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THURSDAY 18 MARCH, 2010 |

SHCP Solar Rebate Related Installation Bottleneck Looms

Solar Homes and Communities Program installations
A recent meeting of the PV Directorate revealed there are still 42,000 solar power installations to be executed under the old Solar Homes and Communities Program rebate (SHCP), the grant that preceded the current Solar Credits Scheme.

Data shows installation reports are being received at the rate of 1700 a week. At this rate, it means a 5-6 month time frame to complete all installations, but the Government has a July finish deadline.

If the July deadline remains in place, this could mean some householders who have been approved for the SHCP rebate may miss out on having a heavily subsidised solar power system installed, particularly if they choose a service provider that has a large backlog of work.

According to Max Sylvester, co-founder of national solar solutions provider Energy Matters, "What a lot of SHCP recipients don't realise is that just because they started out with a particular provider when running through the Solar Homes and Communities Program rebate process, it doesn't mean that is the provider they must stick with. Even if contracts are signed, in some circumstances they may be able to switch providers."

Given the volume of solar power installations yet to be performed and the looming deadline, Mr. Sylvester suggests Solar Homes and Communities Program rebate recipients call their current provider immediately to get a firm installation date.

"If the recipient can't get a commitment or are uncomfortable with what they have heard, perhaps they should then consider switching providers. Energy Matters has apportioned extra resources just to deal with SHCP rebate related installations and our installation schedule is running smoothly; with room for plenty more. We also have a hotline dedicated to current and potential SHCP customers - the number is 1300 665 950. SHCP recipients can also get an instant online quote on our web site at https://www.energymatters.com.au/shcp/ ."

The PV Directorate working group was established by the Clean Energy Council. Membership and includes a broad cross section of the solar PV industry, with representation from solar PV manufacturers, suppliers, distributors dealers and installers, research institutions and networks.