UPDATE Wednesday June 24: Off grid solar installations will be covered under the new Solar Credits scheme
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The Australian Government has announced the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) that provided substantial subsidies for off grid wind and solar power is closed to new applications except in Western Australia.
The shock announcement states that as of 8.30 am Australian Eastern Standard Time today, pre-purchase applications are no longer being accepted for the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program. All pre-purchase applications submitted to the relevant state program administrator prior to this will be assessed according to the program guidelines.
The RRPGP program commenced on 23 July 2007 and provided 50% rebate on wind and solar power systems for households, businesses, communities, not-for-profit, business, government, schools and other organisations in remote areas of Australia; allowing many people in rural areas affordable access to renewable energy solutions.
This latest announcements is a huge blow for people in remote areas and adds to the turmoil recently experienced in the Australian solar industry through the premature end to the $8,000 grid connect solar rebate; which was immediately replaced by the Solar Credits scheme.
Legislation necessary for the issue of rebates under Solar Credits program has still not yet been passed. The legislation was stalled last week as it is part of the new Renewable Energy Target legislation which is also tied to the Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
It is not known at this point in time if off grid solar installations will also be covered by the new Solar Credits program; but existing Renewable Energy Certificates incentives that can help decrease the cost of a system will definitely stay in place.
As the situation is still unfolding, we will update this item with new information as it comes to hand.
