Solar Victoria’s August allocation of rebates were snapped up in less than 90 minutes, with Victorians eager to take advantage of the government-subsidised solar installation program.
The program, which had been ‘paused’ in April, reopened in July with the intention to help 770,000 households invest in solar.
There will be no more solar installation rebates available until next month.
The scheme has not been well received by the solar installation industry with many installers calling attention to major problems with the program.
The Smart Energy Council has demanded urgent changes to the scheme, claiming that many installers have been forced to lay off staff or even close down.
A survey recently undertaken by the Smart Energy Council found that of 60 Victorian solar businesses, 80 per cent have either closed or are concerned they will close as a result of the Solar Homes Program.
According to the survey, 77 per cent of businesses said staff had been made redundant or were expected to be made redundant.
Smart Energy Council Chief Executive, John Grimes, said, “We told the government their scheme was broken.
“You are more likely to encounter a unicorn in Victoria, than meet someone who was successful in securing a rebate.
“This is devastating news for the Victorian solar industry, and follows the sudden closure of the program in April and a disastrous July, when the scheme was full within 60 hours.”
Victorian Minister for Energy and Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “We have got a very clear vision as a government…we want to grow renewable energy.
“I make no apologies for that whatsoever.”
