incentive we hope to encourage greater use of solar energy systems and boost our renewable energy market," she said. solar panel systems on a home often produce more power than a household requires. "Under our scheme consumers will receive credits on their electricity bills for any additional power they generate through their solar systems and are able to contribute to the grid," Ms Bligh said.

The Premier said it is estimated the Solar Credit Scheme or feed-in tariff could save consumers more than 25 per cent on their annual electricity bill depending on the energy efficiency of their home. "It will put money back in family pockets," Ms Bligh said. "It will also provide an opportunity for households to play a direct role in tackling climate change. We already know Queenslanders are keen to play their part." Ms Bligh said a staggering 5230 expressions of interest had been received in the government's new Solar Homes trial.

We had to close registrations due to the unprecedented demand," she said. "However anyone with a solar power system will be eligible to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme," she added. The Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson, said the scheme would commence on July 1 and be guaranteed for 20 years. "Currently different retailers pay different amounts for energy fed into the grid ranging from 14 cents per kilowatt-hour to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour," Mr Wilson said.

"We have set the tariff at a higher amount of 44 cents to stimulate the solar energy market and encourage greater uptake by residents and businesses." Mr Wilson, said participating homes would have either an upgraded or second meter installed to measure energy being produced. Ms Bligh said the Solar Homes and Solar Bonus Schemes would make solar energy systems more accessible and affordable.