With Government tactics trying to blame everything on solar power and saying how much solar owners avoid paying in the form of network costs, many have delved into the figures and found them seriously lacking.

According to The Conversation, Energex estimates the cost of infrastructure for those with solar power to be around $200 – some of which the system owners will pick up in the form of meter changes and charges.

In contrast, Energy Matters has said that an average 2kW air conditioner requires a further $7000 worth of infrastructure to support it. There are currently around 1.6million air conditioners installed in Queensland. However, when purchasing and installing this air conditioner, Energex is not charging the owner that $7000. The cost is spread out and subsidised by others who do not have an air conditioner installed. Unlike with solar power, the 26% of people who do not have air conditioners installed are likely to be low income earners and they are the ones subsidising this exorbitant cost.

Also unlike solar power, air conditioners suck electricity and can be very inefficient. They add to electricity demand – mainly at peak times – and increase pressure on the grid that may cause expensive, dirty generators to be used in order to keep up. Solar power on the other hand, has next to no network charge in comparison – and they produce clean, green energy from the sun. Solar power systems also increase the size of the grid without actually having to spend millions on infrastructure. Instead of adding pressure to the grid during peak times, homes with solar power will be taking some of the load off and producing their own power.

The two issues seem to be at either extreme, yet the Government seems to always focus its attention and blame on solar power and ignoring the real elephant in the room. Their attempts to demonize solar power is as pitiful and their reasons for it.

The truth will set you free. Anyone can look at the facts and figures and work out who is telling the truth in terms of solar power. The Queensland Government should be addressing these high electricity price rises with facts and decent figures instead of trying to find a scapegoat to blame.