10/05/2005 - The solar
industry has been given a boost in the 2005-06
Budget with the announcement of a $5.7 million
per year two-year extension of the popular
Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP).
"Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight
into electricity and help in the fight to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia
," the Minister for the Environment and
Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said.
"PVRP was originally designed to assist
homeowners and community organisations install
photovoltaic systems on homes and community
buildings by offering a rebate for installing
solar-energy generators.
"The programme has been so popular that
the Australian Government expanded PVRP in
2004 to allow housing developers to obtain
rebates for the installation of solar-electricity
generators in new homes.
"By extending the programme for a further
two years, the Australian Government is maintaining
this momentum and helping to increase the
number of solar electricity systems installed
throughout Australia.
"There will now be a strong focus on
encouraging the uptake of solar-electricity
systems in schools around the country to give
young Australians the opportunity to use the
technology and see the benefits of renewable
energy sources first-hand.
"Extending the programme for two years
will also ensure a smoother integration for
industry with the Government's long-term Solar
Cities programme.
"Solar Cities is a partnerships programme
that brings together governments, industry,
communities, and businesses to change the
way we think about energy.
"Australia holds a leading position
in the development of solar-energy technology.
It's the smart use and accessibility of this
technology that will make the Solar Cities
the focus of international interest.
"Extending solar opportunities to homes,
schools and community buildings is helping
all Australians build the bridge to a solar
future."
