Australia is in a perfect position to take advantage of the growing popularity of solar power – but risks wasting the opportunity if the government doesn't pull its finger out.
Or so says John Grimes of the non-profit Australian Solar Energy Society, who told ABC Lateline that much of the current technology being used was invented by Australians.
"We have not, as a country, capitalised on that opportunity," he argued. "So this does require government focus and attention."
John spends much of his time lobbying the 'powers that be' in parliament, as he is keen for the country to reap the rewards of the $100 billion-a-year solar power industry.
"If we can mark ourselves out as being experts in remote and deployed solar technology, the opportunity is literally endless," he stated.
Should the authorities get involved and decide to make a small amount of investment, John said, then Australia could have a "disproportionate" effect on Asia Pacific's solar energy capabilities.
This would have a massive impact on the millions of people who live in the region, he concluded.
Writing for International News Magazine earlier this month, solar energy specialist David Hunter Tow claimed renewable power is beginning to tip the scales on fossil fuel dependency.
Posted by Mike Peacock