Pros and cons in Queensland solar tariff changes

Aug. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Master Electricians Australia today welcomed elements of the Newman Government’s changes to solar electricity pricing arrangements, but said the industry would have liked greater long-term certainty and more consultation.
Master Electricians Australia spokesman Wayne Crookes said the organisation had long opposed the overly-generous feed-in tariffs that had operated under the previous Queensland Government.

“These feed-in tariffs were driving up the cost of electricity for all other consumers,” Mr Crookes said.

“In effect, they meant that home owners who could not afford solar panels were subsidising the cost for those who could.

“The net feed-in tariff arrangements which operate in Queensland were also discriminating against people who are using electricity during the day, such as retirees or mothers of young children.

“So we welcome the move to a fairer and more sustainable feed-in tariff.”

However, Mr Crookes said the sudden change would seriously impact the viability of some businesses which currently specialised in domestic solar panels.

He said the government could have given businesses more time to prepare for the changes.

“This change to the feed-in tariff will significantly impact on the business model of many solar installers,” he said.

“Many home owners rely on the power they sell back into the grid to make the investment in solar a viable one.

“As a result of the sudden and unexpected change to the tariff level for new customers, we expect demand for solar systems to fall significantly – at least in the short term. http://advancetech.com.au/solar

“While we support the reduction in the long term, perhaps a phase-out period would have caused less pain to small business owners in the solar industry.”