In March, it was reported solar power installations associated with the The $8,000 SHCP (Solar Homes and Communities Program) rebate, the grant that ended in June 2009 and preceded the current Solar Credits Scheme, were facing a looming bottleneck.
According to the PV Directorate, at that time there were still an estimated 42,000 solar power installations to be executed under the old program.
Available data at that point showed installation reports being received at the rate of around 1700 a week nationally. The PV Directorate estimated the installation rate translated to a 5-6 month time frame to complete all installations. However, under government guidelines, SHCP recipients only have until July to have their systems installed, meaning that some recipients would miss out.
According to national solar power solutions provider Energy Matters co- founder Max Sylvester, more recent installation rates reports from the Department Of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency may paint an even grimmer picture.
“We again reviewed the recent installation rates nationally from the 21st of March up until the end of last week and found the average to now be quite a bit under the 1700 figure – around the 1500 mark. This means that at current rates, thousands more SHCP recipients may lose their rebates than previously estimated through failing to have their systems installed before the July deadline.”
Mr. Sylvester says the reasons for the backlog are varied.
“In some cases it has its roots in the Government delays in processing the rebate claims – but that processing did finish up some time ago. Another problem for some providers is the difficulty in sourcing equipment, especially inverters as there is a general shortage of leading brand inverters currently. In other cases, it’s simply a matter of the provider having bitten off more than they can chew – focusing on scooping up the fast sales to be made in the lead up to the rebate ending and now finding they are not properly resourced to handle the situation.”
Mr. Sylvester says many SHCP rebate recipients are unaware that although they may have started out with a particular solar power 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 and deposits made, in some circumstances people may be able to switch 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’re currently offering free solar power systems and installation to SHCP recipients – not no-name brand systems; but consisting of leading brand components such as Suntech solar panels, SMA inverters and Australian made Sunlock mounting systems.” said Mr Sylvester.
“As it’s unclear at this point if the Government will provide any sort of extension, we advise SHCP recipients to contact their provider as soon as possible to get a firm install date in writing. If they are unable to obtain one or if they feel nervous about getting their system installed on time, we would love to assist them in making the switch to Energy Matters. Our SHCP hotline number is 1300 665 950.”
UPDATE: Mr. Sylvester was interviewed by Channel 10’s Emily Rice earlier today on the topic of SHCP rebate installation issues. The interview will be screened on Channel 10’s 5pm news broadcast tonight, Wednesday, April 28.
