Solar power to boost company competitiveness?

21st Aug 2012

Businesses could be about to invest in more solar power systems, with a raft of energy efficiency programs currently being touted by federal and state governments.

One such initiative in South Australia is already seeing companies lower their bills and funnel this extra cash into clean energy technology upgrades.

The $300,000 Business Sustainability Alliance Energy Efficiency Program, which operates under the wider umbrella of the federal government's Clean Technology Innovation Program, offers firms up to 75 per cent of the cost of an energy audit to a max amount of $10,000.

Lance Worrall of the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy claimed the project would result in more companies taking up cost-effective systems – such as solar power.

"Rising energy prices are driving businesses to cut back on their energy consumption," Lance explained, adding: "Funding allows recipients to engage an accredited energy auditor through the Program to conduct an audit of their South Australian operations."

An audit results in an in-depth report that will outline several energy issues, including the implementation costs of clean energy opportunities.

The news comes after John Grimes, a member of the non-profit Australian Solar Energy Society, told ABC Lateline that more government focus is required on the benefits of sun-powered technology.

Posted by Mike Peacock

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