Big segment on the solar rebate changes on abc news today. Many obviously got in just in time.
They said the rebate budget went from $150m to $750m under the old scheme. So public support for renewables is obviously very high. Hopefully the heavily subsidised installation of so many systems will be the catalyst for ongoing growth in the industry.
The latest casualty of the all too popular solar pv installation subsidy scheme.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/rrpgp/index.html
Did you notice the PV installation data that is hosted on that site rockabye? No wonder they are scrapping the real rebate scheme - the growth in installations looks exponential! It must have been quite a concern for the programme manager to see those applications rolling in.
See the excel file below:
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/pubs/wattsbymonth-may09.xls
It seems they have "mis-underestimated" peoples interest in photovoltaics.
Looks like there was just too much of a good thing happening.
Still it looks as though other benefits of pv ownership are starting to roll in.
NSW has up the feed in tariff to 60 cents.
http://www.dwe.nsw.gov.au/about/pdf/media_release_090623_feed_in_tariffs_media_release_macdonald.pdf
Qld power prices look set to be charged by peak time rates. All those people with black roofing and aircons stacked up against the wall are about to get the bill.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25709399-952,00.html
"The State Government has ordered the Queensland Competition Authority to investigate a new system of power pricing that ramps up costs at peak times.
Such a scheme would likely mean higher prices in the mornings and early evenings.
Air-conditioners in summer and heaters in winter would be significantly more expensive to use at these times, but the price of power could be cheaper at other times."
We could all be getting a lot more sunshine soon if the expansion of the tropics continues at its current rate.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/07/06/2617756.htm?site=science&topic=enviro
As they should investigate ramping up costs at peak times. Its a bit of a catch 22 IMO almost like stealing from peter to pay paul. They will do anything - so ultimately it will be cheaper when no one is at home...
Scott from the wind turbine electricity hub.
This article from the SMH last month shows we've still got a long way to go in Australia
Ladies take action on climate change.
It's Time to play catch up, or we'll be left way behind.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1906704,00.html
rsigmund
Member
Thanks rockabye,
Good links 
"It's Time to play catch up, or we'll be left way behind"
Policy which chops the legs off the renewable industry followed by Garrets uranium mine sign off . Left then right punches for the renewable industry.
The associated story on EBikes is pretty eye opening as well
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1904334,00.html
The Prime Minister has kicked off his new blog on Climate Change so it makes interesting reading for us. Here's a chance for everyone to have their 20 cents worth of input.
http://www.pm.gov.au/PM_Connect/PMs_Blog/Climate_Change_Blog
Back on Jun 5, World Environment Day, a new movie on just how close we are to planetary disaster was released. Called Home, it is a very good overall picture of what is happening to our environment and how short a time we have to get our act together. The link below is to the film's producer and just this short intro is really worth watching.
http://www.ted.com/talks/yann_arthus_bertrand_captures_fragile_earth_in_wide_angle.html
The movie is free to download but at the moment there is some hold up. I downloaded the HD mp4 version 1.4Gb, and it is worth the effort. Found a new link here.
Climate change discussion with Bruce Alberts, Science magazine, on ABC
Quote "My academy did several reports, the most memorable one perhaps was for George W. Bush when he was going to Europe in 2001, and suddenly people in the White House asked us 14 questions about climate change. We did a very rapid report for him that basically said what we would say again today, that it's 95% certain that human actions are causing serious global warming. And when you have odds of 95% that your house is going to burn down, you'll do something about it."
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2009/2629061.htm
HOME by Yann Arthus Bertrand is back on Youtube.
Good news from the sub continent.
http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/3106/india-plans-massive-increase-in-solar-energy/
I'd missed this so for QLD residents thinking of taking advantage of the very generous solar rebate AND the insulation rebate it is a trap to be aware of. You can only have one or the other.
http://www.rebatechoice.com.au/rebates-on-offer/
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26017225-3102,00.html
Lots of Climate Change videos on this site.
Good discussion here on natural gas reserves and food production.
Tim Flannery is back on the warning trail about the urgency of action on climate change.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/09/14/2685107.htm?site=science/opinion&topic=enviro
Ausra the company behind concentrated solar thermal wins the contract for 100MW plant in Jordan.
Looks like the company we didn't want is doing nicely overseas.
New accreditation course for plumbers in Qld is being implemented due to increasing complaints about poor workmanship. It is good to see inspectors following up on complaints about dodgy installations.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26160117-3102,00.html
Perhaps inspections of solar PV installations should now be implemented as well to ensure standards are being followed.
Ausra back in business in Australia. This time setting up a demonstration plant in Qld.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26164417-3122,00.html
Insulation audits are catching up with some suspect installers. I wonder if they have to refund any money.
More bad news on insulation installation under the rebate scheme. Shoddy work is now being blamed for a big increase in house fires.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26189577-3102,00.html
Another insulation installation tragedy close to home occurred near Rockhampton yesterday. A 16 year was electrocuted while installing insulation at a home near Stanwell about 25kms from here.
http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2009/11/19/workmates-cant-save-electrocuted-teenager/
