Solar Flagships funding reopens for PV

8th Feb 2012

Applications for a solar energy grant are to reopen after Moree Solar Farm was unsuccessful at attracting private financing.

The government believes that this will offer the best possible opportunity of constructing large-scale solar photovoltaic power stations in Australia.

As a result, it is now in search of updated applications from those who initially showed an interest in the Solar Flagships Program after Moree did not meet its funding conditions.

In addition, a number of substantial changes to the original application were put forward, meaning it was fairly far removed from the proposal initially received by the government.

AGL, Infigen-Suntech and TRUenergy will all be able to change their proposals for reassessment by the Solar Flagships Council, as will Moree Solar Farm.

Minister for resources and energy Martin Ferguson explained that the move has been made to ensure that taxpayer money is being spent in the best possible way.

"That is why we have put in place a staged and gated approach to funding grants under the Solar Flagships program," he continued, adding that the government has always played a role in supporting new technologies.

In recent weeks, workers in Queensland started the construction of the first community-owned solar farm project in Hervey Bay, which includes nearly 1,600 solar panels.

Collectively, the panels will be capable of generating around 630 megawatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to provide power to approximately 100 homes.

Aside from the environmental benefits of the solar project, the local economy is also set to receive a welcome boost, as around $390,000 is expected to be invested in the surrounding area.

Estimates suggest this figure could rise by a further $180,000 of a roadworks tender is granted to a Fraser Coast business.

Mr Ferguson emphasised that the Labor government is providing a large amount of support for the development of solar energy projects and technologies throughout the country.

This is being achieved through a variety of ways, including the Renewable Energy Target, carbon pricing and $3.2 billion of direct funding through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

One of the main reasons that so many changes have been seen in the solar energy sector lately is because the cost of photovoltaic panels has fallen by as much as 70 per cent.

A decision resulting from the Solar Flagships Program will be made over the coming weeks, with an official announcement expected in the second quarter of the year.

Posted by Bob Dawson

 

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

The election that could cast a deep shadow on solar power
This just in: You are nothing but a means to profit for big utilities and NSW government
The Tongans know a bad solar deal when they see one
Solar feed-in tariffs: Who's getting screwed?
Australian government at a solar power crossroads
WA government admits fault in solar rebate debacle
WA Government saves millions while solar customers are up in arms
SA's solar feed-in scheme costs to rise higher
CEC slams FIT deregulation in SA
Carbon tax announcement 'just a ripple'
Industry reactions to Rudd carbon price changes
New government 'must be made aware of renewable achievements'
Solar features prominently in ARENA funding plans
Calling all solar panel installers - 'save clean technology grants'
Manufacturers set to see bright side of economic slump?
Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'
'Not FIT for purpose' - ACT government on tariffs
QLD government under fire for negative solar stance
China's first trading emissions scheme begins
Details of the Queensland solar controversy
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
Tasmania's solar future no longer too uncertain
Renewable energy funding on the brink
The Clean Energy Council calls for more renewables
Reactions to renewable energy decisions from the 2013-14 federal budget
Federal budget announcement offers a mixed bag
The impact of the carbon tax
Govt energy efficiency success
Renewable Energy Target achievements
New funding for solar panels
Australia and China further carbon cutting collaboration
Examining Australia's environmental efforts
Renewable Energy Target survives its review
Solar powered cinema a possibility
New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states
Renewable recommendations for WA
Renewable energy target hangs in the balance
Deadline approaching for QLD PV installations under 44 cent solar tariff
Electricity emissions down since carbon tax introduced
Reactions to RET review final report mixed
CCA: RET on track to achieve goals
Experts slam Solar Credits decision
Government support 'needed for commercial solar development'
Shadow ministers slam ARENA withdrawal
Industry expert lauds solar PV impact
Australian Solar Council chief hits back at CCA review suggestion
Australian Solar Council debuts solar electorate map
CCA report 'victory for common sense'
Productivity Commission draft 'good for solar'
SA solar campaign reaches government level
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: