Image: colmkay
Queensland’s Palaszczuk Government is inviting expressions of interest from companies keen to participate in a solar power system rollout in Logan.
Back in March, we mentioned the rooftop solar program in Logan, south of Brisbane, was earmarked for this year. PV systems will be installed on public housing in the region.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to helping Queenslanders with their cost of living pressures and this will help some of our most vulnerable people,” said Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick. “The tenants participating in the Logan trial will buy the solar power they use for a discounted per kilowatt hour rate.”
The solar panels will be installed on selected premises in the electorates of Waterford, Coomera, Woodridge, Logan, Algester and Springwood.
Unlike Queensland’s solar/battery loans and grants program, which was only accessible to Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailers, this time around there’s no mention of that requirement in the government’s announcement – only that companies interested in participating will need to have CEC accredited installers and hold all the necessary insurance and licenses.
To learn more about the difference between Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailers, accredited installers and members, see Ronald’s post on the topic.
However, one winner will take all – the announcement states “an energy partner”, “the successful tenderer” and “appointment of a preferred provider”. So again, many of the good local little guys will miss out, unless they are able to subcontract work from the victor.
Mr. Dick said an aspect to be examined during the evaluation process is whether prospective tenderers will employ local tradespersons, including electricians and suppliers.
Documents related to the EOI can be found on the QTenders website. Shortlisting will occur by September 4.
As we reported in March, at that point more than 350 households in public housing in Cairns and Rockhampton had solar panels installed under the public housing program. These households are expected to see savings of up to $250 a year according to the Queensland Government. The goal is for 700 solar power systems to be installed in these areas.
As to how many systems will be installed in Logan, the number hasn’t been specified at this point.
The Palaszczuk Government will use the results of the trial to evaluate the costs and benefits of the program, and then make a decision regarding expanding it to other areas in Queensland.
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“However, one winner will take all – the announcement states “an energy partner”, “the successful tenderer” and “appointment of a preferred provider”. So again, many of the good local little guys will miss out, unless they are able to subcontract work from the victor.”
What about the prospect of small CEC accredited retailers grouping together to form a collective, to make collective bids for such projects?