The ‘Rally for Renewables’ was a huge success with thousands of solar supporters rallying in front of MP’s and Senators in 30 electorates on Friday. They called for bipartisan support for the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

The rally was an initiative of the Australia Solar Council, Solar Citizens, the Clean Energy Council (CEC), Solar Energy Industry Association and solar representatives everywhere. This marks the first time that these four big solar groups have come together to protest.

“We showed the MPs and senators today that the Australian community will accept nothing less than full support for the Renewable Energy Target, with no cuts.” John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council said. “Australians want more solar not less – and there are 2 million homes across the country with solar on the rooftop – that’s millions of solar voters.”

The Abbott Government is expected to announce its plans for the RET this week – hopefully they have heard what the Australian people want and they listen.

“Despite more than 80 per cent of Australians being in favour of the RET, the Federal Government is considering slashing it. We need to make sure government understands we will not accept the decimation of our industry,” stated the CEC.

If the RET is cut, it will be more costly to go solar and less Australians will have the chance to take control of their electricity bills. At the moment, the RET subsidies can save up to more than $3000 off the cost of installing a solar power system.

The huge amount of support the rally generated attracted media attention in some electorates.