Portfolio Budget Statements 2005-06
Fact Sheet: A bridge to Solar Cities
- The Australian Government's 2005-06 Budget provides a two-year, $5.7 million a year extension to the successful Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP).
- Photovoltaic systems capture the sun's energy and convert it to electricity.
- The original Photovoltaic Rebate Programme, which started in 2000, encouraged the long-term use of photovoltaic technology to generate electricity from sunlight and increase the use of renewable energy in Australia.
- By June 2005, some 8000 systems will have been installed nationally.
- Greenhouse gas savings over the lifetime of the systems will be well over 300,000 tonnes.
- This extension will bridge the gap between the original Photovoltaic Rebate Programme and the new Solar Cities programme which is intended to commence around June 2006.
- This second extension to PVRP will enable a smooth transition for photovoltaic technologies in the lead up to the Solar Cities programme.
- Solar Cities Programme will then provide avenues to encourage solar technology uptake, including photovoltaic systems, and address market barriers.
- The Solar Cities Programme will showcase a new energy scenario where photovoltaics, smart meters and energy efficiency options will combine with novel approaches to energy markets to create better price signals and encourage the wise use of energy in large scale grid connected urban sites.
- Solar Cities is expected to attract international interest by adopting a partnership approach – government, industry and community. It will explore sustainable energy solutions in real world situations.
- Solar Cities presents a world-first opportunity to understand how such changes can assist in reducing peak loads, deferring infrastructure investment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Australian Government's 2005-06 Budget initiative provides the photovoltaic industry and the Australian community with support and certainty while the Solar Cities programme is being rolled out.
- The new direction of PVRP benefits the community through its more coordinated focus on community buildings, schools and home builders.
- This will help solar technologies become more familiar to young Australians – the inventors of the future – and bring the benefits of solar technologies to a greater number of Australian homeowners.
For more information: www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv
Budget statements
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