Rooftop Solar Costs to increase in Five Weeks

Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

Alice Springs residents thinking about installing rooftop solar should act now before the reduction of the Australian Government’s Solar Credits rebate takes effect in five weeks, says Alice Solar City General Manager, Sam Latz.

“In basic terms, after 1 July the householder will pay about $1000 more to install a rooftop solar system after the Australian Government’s scheduled reduction of its Solar Credits rebate kicks in.” says Mr Latz.

“We know that rising energy prices, falling solar panel prices and our ideal climate makes solar panel installation a popular option in Alice Springs and there is still plenty of interest in the community.”

“But what we want to say to those thinking about going solar, is that now is a great time to act.”

”The current incentive for a 2kW system is worth around $3,000 to the householder, but this will reduce to about $2,000”, says Mr Latz.

“In the last four years the enthusiasm for solar in Alice Springs has not really let up, with over 500 households installing the technology since the town became a Solar City”.

“Alice Solar City no longer offers financial incentives for solar installation since this aspect of the project came to a close, but we do keep a watching brief on what it costs and how many are installed in the town.”

“However the reduction of the Solar Credits rebate is not the only reason to act – there are other pressures mounting on households in terms of their energy costs.”

“On 1 July there will be a Territory-wide increase in the cost of electricity, which includes an additional amount for the Australian Government’s carbon price.”

“A home that can generate its own electricity will be buffered against further price increases – the higher that the price of electricity from the grid rises, the more the electricity you generate yourself is worth!”

From 1 July 2012, the upfront cost of installing a 2kW system is around $6,000 to $8,000 after the Solar Credits rebate, and will save homeowners around $600 per annum on electricity bills.

Sam Latz says, “There is something very satisfying about generating clean green electricity from the sunshine on your rooftop, where the energy produced is consumed in your home and any excess sold on to the grid.”

Alice Solar City offers free advice on the suitability of rooftop solar for your home or business, and how to go about getting a system installed.

The Alice Springs Solar City Consortium is led by the Alice Springs Town Council and includes support from the Northern Territory Government, Power and Water Corporation, Tangentyere Council, the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and the Arid Lands Environment Centre. Funding sources include the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government, Power and Water Corporation, and Alice Springs Town Council.

Source: Alice Solar City

For more information on: Alice Solar City

Source: Alice Solar City

For more information on: Alice Solar City