$8,000 Rebate to Boost Solar Power Uptake
In the May 2007 budget, the Treasurer Peter Costello announced a doubling of the solar power rebate to $8,000 for owner-occupied houses. This move has seen the number of rebate applications grow by over 500%.
By bringing the cost of a kilowatt of solar power to less than $7,000 after rebates and RECs, the initiative has made solar power cost-effective for the first time. In parts of Western Australia, the scheme goes even further, offering rebates of 50% of the installed cost which makes larger systems very attractive.
Recent moves by the South Australian and ACT governments to treble the buy-in tariff (the amount they pay to people who feed excess power into the grid) has increased the demand to frenetic levels. (This initiative is expected to be followed by other state governments in the next few years.)
According to SolarCo MD Craig Martin, only SolarCo's strong association with Conergy, one of the world’s largest sustainable power companies, has allowed the company to keep up with the demand. Mr Martin warned however that there is a cap on the amount of money available under the scheme and he strongly advised people who are considering solar power to contact their nearest SolarCo dealer very soon to ensure they don't miss out.
SolarCo dealers will provide full product information, fill out and lodge the grant application, install the power system and submit the rebate claim form.