Changes made to Queensland's Solar Bonus Scheme

27th Jun 2012

Queenslanders hoping to install solar panels on their homes with the help of the state's Solar Bonus Scheme will find the initiative takes quite a different form next month.

The changes will only impact new applications, so if you've already submitted your paperwork there's no need to worry!

Under the previous scheme, Queenslanders were rewarded 44 cents per kilowatt hour for renewable electricity they fed back to the grid – but this will soon no longer be the case.

This is, of course, unless you had your panels installed under the previous solar power rebate, in which case the 44 cents per kilowatt hour rate will still apply.

From July 10, a new feed-in tariff will be brought into action, offering owners of solar panels just eight cents per kilowatt hour.

Even the most mathematically challenged of us can realise that this is a significant reduction and one that the solar industry is less than impressed with.

The Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) is one of the groups to air its concerns, suggesting that the decision sends out the wrong signal about renewable energy.

"Utilities must start paying the same rate for solar that customers pay for grid electricity.

"Solar is poised to compete on cost with fossil fuel generated power, so it is time governments priced solar power the same as fossil fuel power," AuSES commented.

Energy and water supply minister Mark McArdle tried to explain the government's position, saying that the way the current scheme is modelled means that it would cost every household $54 a year by 2014-15.

If the scheme remained unchanged then it could end up costing Queensland about $1.8 billion by 2028 – which the government believes is hardly sustainable at a time when finances need to be kept an eye on.

However, Mark was quick to defend solar power and suggested that even without the rebate, it still presents real opportunity for homeowners throughout Queensland.

"While consumers will still have to weigh up the costs and benefits, the government believes the replacement tariff will still make solar PV systems a viable proposition for many households," he noted.

In his eulogy for the current Solar Bonus Scheme, Mark revealed that solar PV capacity has risen from 3.2 megawatts in 2008 to more than 461 in the present day, while participant levels have risen from 1,200 to in excess of 180,000.

Posted by Bob Dawson

 

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

The election that could cast a deep shadow on solar power
This just in: You are nothing but a means to profit for big utilities and NSW government
The Tongans know a bad solar deal when they see one
Solar feed-in tariffs: Who's getting screwed?
Australian government at a solar power crossroads
WA government admits fault in solar rebate debacle
WA Government saves millions while solar customers are up in arms
SA's solar feed-in scheme costs to rise higher
CEC slams FIT deregulation in SA
Carbon tax announcement 'just a ripple'
Industry reactions to Rudd carbon price changes
New government 'must be made aware of renewable achievements'
Solar features prominently in ARENA funding plans
Calling all solar panel installers - 'save clean technology grants'
Manufacturers set to see bright side of economic slump?
Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'
'Not FIT for purpose' - ACT government on tariffs
QLD government under fire for negative solar stance
China's first trading emissions scheme begins
Details of the Queensland solar controversy
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
Tasmania's solar future no longer too uncertain
Renewable energy funding on the brink
The Clean Energy Council calls for more renewables
Reactions to renewable energy decisions from the 2013-14 federal budget
Federal budget announcement offers a mixed bag
The impact of the carbon tax
Govt energy efficiency success
Renewable Energy Target achievements
New funding for solar panels
Australia and China further carbon cutting collaboration
Examining Australia's environmental efforts
Renewable Energy Target survives its review
Solar powered cinema a possibility
New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states
Renewable recommendations for WA
Renewable energy target hangs in the balance
Deadline approaching for QLD PV installations under 44 cent solar tariff
Electricity emissions down since carbon tax introduced
Reactions to RET review final report mixed
CCA: RET on track to achieve goals
Experts slam Solar Credits decision
Government support 'needed for commercial solar development'
Shadow ministers slam ARENA withdrawal
Industry expert lauds solar PV impact
Australian Solar Council chief hits back at CCA review suggestion
Australian Solar Council debuts solar electorate map
CCA report 'victory for common sense'
Productivity Commission draft 'good for solar'
SA solar campaign reaches government level
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: