Take a shine to solar before July

West Australian
Saturday 16/5/2009 Page: 52

Households are being urged to make the shift to solar energy to take advantage of the Federal Government's energy rebates before they end on June 30. According to Avant Solar system designer Russell Green, more people will shift to solar energy because it is the most logical response to climate change. "Fitting a solar system will save the environment carbon dioxide emissions and you can become part of the solution to climate change," he said.

"It (solar energy) is free and clean energy. Why be reliant on coal-powered stations when this technology is available? Why not be self-sufficient?" The Federal Government's solar homes and communities plan rebate scheme ends on June 30 and is being replaced by the renewable energy certificate solar credit scheme.

Under the current scheme, households are eligible for up to $8000 in rebates for installing photovoltaic solar energy panels, but from 1 July solar energy users will be given credits for reimbursement based on their solar usage. Until June 2012, the number of solar credits received will be multiplied by five, giving householders an increased return from their generation.

From June 2012, the amount of credits will be reduced annually until 2016. The new system will apply to the first 1.5 kWs of system capacity. "The credit would represent the equivalent of up to $7500 in price reductions on a 1.5 kW solar energy system," Mr Green said. "As beneficial as electricity is to our lives, its production can have undesirable effects on the environment "On average, each West Australian household produces around seven tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

"Now is the time for people to consider a reliable pollution-free alternative for energy needs. "Rising power costs and the availability of government rebates make now a perfect opportunity to become part of the solution." The new scheme will also be open to small businesses and community groups. Solar credits will not be subject to means testing, while the Government's 50% renewable remote power generation program will remain in place for off-grid applications.