QLD’s Solar Bonus and Schemes Have Boosted Economy

The government of Queensland has announced that since the implementation of their comprehensive solar bonuses and schemes, significant improvements have been made in the states renewable energy output, along with new job opportunities and extra streams of income.

An analysis of the scheme was conducted, and according to Energy and Water Utilities Minister Stephen Robertson, the schemes were shown to have made solar panels in Queensland more affordable and accessible for all. He added that before the July 1 2008 implementation, there were only 3.2 megawatts of clean energy production (1200 households), but after barely 3 years in effect the scheme has now propelled the state towards a much greener future. Nearly 150 megawatts of electricity output was recorded in 2010 and 72,000 homes are now participating in the scheme.

The minister also emphasised the economic benefits and extra jobs created by solar bonus scheme, during the first quarter of 2008 there were only 78 accredited installers in the state, compared to today’s 690 accredited installers.

And with the explosion of solar PV companies across Queensland since its inception, the amount of competition has helped to further decrease the costs of solar systems, which has made it possible for a lot more Queenslanders to reduce or even eliminate their electricity bills.

Currently Queensland has in place one of the most successful schemes across Australia, despitethe recent changes to system size cap to claim the premium feed in tariff. Earlier in May Minister Robertsen announced that the system size will be limited to 5KW effective June 7, 2011. The change is due in part to the increase in medium scale solar investors hoping to gain a large return from the income generating potential, about which he said "This practice is not in the spirit of the Scheme”.

Even with that cap nearing, analysts believe that the state will still wave goodbye to the current 150 megawatt mark, as the increased usage of solar panels in Queensland by home and business users is inevitable because of the strong foundation the schemes and the government have laid, and the ongoing issues with rising electricity prices.