When the RRPGP (Renewable Remote Power Generation Program ) program was suddenly ended in all states except Western Australia on June 22, many people living off grid were bitterly disappointed. Some were just days away from submitting their rebate application when the axe fell. A few days later, it was announced that off grid solar installations would be covered under the new Solar Credits program.
The Solar Credits scheme will provide some financial relief, but is well under the rebate levels offered under the RRPGP.
For many Australians living in the bush away from the mains power grid, off grid solar power is a necessity rather than a luxury. Their only alternative is to use fossil fuel powered generators, an expensive and emissions intensive exercise.
Without the appropriate support, these rural dwellers are scrimping on systems to save money; which not only increases their reliance on fossil fuels, but decreases their standard of living far below people in the city energy-wise. An appropriate standard of living doesn’t mean one meter wide plasma TV screens; but just the basics of a reasonably comfortable life.
Industry sources have also commented that since the end of the RRPGP, increasing numbers of rural home owners are choosing to self-install their systems in order to save money. This can often end with a less than efficient installation and in a worst case scenario, a safety hazard. Under the old RRPGP rebate scheme, in order to qualify for the financial support, systems would need to be installed by a BCSE accredited installer, which helped ensure these systems were safe and operating at their full potential.
