Nation’s green energy assets hailed
scotland has comparative advantage but effort and expenditure will be needed, says report
By Tim Pauling
Published: 10/12/2009
Scotland is well placed to meet and possibly exceed its renewable-energy targets but “significant effort and expenditure” will be needed, according to a new report.
A study commissioned by the Scottish Government says the country has a “comparative advantage” when it comes to green energy. Wind, hydro, wave and tidal power can all play a part, as can carbon capture and storage.
But the technologies do not currently provide the cheapest source of power, and incentives will be needed to encourage investors, it says.
Scotland is committed to providing 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and already generates about half the UK’s output from renewables. Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament agreed to cut carbon emissions in 2050 by 80%, with a target of 42% by 2020.
The report by consultancy Wood Mackenzie says: “Scotland is well placed to meet and potentially exceed its key energy targets, particularly those relating to renewable energy supply in the period to 2020, although others (including longer-term objectives) remain less certain.” The Scottish contribution will be vital in meeting UK climate-energy targets and progress towards European goals, the consultants say.
Onshore wind and hydro are the most developed forms of renewable energy, but carbon capture and marine energy still require “considerable” research and development.
“A significant degree of uncertainty exists around technology costs, particularly in respect to less developed renewable sources,” according to the report. An expanded electricity grid, including connections to the Continent, will be needed. The report says: “Significant effort and expenditure would be required to fully realise this comparative advantage.”
Energy Minister Jim Mather said: “The study shows the impact that renewables can have in reducing emissions and shows that carbon capture could have a huge, positive impact for Scotland when it is fully operational.”
Scottish Renewables chief executive Niall Stuart said there was no disagreement about the potential of renewables. “The argument is around how we deliver the potential,” he said.
“Government now has to focus on the challenge of delivering faster and fairer grid connections, speeding up the planning system, supporting the development of new technology and training the thousands of people that the sector needs to recruit if it is to meet its ambitions to grow.”
The report did not look at nuclear power and SNP ministers have said they will reject any applications to build new plants in Scotland.
Tory energy spokesman Gavin Brown said: “It is the SNP’s blinkered dogma which is threatening to turn out the lights across Scotland by refusing to consider continued nuclear power as part of the energy mix.”
Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1519902?UserKey=#ixzz0ZKzsBgfT
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Broadband Slow to Cover Nova Scotia
Broadband linkup falls behind schedule
EastLink, Seaside Communications may face $2 million in penalty charges
By JEFFREY SIMPSON Provincial Reporter
Thu. Dec 10 - 4:46 AM
Chuck Porter, Conservative MLA for Hants West, says he often gets calls from residents of his riding asking when they can get broadband service.
The province’s ambitious plan to provide high-speed Internet access for everybody is well behind schedule and probably over budget.
Ian Thompson, deputy minister of Economic and Rural Development, told a legislative committee Wednesday that the project won’t meet its end-of-year deadline. That will leave thousands of rural residents relying on dial-up service for their businesses and homes well into 2010.
"We’re not going to be 100 per cent complete," Mr. Thompson told the public accounts committee.
"I understand there are Nova Scotians who are disappointed they’re not going to have it."
There remains about six per cent of the province waiting for broadband access, which should be available by May, he said.
Mr. Thompson also suggested taxpayers could be on the hook for more than the original $19.6 million it was supposed to cost the province.
"We won’t know the cost until it’s completed," he said. "It could be thousands; it could be millions. The important thing . . . from our perspective is that we get this done."
Mr. Thompson said there are penalty clauses in the contracts that penalize the private firms working on the project for failing to finish by the end of this month.
He told the committee that EastLink faces a $2 million penalty, but outside the chamber claimed to have made a mistake. He refused to clarify what punitive measures the firms behind schedule — EastLink and Seaside Communications — are facing and even suggested the province may decide against using that clause.
"The penalty clause is sufficient to give us the sort of commercial leverage that we believe we need to have," he said. "We’ll use the penalty clause to the extent that we believe it’s helpful."
A spokeswoman for his department later confirmed that each firm faces penalties of up to $2 million for being behind schedule.
Seaside was responsible for providing service for about 48 per cent of the rural parts of the province in need — it’s about 94 per cent complete. EastLink was tasked with covering 51 per cent of the area without broadband and is only 48 per cent finished.
The other company involved is OmniGlobe, which is on target to meet its deadline.
Vanessa Lentz, who runs a photography business from her home in Hillsvale, Hants County, was disappointed to learn she’ll have to wait a lot longer for broadband service.
"I am upset," Ms. Lentz said. "It’s frustrating. I’m trying to provide service to my clients."
She has to make a 50-kilometre round trip to use computers at a library in Windsor to upload her photos to a Toronto company that processes them for her, because it won’t allow her to tie up its server using dial-up.
That’s time consuming and costs money, making her business less efficient and cutting into her family time, she said.
Ms. Lentz said she feels cheated because she began her business two years ago with the understanding she’d be connected to broadband by now.
"That was a huge consideration in me actually opening this business," she said. "If something is promised to me I expect it to be delivered."
Chuck Porter, the Conservative MLA for Hants West, said the project was on schedule when his party left office and he’d been assured until recently from Mr. Thompson’s department that it’d be wrapped up on time.
Mr. Porter said he receives about five phone calls a week from residents and business owners in his riding who are wondering when they’ll have access to broadband service.
"They’re quite frustrated," he said. "I would like to think we’re doing everything we can to be on time."
But he’s not convinced the project will be completed by May as Mr. Thompson suggested, he said.
Mr. Porter said the Internet providers should have to pay the penalties outlined in their contracts.
"Ask the taxpayers — they’d be more than happy to get $2 million of their money back," he said. "We’ve invested hugely as taxpayers in this."
In 2007, the province announced the $74.5-million initiative to bring broadband to all parts of the province by 2010. The province committed $19.6 million to the initiative while the federal government contributed $14.5 million, with the companies putting up the rest.
( jsimpson@herald.ca)
EastLink, Seaside Communications may face $2 million in penalty charges
By JEFFREY SIMPSON Provincial Reporter
Thu. Dec 10 - 4:46 AM
Chuck Porter, Conservative MLA for Hants West, says he often gets calls from residents of his riding asking when they can get broadband service.
The province’s ambitious plan to provide high-speed Internet access for everybody is well behind schedule and probably over budget.
Ian Thompson, deputy minister of Economic and Rural Development, told a legislative committee Wednesday that the project won’t meet its end-of-year deadline. That will leave thousands of rural residents relying on dial-up service for their businesses and homes well into 2010.
"We’re not going to be 100 per cent complete," Mr. Thompson told the public accounts committee.
"I understand there are Nova Scotians who are disappointed they’re not going to have it."
There remains about six per cent of the province waiting for broadband access, which should be available by May, he said.
Mr. Thompson also suggested taxpayers could be on the hook for more than the original $19.6 million it was supposed to cost the province.
"We won’t know the cost until it’s completed," he said. "It could be thousands; it could be millions. The important thing . . . from our perspective is that we get this done."
Mr. Thompson said there are penalty clauses in the contracts that penalize the private firms working on the project for failing to finish by the end of this month.
He told the committee that EastLink faces a $2 million penalty, but outside the chamber claimed to have made a mistake. He refused to clarify what punitive measures the firms behind schedule — EastLink and Seaside Communications — are facing and even suggested the province may decide against using that clause.
"The penalty clause is sufficient to give us the sort of commercial leverage that we believe we need to have," he said. "We’ll use the penalty clause to the extent that we believe it’s helpful."
A spokeswoman for his department later confirmed that each firm faces penalties of up to $2 million for being behind schedule.
Seaside was responsible for providing service for about 48 per cent of the rural parts of the province in need — it’s about 94 per cent complete. EastLink was tasked with covering 51 per cent of the area without broadband and is only 48 per cent finished.
The other company involved is OmniGlobe, which is on target to meet its deadline.
Vanessa Lentz, who runs a photography business from her home in Hillsvale, Hants County, was disappointed to learn she’ll have to wait a lot longer for broadband service.
"I am upset," Ms. Lentz said. "It’s frustrating. I’m trying to provide service to my clients."
She has to make a 50-kilometre round trip to use computers at a library in Windsor to upload her photos to a Toronto company that processes them for her, because it won’t allow her to tie up its server using dial-up.
That’s time consuming and costs money, making her business less efficient and cutting into her family time, she said.
Ms. Lentz said she feels cheated because she began her business two years ago with the understanding she’d be connected to broadband by now.
"That was a huge consideration in me actually opening this business," she said. "If something is promised to me I expect it to be delivered."
Chuck Porter, the Conservative MLA for Hants West, said the project was on schedule when his party left office and he’d been assured until recently from Mr. Thompson’s department that it’d be wrapped up on time.
Mr. Porter said he receives about five phone calls a week from residents and business owners in his riding who are wondering when they’ll have access to broadband service.
"They’re quite frustrated," he said. "I would like to think we’re doing everything we can to be on time."
But he’s not convinced the project will be completed by May as Mr. Thompson suggested, he said.
Mr. Porter said the Internet providers should have to pay the penalties outlined in their contracts.
"Ask the taxpayers — they’d be more than happy to get $2 million of their money back," he said. "We’ve invested hugely as taxpayers in this."
In 2007, the province announced the $74.5-million initiative to bring broadband to all parts of the province by 2010. The province committed $19.6 million to the initiative while the federal government contributed $14.5 million, with the companies putting up the rest.
( jsimpson@herald.ca)
Labels:
Nova Scotia broadband internet
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Copenhagen "shorts"
COP15 – day 3 roundup
The third day of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen saw another political argument between the two biggest players – and polluters – China and the United States.
Michael von Bülow
09/12/2009 22:25
China: the US and EU must present deeper cuts
The United States and the European Union (EU) are expected by the Chinese delegation to bring more notable emission reductions targets to the Copenhagen climate talks. Read more
US fires back at China
Statements by Su Wei, Deputy Head of the Chinese COP15 delegation, on lack of ambitions from the US were opposed by Todd Stern, President Barack Obama’s climate change envoy, as he arrived Wednesday at the conference in Copenhagen. Read more
Developing countries split on demands
Small island states and poor African nations on Wednesday wanted the climate conference to aim at a legally binding deal tougher than the Kyoto Protocol. Richer developing countries opposed the proposal. Read more
EPA chief: US will regulate CO2 with common sense
The United States for the first time outlined a dual path toward cutting greenhouse gases that would involve both President Barack Obama's administration and the US Congress to reduce greenhouse emissions. Read more
Denmark ready to pay its share
Denmark – the host country of the ongoing UN climate change conference – has put money on the table for adaptation to climate change in developing countries
The third day of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen saw another political argument between the two biggest players – and polluters – China and the United States.
Michael von Bülow
09/12/2009 22:25
China: the US and EU must present deeper cuts
The United States and the European Union (EU) are expected by the Chinese delegation to bring more notable emission reductions targets to the Copenhagen climate talks. Read more
US fires back at China
Statements by Su Wei, Deputy Head of the Chinese COP15 delegation, on lack of ambitions from the US were opposed by Todd Stern, President Barack Obama’s climate change envoy, as he arrived Wednesday at the conference in Copenhagen. Read more
Developing countries split on demands
Small island states and poor African nations on Wednesday wanted the climate conference to aim at a legally binding deal tougher than the Kyoto Protocol. Richer developing countries opposed the proposal. Read more
EPA chief: US will regulate CO2 with common sense
The United States for the first time outlined a dual path toward cutting greenhouse gases that would involve both President Barack Obama's administration and the US Congress to reduce greenhouse emissions. Read more
Denmark ready to pay its share
Denmark – the host country of the ongoing UN climate change conference – has put money on the table for adaptation to climate change in developing countries
U.N. Conference on Climate Change
Grassroots: Last 30 years of fossil fuels
Unlike at the UN conference, no accreditation is needed at the People’s Climate Summit in Copenhagen. Some 10,000 participants are preparing their recommendations for the world’s leaders.
Morten Andersen
09/12/2009 22:05
Use of fossil fuels should be completely stopped within the next 30 years, and carbon dioxide emissions should come down to not more than one ton per capita in each single country by 2025.
These are likely to become the key recommendations at the People’s Climate Summit taking place at a sports facility in Central Copenhagen – not far from the venue of the UN conference, but in a rather less formal atmosphere.
At the event “Amazon Indians, Malawi farmers, Tibetan monks and Inuits from Greenland exchanged ideas Wednesday on how to combat global warming at a boisterous alternative forum in Copenhagen on the sidelines of UN climate talks” as seen by AFP’s correspondent.
Sponsored by the Danish government, the summit hosts some 10,000 participants. The initiative came from a range of Danish environmental organizations including the national branch of the Friends of the Earth.
The main purpose of the event is to convene cooperation between NGOs and individuals from all over the world. However, the alternative summit is also working its way through a text – much like the COP15 participants do. Only the document is entitled “A People’s Declaration”. Once finally adopted by the NGO summit, the declaration is intended to be presented to the world leaders gathering in Copenhagen next week. (Photo: Adrian Dennis/Scanpix)
Unlike at the UN conference, no accreditation is needed at the People’s Climate Summit in Copenhagen. Some 10,000 participants are preparing their recommendations for the world’s leaders.
Morten Andersen
09/12/2009 22:05
Use of fossil fuels should be completely stopped within the next 30 years, and carbon dioxide emissions should come down to not more than one ton per capita in each single country by 2025.
These are likely to become the key recommendations at the People’s Climate Summit taking place at a sports facility in Central Copenhagen – not far from the venue of the UN conference, but in a rather less formal atmosphere.
At the event “Amazon Indians, Malawi farmers, Tibetan monks and Inuits from Greenland exchanged ideas Wednesday on how to combat global warming at a boisterous alternative forum in Copenhagen on the sidelines of UN climate talks” as seen by AFP’s correspondent.
Sponsored by the Danish government, the summit hosts some 10,000 participants. The initiative came from a range of Danish environmental organizations including the national branch of the Friends of the Earth.
The main purpose of the event is to convene cooperation between NGOs and individuals from all over the world. However, the alternative summit is also working its way through a text – much like the COP15 participants do. Only the document is entitled “A People’s Declaration”. Once finally adopted by the NGO summit, the declaration is intended to be presented to the world leaders gathering in Copenhagen next week. (Photo: Adrian Dennis/Scanpix)
Gov't Responds to Nurse Issue
Subject: Nurse Practitioner Petition
> December 9, 2009
>
> Dear Sir or Madam:
>
> Thank you for your correspondence to the Honourable Darrell Dexter
> and/or me, in which you expressed support for the nurse practitioner at
> Long and Brier Islands. The Premier has asked me to respond to you on
> his behalf.
>
> This has not been an easy situation to resolve, as it is an
> employer/employee matter, as well as a healthcare issue. Employers and
> employees are subject to contracts with negotiated agreements and
> representation of employees by their unions.
>
> My department worked with all parties involved to identify any and all
> options that would result in a solution to this matter. I asked all
> parties to commit to talking, and to negotiate through a process of give
> and take. It is unfortunate and disappointing that the employee and
> employer have been unable to come to a resolution of this matter. In
> light of the failure of negotiations, I must now consider healthcare
> services for the people in Long and Brier Islands.
>
> Efforts to recruit a new nurse practitioner for the residents of Long
> and Brier Islands have resumed. In the interim, other nurse
> practitioners within the district are providing coverage for a minimum
> of two days a week, along with community paramedics, who provide 24-hour
> coverage, to ensure care for residents continues without interruption.
> Dr. K. Buchholz will also be providing some additional services in the
> community on an interim basis. We are working with the SWNDHA and are
> hopeful that the community can play a positive role in recruitment
> efforts.
>
> Improving people’s access to the health care services is a priority
> for our government, and we will do what we can to ensure the recruitment
> of another full-time nurse practitioner.
>
> I appreciate you writing to me about this matter. Concern for the
> health and well-being of all Nova Scotians is foremost in the Department
> of Health’s plan to make life better for today’s families, and I
> value hearing from Nova Scotians such as you.
>
> Yours truly,
>
>
>
> Maureen MacDonald
> Minister
>
> c: The Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier
> Blaise MacNeil, CEO, South West Nova District Health
> Authority
> December 9, 2009
>
> Dear Sir or Madam:
>
> Thank you for your correspondence to the Honourable Darrell Dexter
> and/or me, in which you expressed support for the nurse practitioner at
> Long and Brier Islands. The Premier has asked me to respond to you on
> his behalf.
>
> This has not been an easy situation to resolve, as it is an
> employer/employee matter, as well as a healthcare issue. Employers and
> employees are subject to contracts with negotiated agreements and
> representation of employees by their unions.
>
> My department worked with all parties involved to identify any and all
> options that would result in a solution to this matter. I asked all
> parties to commit to talking, and to negotiate through a process of give
> and take. It is unfortunate and disappointing that the employee and
> employer have been unable to come to a resolution of this matter. In
> light of the failure of negotiations, I must now consider healthcare
> services for the people in Long and Brier Islands.
>
> Efforts to recruit a new nurse practitioner for the residents of Long
> and Brier Islands have resumed. In the interim, other nurse
> practitioners within the district are providing coverage for a minimum
> of two days a week, along with community paramedics, who provide 24-hour
> coverage, to ensure care for residents continues without interruption.
> Dr. K. Buchholz will also be providing some additional services in the
> community on an interim basis. We are working with the SWNDHA and are
> hopeful that the community can play a positive role in recruitment
> efforts.
>
> Improving people’s access to the health care services is a priority
> for our government, and we will do what we can to ensure the recruitment
> of another full-time nurse practitioner.
>
> I appreciate you writing to me about this matter. Concern for the
> health and well-being of all Nova Scotians is foremost in the Department
> of Health’s plan to make life better for today’s families, and I
> value hearing from Nova Scotians such as you.
>
> Yours truly,
>
>
>
> Maureen MacDonald
> Minister
>
> c: The Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier
> Blaise MacNeil, CEO, South West Nova District Health
> Authority
Vestas Production Slows
, December 8, 2009, 8:32am PST | Modified: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 4:56pm
Vestas plans furloughs at Colorado plantPortland Business Journal
The cyclical nature of manufacturing in the global wind power industry, a cycle that’s been exacerbated by the recession’s credit crunch, will bring “a few long weekends” in the first quarter of 2010 to the 500 employees of the Vestas blade manufacturing plant in Windsor, Colo., said Peter Kruse, the company’s Denmark-based spokesman.
Vestas has its North American headquarters in Portland.
“This industry and Vestas, we have always had a very slow first quarter and what we’re doing in Windsor, we’re not laying off people,” Kruse said. “We’ll try to do the best we can to make sure that they’re training, retooling, helping our service people and what have you.
“We can’t rule out that some will have a few long weekends,” he said.
Kruse said the plant will be temporarily closed for an unknown length of time in the first quarter. The plant, which makes blades for wind turbines, opened in March 2008.
Kruse said activity in the manufacturing sector of the global wind industry typically starts picking up in the second quarter and really gets busy in the third and fourth quarters.
“We’re extremely busy now, but we will slow down in Q1,” he said. “We were busy for Christmas in 2008. We’re busy now, and we’ll be busy next year.”
But Vestas needs more orders for wind turbines on its books to keep the plant fully operational over the next several months, Kruse said.
Orders have fallen due to the year-long pullback in wind farm development that started with the 2008 credit crunch that continued into 2009, Kruse said.
That said, Vestas foresees a strong year of manufacturing in 2011, based on anticipated orders in 2010, he said.
“The 2009 turbines being put in the ground were signed in 2008,” Kruse said. “We see the market coming back. Installation will come back big time in 2011.”
Vestas’ other plants in Colorado — two in Brighton and one in Pueblo — are still under way, but hiring people for the plants and ramping up production in those facilities has been postponed for the time being, Kruse said.
“We have slowed down the people side due to the economic situation in the U.S. We need more orders,” he said.
denvernews@bizjournals.com
Vestas plans furloughs at Colorado plantPortland Business Journal
The cyclical nature of manufacturing in the global wind power industry, a cycle that’s been exacerbated by the recession’s credit crunch, will bring “a few long weekends” in the first quarter of 2010 to the 500 employees of the Vestas blade manufacturing plant in Windsor, Colo., said Peter Kruse, the company’s Denmark-based spokesman.
Vestas has its North American headquarters in Portland.
“This industry and Vestas, we have always had a very slow first quarter and what we’re doing in Windsor, we’re not laying off people,” Kruse said. “We’ll try to do the best we can to make sure that they’re training, retooling, helping our service people and what have you.
“We can’t rule out that some will have a few long weekends,” he said.
Kruse said the plant will be temporarily closed for an unknown length of time in the first quarter. The plant, which makes blades for wind turbines, opened in March 2008.
Kruse said activity in the manufacturing sector of the global wind industry typically starts picking up in the second quarter and really gets busy in the third and fourth quarters.
“We’re extremely busy now, but we will slow down in Q1,” he said. “We were busy for Christmas in 2008. We’re busy now, and we’ll be busy next year.”
But Vestas needs more orders for wind turbines on its books to keep the plant fully operational over the next several months, Kruse said.
Orders have fallen due to the year-long pullback in wind farm development that started with the 2008 credit crunch that continued into 2009, Kruse said.
That said, Vestas foresees a strong year of manufacturing in 2011, based on anticipated orders in 2010, he said.
“The 2009 turbines being put in the ground were signed in 2008,” Kruse said. “We see the market coming back. Installation will come back big time in 2011.”
Vestas’ other plants in Colorado — two in Brighton and one in Pueblo — are still under way, but hiring people for the plants and ramping up production in those facilities has been postponed for the time being, Kruse said.
“We have slowed down the people side due to the economic situation in the U.S. We need more orders,” he said.
denvernews@bizjournals.com
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Down Under Incentives for Individuals and businesses
Issue 63 - December 2009 Systems
From Energy Matters
Greetings everyone and welcome to all our new subscribers!
Business tax incentives run out soon!
Do you have a business or know of someone who does?
Small businesses can benefit hugely from the Small Business and General Business Tax Break when they install solar power systems, but time is running out!
The incentive allows an additional tax deduction of 50 per cent of the cost (after Solar Credits rebates) of a solar power system purchased up until 31 December 2009. Small businesses will be also able to depreciate 100% of the cost of the system over the life of the system!
When you add to that existing rebates and feed in tariffs, there's never been a better time for a business to make the switch to solar power.
However, taking into account the upcoming Christmas break, this means there is less than 3 weeks left to take advantage of this initiative! Learn more about tax and other solar business incentives here.
NSW solar bonus scheme - it's official!
Legislation for the New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme has been passed! New South Wales residents, small business and community groups will be paid a whopping 60 cents per kilowatt hour for all the electricity a system produces starting January 1, 2010. The feed in tariff is in addition to existing rebates.
According to information provided by the NSW Government, a standard 1.5kW solar power system would generate around $1500 return each year through the Solar Bonus Scheme!
The New South Wales solar gold rush has started - so if you're a resident of NSW and are interested in installing a solar power system; use our instant online quoting tool today. Beat the rush and maximise your returns!
Solar credits special
A top quality grid connect system at a tiny price - check out our solar credits maximiser deal!
Renewable energy news
Solar Power Boom In New South Wales
While the New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme doesn't kick off until January 1 next year; home solar power providers are already seeing a sharp increase in orders for systems.
The Silicon Air Battery
Most of us would be more familiar with silicon being used for computer chips and solar panels - now the substance looks set to become a vital component in the next generation of batteries.
Insulation Name And Shame - Solar Next?
Now that a formal "name and shame" list has been established for Australia's insulation industry, is it time for the government to implement a similar list for another sector seeing its fair share of shonky operators - solar power?
Solar Bonus Scheme Legislation Passed
It's happy days for solar power supporters in New South Wales. Legislation for a gross solar feed in tariff has been passed, making the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme one of the most generous feed in tariffs in the nation.
100% Renewable Energy By 2030?
Is it physically and economically possible to run the entire world, including transportation, off renewable energy by 2030?
Solar Sails And Space Travel
The Planetary Society recently announced its new LightSail project, a program to sail a spacecraft on sunlight alone by the end of 2010.
Solar Farm For Western Australia
Expressions of interest are being requested for the construction of a 50MW - 150MW solar farm in Western Australia.
From Energy Matters
Greetings everyone and welcome to all our new subscribers!
Business tax incentives run out soon!
Do you have a business or know of someone who does?
Small businesses can benefit hugely from the Small Business and General Business Tax Break when they install solar power systems, but time is running out!
The incentive allows an additional tax deduction of 50 per cent of the cost (after Solar Credits rebates) of a solar power system purchased up until 31 December 2009. Small businesses will be also able to depreciate 100% of the cost of the system over the life of the system!
When you add to that existing rebates and feed in tariffs, there's never been a better time for a business to make the switch to solar power.
However, taking into account the upcoming Christmas break, this means there is less than 3 weeks left to take advantage of this initiative! Learn more about tax and other solar business incentives here.
NSW solar bonus scheme - it's official!
Legislation for the New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme has been passed! New South Wales residents, small business and community groups will be paid a whopping 60 cents per kilowatt hour for all the electricity a system produces starting January 1, 2010. The feed in tariff is in addition to existing rebates.
According to information provided by the NSW Government, a standard 1.5kW solar power system would generate around $1500 return each year through the Solar Bonus Scheme!
The New South Wales solar gold rush has started - so if you're a resident of NSW and are interested in installing a solar power system; use our instant online quoting tool today. Beat the rush and maximise your returns!
Solar credits special
A top quality grid connect system at a tiny price - check out our solar credits maximiser deal!
Renewable energy news
Solar Power Boom In New South Wales
While the New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme doesn't kick off until January 1 next year; home solar power providers are already seeing a sharp increase in orders for systems.
The Silicon Air Battery
Most of us would be more familiar with silicon being used for computer chips and solar panels - now the substance looks set to become a vital component in the next generation of batteries.
Insulation Name And Shame - Solar Next?
Now that a formal "name and shame" list has been established for Australia's insulation industry, is it time for the government to implement a similar list for another sector seeing its fair share of shonky operators - solar power?
Solar Bonus Scheme Legislation Passed
It's happy days for solar power supporters in New South Wales. Legislation for a gross solar feed in tariff has been passed, making the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme one of the most generous feed in tariffs in the nation.
100% Renewable Energy By 2030?
Is it physically and economically possible to run the entire world, including transportation, off renewable energy by 2030?
Solar Sails And Space Travel
The Planetary Society recently announced its new LightSail project, a program to sail a spacecraft on sunlight alone by the end of 2010.
Solar Farm For Western Australia
Expressions of interest are being requested for the construction of a 50MW - 150MW solar farm in Western Australia.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
