NSW solar power decision to save 5000 jobs

NSW solar power decision to save 5000 jobs

Although the NSW Government’s solar power decision today may anger many households, it will save more than 5000 jobs in this vital industry, according to the Clean Energy Council.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said the O’Farrell Government had been forced to deal with a diabolical policy problem in cleaning up the oversubscribed Solar Bonus Scheme.

The government announced a support package to help solar households in hardship as part of its decision to reduce the feed-in tariff from 60c to 40c and honour existing applications.

“The Clean Energy Council argued strongly for the honouring of existing applications, avoiding any cuts to existing household support and the evolution of a new scheme to continue the success of the solar industry in NSW,” Mr Warren said.

“Today’s announcement shows the Government is committed to sustaining a viable solar industry, but it comes at a terrible price.

“The retrospective reduction in the feed-in tariff remains unacceptable for solar households and we remain committed to the retention of the existing rate for those who signed up to the scheme in good faith.”

More than 40,000 applications lodged with the government under the scheme were on the line and solar companies had invested hundreds of millions of dollars in stock for these new systems.

“Failing to honour these deals would immediately send the industry to the wall,” Mr Warren said.
“There are still significant uncertainties going forward. The survival of the solar industry in Australia remains at stake.

”The challenge remains to quickly develop a new scheme that continues to deliver affordable clean energy to NSW households and businesses and continue to build this vital new NSW industry.”

Choice warns consumers of solar panel traps

The rush to install solar panels before government incentives run out is creating potential safety risks for Australian homes, Choice has warned.

The consumer group says people are vulnerable to unscrupulous operators ready to make a quick buck and should think ahead.

Choice points to stop-start government solar panel incentives as the reason for a boom-bust cycle that creates an environment where ‘fly-by-
nighters’ can take advantage of people keen to have the panels installed before incentives end.

“Competition amongst solar panel installers is tight, because the profit margins for labour and components in this industry are small,” says Choice spokesperson Ingrid Just.

Choice said it has uncovered evidence of widespread problems with solar panel installation, including the use of incorrect wiring and circuit breakers which may lead to potential fire risks. Incorrect installation can lead to electrical risks, reinforcing the need for the process to be done correctly from the outset.

It also warns consumers to be wary of very cheap quotes and short warranty periods. Most reputable installers provide a warranty of at least five years on workmanship and materials.

There are steps a consumer can take if a PV system is unsafely or incorrectly installed. If the consumer is unable to resolve the issue with the installer, they should contact the Clean Energy Council.

“If the installation fails to deliver the expected energy gains, or if you are concerned about safety, each state and territory has authorities who can assist,” says Ms Just.