Australian’s woke up this morning to hear that the Australian Federal Government has suddenly axed the $1000 solar hot water rebate.
Australian distributors and local manufactures fear that the stop to the renewable energy bonus scheme will leave thousands of Australians jobless and many Australian homeowners in limbo.
Clean Energy Council Acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton said solar hot water systems and heat pumps were the cheapest way to heat water in people’s homes over the life of the system.
The announcement comes after Prime Minister Julia Gillard wins the votes from the Labor Party, avoiding the knife in the back which her predecessor Kevin Rudd experienced after the sudden closure of the failed Home Insulation Program.
Home owners who have purchased a Solar Hot Water system or a Heat Pump will still be elligable for the $1000 rebate as long as the application is submitted prior to the 30th June 2012.
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.
