The solar and renewable energy industry would face disaster if the competition watchdog’s advice becomes national policy, a Thirroul renewables broker said.
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission wants the rebate for rooftop solar systems abolished faster than the planned 2021 end date, arguing that the system is unfair to those without solar.
It’s still everybody’s perception that it is cheaper to make power from coal than it is from renewables, and it is no longer the case
- Sanjeev Gupta
But Carolyn Lee of Thirroul energy brokerage The Energy Experts said if the Federal Government did this, companies like hers may not be viable.
“This will be a massive blow to the solar industry, which employs far more people in Australia than coal,” Ms Lee said.
“The rebate contributes to around 30 per cent of the overall cost of a solar power system. If this contribution is scrapped, it will make it cost-prohibitive for a lot of families and businesses to install solar … [and] local companies like ours will find it much tougher to remain viable.
“The Federal Government’s efforts to promote coal and gas and remove incentives for renewable energy are disappointing and frustrating, both for the solar industry and for households wanting to reduce their electricity bills.”
The ACCC says abolishing the solar rebates would save non-solar customers somewhere between $20 and $90 a year on power bills.
Its other recommendations include regulating a default price for power, to be set by the Australian Energy Regulator, and government investment to help new players in power generation.
Ms Lee pointed to comments from the Illawarra region’s newest coal mine owner, Sanjeev Gupta, who has taken over the Tahmoor mine.
“It’s still everybody’s perception that it is cheaper to make power from coal than it is from renewables, and it is no longer the case,” British billionaire Mr Gupta said in July.
“It was the case not long ago, but it’s no longer the case, and we will prove it.”
The Energy Experts holds workshops around the Illawarra on solar energy and battery storage. The next one is in Wollongong on Octpber 17 and 20 at City Diggers.