Fed: Axe falls on generous solar rebate
10 Jun 2009 2:32 AM
The renewable energy industry is up in arms after federal government abruptly axed its eight-thousand dollar rebate for solar panels yesterday.
The industry has been enjoying a boom under the scheme .. and was gearing up for even more deals as the end of the rebate loomed.
But the government announced yesterday an unexpected immediate end to the rebate .. saying parliament is expected to pass an alternative .. smaller rebate in the coming months.
Environment Minister PETER GARRETT says the change in the rebate is fantastic because it's no longer means tested.
The old rebate was only available to households earning less than 100 thousand dollars.
But Opposition Environment spokesman GREG HUNT accuses Mr GARRETT of causing solar chaos with the sudden cut to the scheme.
