September 12, 2008
“Calls for Gross Feed-in Tariffs Nationally”
Modern Solar is throwing its support behind the Clean Energy Council’s lobby to achieve the implementation of a national
feed-in tariff. The push for a unified feed-in tariff system across all states and territories is the only way to go as shown in
European countries. To benefit all Australian families, a change needs to be legislated now, says Modern Solar’s
Managing Director Mr Ron Bayley. We have already seen some states implementing feed in tariffs, albeit differing by
state with no uniformity.
Customer feedback received by Modern Solar indicates that a federal system of feed-in tariffs would be beneficial in the
long term, along with the rebate system currently in place. A unified feed-in tariff system from the Federal Government
would return funds evenly to all those who implement solar technology, instead of leaving residents at the mercy of
increased electricity price rises from utility companies.
At present, only Australian families with a combined yearly income of less than $100,000 are eligible for the $8K rebate
and with the current funding for rebates running out soon, something has to be done now. The Federal Government
should continue with its rebates along with the incentive of a gross feed-in tariff which would benefit all users of solar
power. In the immediate term a shift to a federal gross feed-in tariff will benefit everyone, not just those households
earning under $100,000.
Mr Bayley says “At present the Government have not indicated further funding. For the industry to gain further momentum
and strategically plan, it is time the government showed its hand and let the solar industry know its intentions. Green
energy is the future and we must act now”. He says now is the perfect time to introduce a federally unified feed-in tariff.
The Clean Energy Council suggests that the Federal government move away from any thoughts of a tariff based on net
generation and instead invest in a tariff calculated on gross generation which has proven successful elsewhere.
All Australians should receive a rebate based upon watts purchased not just the $8,000 rebate for systems up to one
kilowatt. Wealthier home owners are more equipped to purchase larger scale solar PV systems to reduce their carbon
footprint and should be rewarded for doing so, says Mr Bayley.
Modern Solar customer feedback suggests a gross feed-in tariff is what consumers want. The long term benefits of
energy consumption offset by a federal tariff will help overcome the initial hurdle of purchasing the system, reducing the
payback period significantly.
Should the Government require any more persuasion, the introduction of green loans in early 2009 will further incentivise
Australian families to go green and adopt Mr. Rudd’s vision of a greener future for our community. Green loans will allow
home-owning families to invest in green products and home improvements to help reduce energy consumption and their
impact on the environment.
For more information please contact:
Lawrence Mallia
Modern Solar
Email: lmallia@modernnsw.com.au
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