Australian Solar Panel Owners

Re: New government means testing on solar power rebate - will it affect whether you install solar power?

Scott Rayment — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:59:41 GMT

The new legislation which is expected to be brought in on 1st July 2009 will -

allow anyone installing a new Grid Connected Photovoltaic Generator, to receive 5 times the normal amount of Renewable Energy Certificates for the first 1.5kW of installed capacity, with any capacity above 1.5kW receiving the normal 1:1 REC assignment.

The 5 x multiplier will be scaled down each year to 4 x , then 3 x, then 2 x etc each year from 2012 onwards.

Whilst the new "Solar Credits Scheme" is not going to be means tested, the shortfall on the initial cost of a Photovoltaic Grid Connected Generator will be greater with the new "Solar Credits Scheme" compared with the outgoing Rebate Scheme (based on the current value of REC's).

For example, a 1kW system with a total installed cost of around $12,000 dollars, under the new scheme will provide approximately $4500 in REC's (with an assumed REC value of $45/REC which is the approximate value for REC's at present, in location zone 3 - south east QLD, and maximum 15 year REC assignment), making the final cost of the system about $7500.

Under the outgoing Rebate Scheme, the same $12,000 system will receive the $8000 Rebate plus around $900 in REC's, making it's final cost about $3100.

Unfortunately the price of REC's is not fixed and works a little like a stock market which is liable to fluctuate depending on supply and demand.

If you haven't already done so, please sign the "gross feed in tariff" petition, aimed at getting an $0.80 / kWh for every kWh that a renewable energy system generates, significantly shortening the "pay back period" for the cost of such systems.

http://www.feedintariff.com.au/results.php

Regards

Scott Rayment

BCSE designer / Installer

Re: New government means testing on solar power rebate - will it affect whether you install solar power?

KittyKat — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:43:29 GMT

From July 1, 2009 - the Rudd government has decided to remove the income cap on solar panel installs. However - I don't think the rebate is as generous as it was in most cases. Does anyone know the details?

New government means testing on solar power rebate - will it affect whether you install solar power?

Ian — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:47:46 GMT

The ABC News website is reporting that the Greens think the solar energy sector may collapse because of the governments cap on the rebate of $100,000 per family.

Solar energy companies are reporting significant losses and the Greens are warning of the collapse of Australia's photovoltaic supply industry after the Federal Government's Budget announcement that the rebate for solar power panels will now be means-tested.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/16/2247035.htm

Were you considering installing solar? Will this new development affect your decision to go ahead with a solar install at your residence?

I have a friend who is looking to join the industry as a solar installer and he is already worried that the time he is investing in learning the solar technologies will go to waste...

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