Finding out if Australia’s federal politicians are fair dinkum about renewable energy

Energy Matters Launches “SolarGate” Initiative.

Renewable Energy News  30 July 09

Melbourne, Victoria, The Australian solar industry and households wanting to install solar power systems have been left hanging in recent weeks in relation to government rebates, resulting in many providers having excess stock of solar panels.

While the political powers-that-be duke out ETS legislation that incorporates the new Solar Credits program, national provider of solar power solutions Energy Matters has decided to clear some of their surplus stock by extending an offer to senior politicians -an initiative they call “SolarGate”.

Through “SolarGate”, the company will be offering senior politicians including Minister for Climate Change and Water Penny Wong, Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts Peter Garret, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Senators Xenophon, Fielding and Swann, Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson and Victorian Premier John Brumby a grid connected solar power system for their homes; free of charge.
Unlike the Utegate affair, the “SolarGate” systems on offer will not be a keeper, but on loan from the company to help ensure all recipients can maintain their political integrity and avoid negative media attention.

“We’re hoping by installing these systems it will not only help reduce the carbon footprint of the recipients, but also keep solar power and renewable energy close to mind for these politicians and provide some balance in relation to the heavy lobbying of the fossil fuel industry.”, states Max Sylvester, Energy Matters’ co-founder.

“Each time they look at their solar array, they’ll be reminded of solar power’s potential and the fact each passing day without the appropriate support for Australian solar energy means extra unnecessary carbon emissions being generated by filthy coal power.”

The sudden cessation of major rebates for grid connect and off grid solar power last month and the stalling of Solar Credits program funding being made available has thrown the industry in disarray, with some smaller providers having to lay off staff.

Since June, Energy Matters has fielded enquiries from thousands of Australians waiting on the Solar Credits program to be written into law so they can install a system.

Energy Matters Launches “SolarGate” Initiative. : Renewable Energy News

July 31, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, politics