Solar Citizens welcomes today's announcement by Greens leader Adam Bandt of their 'Renters Right to Solar' policy which proposes the Commonwealth set up a new $10billion Snowy Hydro fund to enable landlords to install rooftop solar on their rental properties.
Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said:
"The acknowledgement in the Greens policy that all households have a right to solar, regardless of where they live, is really important.
"Around 60% of households are locked out of solar either because they are renting, living in apartments or struggle with the upfront costs of installing solar, even when it means savings huge bill savings over the longer term."
"Renters need leadership from our Federal Government when it comes to energy standards and access to solar for the homes that they live in. To ensure renters can access the same bill savings as home-owners, the buck passing between the Commonwealth and the states and territories needs to stop.
"The Greens' Renters Rights to Solar proposal shows that the Commonwealth has options if they are willing to take them. We need to see that leadership from whoever forms Government in the next term.
"Renters, on average, have lower incomes and lower wealth than other households. They need solar bill savings more than other households, but are currently locked out. It's a credit to the Greens for recognising and responding to renters' needs, and we need to see that same level of commitment from the federal Government and Opposition."