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Renewable Energy News

TUESDAY 11 MAY, 2010 |

Survey: Australians Want Solar Power Mandatory On New Houses

by Energy Matters

Australian solar power survey
In recent research released by SilexSolar and conducted by Galaxy Research, 83% of Australian home owners indicated they believe solar power systems should be installed on all new houses in Australia by 2015.

The national study of Australian homeowners was conducted in April 2010 with 1,274 respondents and weighted to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population figures. The survey determined 83% said that they either 'definitely' or 'probably' believe that by 2015 all new Australian houses should have in-built solar power systems.

According to SilexSolar CEO Dr Michael Goldsworthy, "This supports our belief that state and local government should ensure building codes mandate installations of solar PV power in all new homes and offices."

Dr. Goldsworthy said that while the cost of solar power is projected to reach grid parity by around 2013, it was critical that governments further close the financial gap for consumers and industry with feed in tariffs based on a similar model to what the NSW Government is providing for consumers under its Solar Bonus Scheme.

New South Wales' scheme differs from most other states, with the exception of the ACT, in that it pays a under a "gross" arrangement; that is, the premium rate is paid on all electricity produced by a solar power system, rather than just the surplus exported to the mains grid.

Silex Solar is Australia's only manufacturer of solar panels for the local general market. The company acquired BP's solar panel manufacturing facilities at Sydney Olympic Park last year and recently commenced production.