The solar power industry will continue to be supported by the Australian Federal Government following the closure of the solar hot water rebate scheme in February.
The Government announced last week it would wind up the rebate scheme which was designed to assist householders to install a solar hot water system or a heat pump water heater.
Opposition climate action spokesman Greg Hunt said this week the Gillard Government’s decision to close the scheme would hurt the $800 million-a-year solar industry. He also said that he would introduce a private members Bill next week to have the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme extended.
Mr Hunt knew that that the solar hot water rebate scheme was set to end on June 30, 2012 says parliamentary climate change secretary Mark Dreyfus.
If he rejected Mr Hunt’s assertion the solar industry would suffer.
“Quite the contrary, the Government is providing ongoing assistance through a number of programs and much more long-term business certainty under the clean energy future scheme that starts on July 1,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“Mr Hunt has been deliberately misleading the public.”
Mr Dreyfus said the solar water industry would continue to be supported through the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme and people buying a solar hot water system would still be eligible for a $1000 discount.
As well, $330 million had been committed to the Lower Carbon Communities Program, providing support for low-income households to install technology such as solar energy systems.
by Australian Solar Quotes
