It is exciting to note that rooftop solar technology is also effectively entering the business and commercial world.

 New information from the Clean Energy Council  provides evidence that many businesses are now also investing in solar as a means to slash their power bills.

According to the CEC, more than 15,214 Australian businesses- including such diverse  enterprises as dairy farms, wineries, supermarkets and offices, have now installed solar panels.

If the Renewable Energy Target is left as legislated, there is the potential for tens of thousands more to follow suit.

“Businesses have now invested almost $460 million in solar power systems across the nation, helping them to collectively save about $64 million on their bills every year,” the CEC's acting chief executive Kate Thornton said.

There is increasing recognition that the current modest support provided by the RET means the business case for solar power makes sense, helping businesses become more competitive in tough economic conditions through reduction in energy costs.

If it ain't broke don't fix it

The Renewable Energy Target is a very effective policy that is working well.

 The rest of the world is going full speed on solar, and there is a huge opportunity for Australian businesses if we leave the RET alone.

As well as helping businesses to save on their bills, the RET is projected to deliver a further $15 billion of investment in large scale renewable energy, as well as billions more in household solar power and hot water installation.

The renewable energy sector employs 21,000 people, with 13,000 involved in solar alone, many of whom live in regional areas of the country.

 If the RET is cut it would have a significant and immediate effect on the solar industry and lead to the loss of up to 5800 jobs in this part of the sector alone.

In a recent interview concerning the future of the Renewable Energy Target, our local federal member John Cobb was unable to elaborate on details, but conceded that there would be changes to the RET as a result of the recent review.

Judging by the recommendations of the review panel, it is unlikely that the changes will be favourable to the renewable energy industry.

NSW promotes renewables

Unlike their federal counterpart, the NSW government is very pro renewable energy.

To demonstrate this, the NSW State Government Regional Clean Energy Programme, in conjunction with ECCO, is planning an information seminar to be held in Orange in the near future.

Watch this space for details.

Global Day of Climate Action

Members of the Orange Community are invited to attend a Global Day of Climate Action, to be celebrated by a meeting in Cook Park  on the Kite Street side this coming Sunday, September 21 commencing 1pm.

Bring along a poster illustrating your concern about this issue.