Sunday 3 August 2008

Finally, some good solar news from Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett

Finally. Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, had something positive to tell us all about renewable energy yesterday. More Australians are going solar.
The figures were announced on the day that the Hon. Peter Garrett, Environment Minister, spoke at the national ATRAA Conference and Exhibition, the annual event for the solar photovoltaic (PV) and small-scale renewable technologies.
Rob Jackson, GM Policy for the Clean Energy Council said: “We welcome the transparency from the government in providing this information, which will be critical in enabling the solar PV industry to plan for future demand and jobs growth.”
“Today’s release of the figures is especially timely as hundreds of representatives from the solar PV industry, including installers, distributors and dealers, are in Melbourne to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry nationally.”
“The rebate scheme, particularly in the last two years, has allowed the industry to build capacity and capability. However the industry is now ready to transition to a nationally consistent gross feed in tariff; this policy will deliver the long term certainty needed for investment and jobs growth.”
“These figures demonstrate that the Australian solar PV industry continues to move from strength to strength and we look forward to working with government to discuss the transitional rebate arrangements until the gross feed in tariff policy is in place.”
The Clean Energy Council also looks forward to participating in the upcoming roundtable discussions to deliver a framework to help households improve their energy efficiency, reduce their environmental impact and save on energy bills.

The Clean Energy Council Conference & Exhibition 2008 will commence on Monday 24 November and run until Wednesday 26 November 2008 at the acclaimed Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland.
Conference detail here.

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