Australian Solar Multiplier Ends Early – January 2013

The Australian Government recently announced plans to abolish the solar multiplier on the 1st of January 2013, six months ahead of schedule.

The Australian Solar Council has said the government’s quick removal of the solar multiplier is both unnecessary and poorly timed.

John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council says that demand for solar has dropped recently – in part to a decrease in Federal Government support in solar and State Government feed-in tariffs being reduced.

“This is a knee-jerk reaction to a non-existent problem and a pre-emptive strike on Australian families who want to install solar and cut their power bills,” said Mr Grimes.

“ASC research has shown that it will be the mortgage belt families, those weighed down by already soaring electricity prices which will be hardest hit.”

The decision pre-emptively the Review of the Renewable Energy Target and undermines the Reviews integrity as well as that of the solar industry.

“The solar industry is already facing great uncertainty from the Review of the Renewable Energy Target and this recent announcement will only hurt the solar industry and Australian families,” said Mr Grimes.

The ASC research also showed evidence that the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme had peaked and will fall to less than 1.5 per cent of household power bills over the coming few years.

Click here to get your 3 Solar Quotes before the STC Multiplier Ends!

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.