By Evolution Solar Sunshine Coast

Although it seems many are disappointed by the lack of support and reducing subsidies, mainly for small scale rooftop solar power installations, it seems that many are just as keen to move forward and do the best they can.

Lane Crockett, General Manager of Pacific Hydro said “the review is done. Now is the time to get on with the business of transitioning to clean energy.” It seems that many have taken this stance as well. Most have voiced their opinions but as Lane Crockett says, the review is done. With all the lobbying and the draft recommendations that said solar support should be slashed altogether, it was believed that the review was going to be worse. The general attitude seems to be that ‘it is what it is’ and now we should put the review behind us and move on. Once again we will be telling our customers that the time to install solar is now. Although the review asked for four yearly reviews as opposed to two, it also recommended that the Minister retain control of the SRES (small scale renewable energy schemes) price cap and deeming periods to be reduced yearly from 2017. Past experience tells us that these powers are most likely going to be used and subsidies again slashed earlier than legislated. With this knowledge under our wings, we will once again say, the time for solar is now.

The Australian Solar Council (ASC) released its report yesterday saying that it was “pleased the CCA has moved away from its draft recommendations to slash solar support” but was disappointed by the recommendations for commercial and residential solar. John Grimes, Chief Executive of the ASC said “this is one step forward, one step back for solar.” However, they have also adopted the same approach saying that now we all need to move forward ambitiously to a true clean energy future.

Kane Thornton, the deputy Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) believes the rise in costs is minor compared to the cost of inaction. He said “it’s a pretty low-cost insurance policy from our point of view.”

Kirsten Road from the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) said, “While we have some concerns with the report, overall SEA is pleased with the measured response taken by the CCA and we look forward to contributing further to the issues raised, particularly the proposed reduction of the SRES cap.”