Australian investment in large-scale solar falling behind, while rooftop installs power ahead
The Abbott government’s attack on renewable energy has contributed to investment in large-scale renewable energy projects in Australia stalling at one-third of what is needed to meet the 2020 Renewable Energy Target, as revealed in new figures from Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
While investors have been left with uncertainty over funding large-scale renewables, everyday Australian households are making an investment in rooftop solar as a way of reducing their electricity bills, according to Solar Citizens Campaigns Director, Dan Scaysbrook.
“More than one in five homes are powered by the sun. These people have made the sensible decision to invest in rooftop solar as a great way to reduce their power bills and generate cleaner energy,” Mr Scaysbrook said.
“The Australian community believes in solar and renewables as the energy of the future and believes it can power a robust and thriving economy.
“Australians want political leadership that can deliver cleaner, cheaper energy from solar.
“They want obstacles to further investment in household solar removed including an end to unfair solar taxes and the stopping of attempts by the big power companies to hold back battery storage.
“Polling tells us the majority of Australians also want increased investment in large-scale renewable energy projects.
“Solar is also the preferred energy source of more than 80 per cent of Australians, according to 2015 research by The Climate Institute.
“The Turnbull Government has the opportunity to put Australia on a pathway to the clean energy future supported by the majority of Australians.
“Growing renewable energy will grow thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and create a better future for our children,” he said.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
