Australian Solar Council slams SRES recommendations

30th Oct 2012

The Australian Solar Council has slammed the Productivity Commission for recommendations regarding the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) it made in a draft report.

It is a document that was recently praised by the Clean Energy Council for its consumer-orientated focus, but the Australian Solar Council has dismissed some of its contents as harmful to the renewables industry.

The organisation claims the draft is looking to end solar credit subsidies, as well as other potentially damaging moves that would prevent the spread of rooftop solar PV.

John Grimes, chief executive officer of the council, said the SRES is important and "must be continued".

He remarked: "We all know that many more Australians want to install solar panels and solar hot water, but the upfront cost of these systems remains a significant barrier."

And Grimes had more to say. The expert criticised the Productivity Commission for suggesting such changes when the last thing the industry needed was more uncertainty.

The council will be seeking reassurance that the SRES and other solar power incentives are not under threat, he asserted.

It is vital that these schemes remain in place, Grimes added, for the peace of mind of the 4,200 installers in the country, as well as the thousands of people who currently work in the renewables sector.

Posted Mike Peacock

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