The Australian renewable energy industry is in a complete and utter mess. Negotiations between the Federal Government and Labor have broken down and possibly resumed again, investments are dropping significantly, many are closing their doors and unemployment in the sector is seriously unsteady.

The latest in the line of fire is WA’s Sustainable Energy Association of Australia (SEA) which closed citing drops in revenue as a result of the current socio-political environment.

Chairman Mike Laughton-Smith said: “Despite the strong support of some key members and minimizing operating costs, we have sought advice regarding our solvency and have had to stop trading.  It is with great sorrow and profound regret that I announce that the organisation is winding up, with immediate effect.”

Apparently, the Federal Government has asked to restart negotiations on the RET and budge on issues they previously would not. Many welcomed the news but the Australian Solar Council (ASC) CEO John Grimes was not so impressed after hearing the details.

“Instead of offering a reasonable starting point for discussions, the Government has only rehashed old furphies and confirmed its radical anti-renewables agenda. The Government’s letter showed it is persisting in its efforts to destroy solar and renewables,” said Australian Solar Council CEO John Grimes.

John Grimes has said that the requested has already been denied by Labor so negotiations have failed before they have even begun again.

Investments have dropped over 70% from this time last year and with no resolution to the RET in sight; it can only be assumed that drops will continue to worsen. Renewable energy companies have already begun to cull staff due to drops in revenue while many have even closed their doors. Big wind especially is in high danger of closure and moving offshore.

Meanwhile Tony Abbott has been named one of the top 5 ‘Biggest Clean Energy Turkeys’ of 2014. Our industry needs stability. We need a resolution. When is it all going to end?

There has never been a better time to install solar. Get panels on your roof now and get out of the rat race of politics surrounding renewable energy. Produce your own power, free from the sun, reduce your electricity bills and claim the rebates (STC’s reduce the cost of solar power) while they last.