There are now more than 1.3 million solar homes across Australia and 3,500 new systems being installed on rooftops every week. 75% of Australians want to see more solar and renewable energy. It’s time for that collective muscle to be flexed says Solar Citizens.
The grassroots group has just unveiled Stand Up For Solar; a campaign for a national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030. It will also strive for a strong national program to support low-income households and renters switch to solar power systems and ensure solar households are not discriminated against by energy companies.
While survey after survey shows Australians are passionate about solar, it can often take more than polling data to convince a politician.
“Our representatives pay attention when people show them what’s at stake in their communities – so it’s up to us to show them that millions of Australians are prepared to Stand Up For Solar,” says Claire O’Rourke, National Director of Solar Citizens.
“We have an exciting campaign planned with events and activities set to take place all over the country in the coming months – we can’t wait to get out there and see people all over working on the vision for a strong solar future.”
The main thrust of the campaign at this stage is to encourage as many solar households and supporters to take a pledge for a sun powered future in Australia.
A webinar launch of the campaign will occur on 21st April, 6:00pm (details available soon); followed by launch events in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Western Sydney and Adelaide (all TBA).
For solar supporters elsewhere, the group is encouraging others to run their own community meetings under a “Solar Champion” program and will send interested parties the resources needed.
Solar Citizens has grown quickly since it was established in May 2013, helped along by an initial donation from Energy Matters and other supporters. The group now has more than 60,000 members and has been instrumental in raising awareness of the benefits of solar panels – and the challenges faced by Australian solar owners.
Membership of Solar Citizens is free and anyone can join.
