Antinuclear

The uptake of solar systems on Australian homes has grown exponentially in the last 10 years. This is partly due to Government incentives and feed-in-tariffs (FiTs). Another major factor has been the decrease in price for solar components. The FiTs have now been removed for most of the population and those who install solar systems can expect to receive payment at approximately one-third of the rate that they pay for electricity……..

What’s emerged is a resilient and viable industry that isn’t reliant on Government incentives. A general population that can, for the most part, afford to buy a basic solar system to reduce cost of living pressures. But it doesn’t end there.

Many companies, including those in the manufacturing industry, have installed privately-funded solar systems in order to reduce their energy and also to hedge a portion of the cost of energy over the long term. These commercial solar systems do not place excessive pressure on the grid infrastructure. Many are non-exporting and are just used to manage their base load.

Regardless of the Prime Minister’s personal views on the science of climate change, it makes economic sense to encourage high energy consumers in the manufacturing industry to look at integrating renewable energy into their supply. Even China has recognised the value of renewables in industry and is well on track to achieving their goal of 15% renewable energy production by 2020. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from their commitment?…….

Although the rising cost of grid upgrades on electricity bills have been blamed on the uptake of renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic systems, it appears that the energy companies are profiteering. On-charging more of the grid maintenance and upgrades to the consumer equals greater dividends for the owners. The RET becomes the Trojan horse for a bunch of greedy grid owners, not to mention a Government on a crusade against the Labour Party’s environmental initiatives.

Tough times call for tough measures, and sensible budget cuts make sense. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater.http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=15861