Solar Citizens has called on the Queensland government to maintain the state’s position as a leader in clean energy by implementing cost-effective solutions for all residents.
The organisation has presented a set of policy recommendations, dubbed the “Yellow Book”, to the new Queensland government, outlining strategies to reduce energy bills by capitalising on the state’s rooftop solar potential.
Philippa England, Solar Citizens Queensland Clean Energy Campaigner, highlighted the state’s impressive achievement of having over one million homes with rooftop solar, boasting the highest per capita home solar adoption rate globally.
She emphasised the potential for growth, stating that Queensland could quadruple its rooftop solar capacity from the current 3.96 Gigawatts (GW) to 12.5 GW, according to a recent Solar Citizens report.
Joel Pringle, National Campaign Director, stressed the need for the Queensland government to develop a plan to meet emission reduction targets, which they supported while in opposition.
He emphasised that rooftop solar, combined with household batteries and other consumer energy resources (CER), offers the quickest path to reducing household energy bills.
The “Yellow Book” outlines recommendations across five key areas, with a primary focus on establishing an Energy Bill Savings Scheme.
This initiative aims to assist Queensland families in purchasing household batteries, vehicle-to-grid charging infrastructure, and energy-efficient appliances.
Pringle noted that support for battery purchases would enable rooftop solar owners to store power for later use, resulting in cost savings and reduced daytime pressure on the energy grid.
Additionally, Solar Citizens proposes extending access to rooftop solar, batteries, and EV charging to apartments, social housing, renters, and commercial properties.
The organisation also recommends developing micro-grids in rural and remote areas to ensure widespread access to renewable energy benefits.
As Queensland continues its transition to clean energy, these proposed reforms aim to provide cost-of-living relief and environmental benefits to all residents across the state.
The Queensland government now faces the challenge of considering these recommendations to further solidify Queensland’s position as a leader in renewable energy adoption.
