People living way from the power grid will be able to get reliable solar power for half price thanks to a recent Federal Government initiative.
Rodger Meads, Managing Director of Conergy Pty Ltd says:” With oil prices now at a record high of over $80 for a barrel more and more off grid power users whichrely on diesel generators will consider going solar – due to this generous rebate.”
Farms and households unable to connect to mains power are now eligible for a 50 per cent rebate on the setup cost of renewable energy systems up to $200,000. The move comes under a Federal Government scheme aimed at increasing the use of renewable generation in remote parts of Australia that presently rely on fossil fuel for electricity supply.
The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) gives remote communities and industries access to clean, alternative energy sources like solar, wind and biomass. It will also reduce the need for expensive transport of fossil fuels to hard-to-reach areas of the country.
“The RRPGP provides landowners living away from mains grid sources with rebates on the capital cost for reneable systems such as solar-power systems, wind turbines, sheds for equipment storage plus essential enabling equipment and services, including design and installation.” Rodger Meads said.
Applicants must prove that either the cost of connecting to the mains electricity grid exceeds $30.000, and/or that they reside more than one kilometre from the grid. Equipment used in installations must be brand new and must satisfy a minimum 450 W peak output to obtain the rebate.
The RRPGP rebate is available for both new renewable generation systems and additions of new equipment to existing systems. Landowners already connected to mains grid power can apply for rebates on renewable energy systems under the Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) which provides up to $8000 on a new system and $5000 for additions to existing systems.
Rodger Meads continued: “With such generous rebates the affordability and long-term financial benefits of our wide range of stand alone solar power systems is obvious. Our systems use specially designed Conergy components with some warranties lasting as long as 25 years”. All forms of eligible systems must be designed and installed by a person holding design accreditation from the Business Council for Sustainable Energy or by an appropriately experienced member of the Institute of Engineers Australia. |