Australian Off Grid Solar Rebate Under Threat

 

The Australian Government's RRPGP (Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme) provides up to a 50% rebate on off grid solar power and wind energy systems for households, businesses and community groups in  remote areas of Australia and also for buildings not close to the mains electricity grid. The maximum rebate under the program is $200,000.
 
The program commenced on 23 July 2007 and gives rural people greater access to renewable energy sourced electricity; thereby reducing noise and air pollution, greenhouse gas emission reduction while decreasing the need to transport fossil fuels over long distances. However, it appears the important program is under threat due to funding issues.
  
According to industry sources who attended the PV Directorate meeting on April 8 2009, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) stated that funding for RRPGP rebate is rapidly depleting, and that without additional funding in the budget on 12th May 2009, the program has "only a matter of months" to run.
  
DEWHA representation at the meeting said that the main reason for the funding drain has been the great increase in mains power connection costs and understands that without the off grid rebate program, rural residential power and consequently property development will be negatively impacted.

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