Solar Council welcomes RET review

The Australian Solar Council has welcomed the government’s response to the Review of the Renewable Energy Target, (RET) calling it a significant boost to investor confidence and certainty.

“The Renewable Energy Target has been an extraordinary success,” said John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council. “More than $20 billion has already been invested in domestic and industrial-scale renewable energy since the RET was established, and that’s just the start.”

Grimes said the Australian Solar Council is pleased that the government has reaffirmed its commitment that more than 45,000 GWh of electricity will be generated from renewable energy sources in 2020. “Together with the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation, this will ensure Australia takes its place as a world leader in big solar,” Grimes said.

The Solar Council called for the government’s continued support for the RET, but noted with disappointment that it has decided to reduce support for residential solar from 2017.

“The Australian Solar Council calls on the government to look again at the accreditation of solar installers. At present, one agency has a legislated monopoly over accreditation. Legislated monopolies are poor public policy and deliver less than optimal outcomes,” Grimes said.