NSW Government Suspends Solar Bonus Scheme

The end of the Solar Bonus Scheme

If you were thinking of installing solar panels on your roof in NSW in order to take advantage of some of the government incentives for home-based solar power, you’re all out of luck. The NSW government has suspended the Solar Bonus Scheme thanks to the rising costs associated with the popular project.

The energy minister Chris Hartcher today announced that the solar bonus scheme was set to add an estimated $651 million to the state’s budget deficit over the next four years. As such it has been suspended and won’t be accepting new applications, although applications currently in the system will still be processed.

This is a huge blow to the growing number of people considering a solar panel installation in NSW. Considering the amount of talk and effort that the country is trying to put into renewable energy, suspending an incentive program because of its popularity seems like a hugely backwards step.

Whether the solar bonus scheme is closed permanently will be discussed at the government’s solar summit in May. Here’s hoping they don’t decide to kill it off.

by Gizmodo

The Author

Darryn Van Hout

I developed an interest in the Australian energy and construction sectors more than a decade ago and have since closely followed the trends, technologies and developments shaping both industries. My involvement in the Australian solar market began in 2008, and over the years I have built strong connections with professionals, businesses and organisations across the construction, solar and renewable energy sectors in Australia and internationally. These connections include solar panel and inverter manufacturers, electrical and construction industry professionals, software developers creating tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems, and media organisations that closely follow developments across energy, construction and renewable technologies. Today, I continue to contribute as an industry advocate, author and commentator, sharing practical insights and information to help Australian consumers and businesses better understand solar power, energy technologies, construction-related developments and the changing Australian energy landscape.