Published Thursday, 24 July, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Bligh Government drives down solar prices
One thousand Queensland households will go solar for as little as $185 after winning the keenly-contested ballot for a Bligh Government pilot program to kickstart widespread take-up of green power.
Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara said eco-Kinetics, the Oxenford-based affiliate of one of Germany’s leading renewable energy companies, had won the tender to supply 1000 1kW solar-power systems for $8185.
Households with an income under $100,000 are eligible for an $8000 Federal Government rebate on the installation, which also includes a household energy audit and a device that slashes power used by appliances on stand-by.
Under the pilot program, 1000 systems will be installed in five regions – southeast (620), Toowoomba (114), Cairns (60), Rockhampton (89) and Fraser Coast (117) – over the next 12 months. eco-Kinetics will offer the same price to the 4000 households who missed out on the ballot.
Mr McNamara said the keenly-fought tender among 19 companies and the fact 5200 households swamped the ballot in 48 hours were proof how eager we are to reduce our carbon footprint.
He said the Solar Homes Program was part of the Bligh Government’s renewable energy strategy that helped households make the market come to them, as happened with water tanks.
“Like any product, more competition means cheaper prices. Not so long ago, solar power may as well have been from another solar system for most people. The benefits were obvious to most but few could afford it,” he said.
“Now that Government rebates have got the ball rolling, water tanks are overtaking swimming pools as must-haves of the modern house. This program is designed to help solar go the same way.
“The whole idea of this program was to intervene in the market to drive down prices with a bulk purchase.
“eco-Kinetics has now offered the same deal to any Queenslanders. We have shown other suppliers that the demand is there at the right price.”
Connecting 1000 households to solar power is the equivalent of taking 425 cars off the road.
As well as cost savings for reducing their use of mains power, the Bligh Government will buy back surplus power from households for 44 cents per kWh.
eco-Kinetics Managing Director Edwin Cywinski said his company regarded the program as groundbreaking. “We believe we can deliver a quality product to the Queensland householder at a very competitive price,” Mr Cywinski said.
“All system components are approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission and conform to Clean Energy Council regulations.
“The systems have a two-year warranty and the PV panels have a performance warranty of up to 25 years and will be installed by Clean Energy Council accredited installers.”
Mr McNamara said the Government will contact successful applicants in the next few days.
For more information on the Queensland Solar Homes Program visit the website http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/solarhomes
For information on eco-Kinetics visit their website http://www.eco-kinetics.com
Media: Scott Dixon, 3336 8004 or 0439 761 416
Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara said eco-Kinetics, the Oxenford-based affiliate of one of Germany’s leading renewable energy companies, had won the tender to supply 1000 1kW solar-power systems for $8185.
Households with an income under $100,000 are eligible for an $8000 Federal Government rebate on the installation, which also includes a household energy audit and a device that slashes power used by appliances on stand-by.
Under the pilot program, 1000 systems will be installed in five regions – southeast (620), Toowoomba (114), Cairns (60), Rockhampton (89) and Fraser Coast (117) – over the next 12 months. eco-Kinetics will offer the same price to the 4000 households who missed out on the ballot.
Mr McNamara said the keenly-fought tender among 19 companies and the fact 5200 households swamped the ballot in 48 hours were proof how eager we are to reduce our carbon footprint.
He said the Solar Homes Program was part of the Bligh Government’s renewable energy strategy that helped households make the market come to them, as happened with water tanks.
“Like any product, more competition means cheaper prices. Not so long ago, solar power may as well have been from another solar system for most people. The benefits were obvious to most but few could afford it,” he said.
“Now that Government rebates have got the ball rolling, water tanks are overtaking swimming pools as must-haves of the modern house. This program is designed to help solar go the same way.
“The whole idea of this program was to intervene in the market to drive down prices with a bulk purchase.
“eco-Kinetics has now offered the same deal to any Queenslanders. We have shown other suppliers that the demand is there at the right price.”
Connecting 1000 households to solar power is the equivalent of taking 425 cars off the road.
As well as cost savings for reducing their use of mains power, the Bligh Government will buy back surplus power from households for 44 cents per kWh.
eco-Kinetics Managing Director Edwin Cywinski said his company regarded the program as groundbreaking. “We believe we can deliver a quality product to the Queensland householder at a very competitive price,” Mr Cywinski said.
“All system components are approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission and conform to Clean Energy Council regulations.
“The systems have a two-year warranty and the PV panels have a performance warranty of up to 25 years and will be installed by Clean Energy Council accredited installers.”
Mr McNamara said the Government will contact successful applicants in the next few days.
For more information on the Queensland Solar Homes Program visit the website http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/solarhomes
For information on eco-Kinetics visit their website http://www.eco-kinetics.com
Media: Scott Dixon, 3336 8004 or 0439 761 416