Cuts to Queensland's solar power rebate have done more than just annoy the renewable energy industry – they have also left thousands of locals at risk of losing their jobs.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) estimates that the Queensland government's decision will leave at least 4,500 people out of work, with potential implications for the state economy.
CEC acting chief executive Kane Thornton said the Solar Bonus Scheme had all sorts of merits, with the industry employing around 11,000 people throughout the state.
"This kind of sudden drop could have a serious negative impact on an industry that has been delivering major economic benefits to the state," he commented.
For those of you who missed the announcement, the Queensland government has slashed the solar panel rebate from 44 cents per kilowatt hour to just eight cents in a bid to save money for the state.
The new feed-in tariff will be introduced on July 10 – anyone who had solar power systems installed under the previous scheme will continue to benefit from the 44 cents per kilowatt hour rate.
Energy and water supply minister Mark McArdle defended the decision, saying that it would help keep control of costs for households without solar panels.
Posted by Bob Dawson