Saturday 27 December 2008

Solar no solution

Daily Telegraph
Friday 19/12/2008 Page: 24

ENCOURAGING households to install solar panels won't reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one kilogram, according to a Canberra-based think tank. More solar panels would simply free up extra permits under emissions trading for the cement, aluminum and steel industries to increase their carbon output, The Australia Institute said.

The Federal Government on Wednesday abandoned its unpopular decision to means-test the solar rebate. That means all Australian homes will now qualify for a rebate worth up to $7500. The Australia Institute said if individuals bought less coal-fired electricity, power stations would buy fewer permits. But that just means there would be more available on the market for other industries.

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