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Meetings, Annual State Meetings 2012, VIC & NSW

February 28, 2012

You are invited

What can you expect at the Annual State Meetings?

SEIA has taken on board members’ feedback and suggestions for
the Annual State Meetings and ensured that the day is filled with
value for members through

practical, in-depth discussions and presentations targeted at
installers and energy related updates for the general energy
market.

There will be plenty of time for installers and others to ask
questions and discuss matters from the floor.

NSW Topics range from compliance to technical issues such as

IPART review of FiT summary
Home Warranty Insurance/ Audits/Australian Consumer Law
New Work, Health & Safety Act & Regulations
Standards/Revision of AS5033
3 Utilities Update on technical issues
Grid battery Backup, Stand-alone Battery Storage

VIC Details for the Annual Meeting are available by phoning:

Robert (0418) 934 077 or Stuart (0427) 401 136

A Flyer for the Victorian meeting will be distributed shortly.

Free entry for members joining or renewing
their membership by 1 March 2012

Costs:

Members $50pp

Non-Members $80pp

Includes morning tea,
lunch and afternoon tea

Venue:
VIC
Knox Club
Cnr Stud & Boronia Rds
WANTIRNA VIC 3512

Venue:
NSW
St George Rowing Club
1 Levey St
WOLLI CREEK NSW 2205

NSW Details:

NSW Special Discount:

Renew or become a member prior to 1/3/12, you and up to 3 staff (conditional) will attend the conference for free. For further details contact Diana at admin@seia.org.au

Proudly sponsored by:

Solar Inverters

Major Sponsor

M|Power
(CMS) Carbon
Management Systems
Selectronic Australia
Setec

Is this the end to PV manufacturing in Australia – Again

November 16, 2011

Silex solar – Australia’s only PV manufacturing plant has today halted production of its solar modules and 45 jobs have been lost.
With the strong Australian dollar, the global oversupply of panels and most states slashing their Feed in Tariffs, Silex have felt the pinch and can no longer compete against the chinese imports.
This is another blow for the already dying solar industry in NSW, with the lack of any Government support the Solar Industry is trying to compete against heavily subsidised coal fired power. The industry is once again calling for the O’Farrell government to legislate a Fair Price for Solar Power and give certainty to the industry so we can move forward. We are not asking for another 60c premium Feed-in-Tariff, we are only asking for a retail parity payment so you get paid the same price for your solar power as you are paying for your coal fired power – A FAIR PRICE FOR SOLAR

Barry – Its Time to come Clean about the true cost of Coal Power

November 13, 2011

‘Yet again Barry O’Farrell has made his own personal opposition to renewables public policy in his decree that all electricity bills must show the cost of the carbon tax and renewable energy schemes. Presumably this is part of Tony Abbott and the Coalition’s Carbon Tax Scare tactics.’ says Ged McCarthy, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association.
‘Let’s be really honest and tell the taxpayer and electricity consumer the true cost of subsidising coal power – at least $4 billion a year in NSW alone. That’s $862.00 per enrolled voter in NSW per annum. Barry O’Farrell is determined to black out those numbers and continue the Coalition beat up on solar. The cost of the Solar Bonus Scheme according to the NSW budget papers is $1.75 billion over the 7 year life of the scheme . . . just $54 per NSW voter per year. Let’s put the true cost of coal on the electricity bills and stop the solar backlash!’

Ged McCarthy is frustrated and angry at O’Farrell’s refusal to save the NSW solar industry, in its death throes just 5 weeks before Christmas. He says ‘$4 billion would certainly revive the dying solar industry and build some serious solar plants – why do we keep hiding the true cost of coal and subsidising the power of the past instead of funding future power – clean, green and carbon friendly. The Carbon Tax may not be perfect but at least it is a step in the right direction, the NSW and National Coalition are determined to drive us back into the dark ages of fossil fuels, future be damned!’

NSW’s great big coal subsidy scandal

November 1, 2011

Giles Parkinson and the Climate Spectator as unearthed the real cost of coal subsidies (and thus the price of electricity) in NSW. They have uncovered the fact that it is worth a staggering $4B, far more than originally estimated. And it had to originally be estimated because the Government kept trying to black out the data so no one would know the real cost – but they missed a few spots with the texta this time.
The Tamberlin inquiry into the NSW energy privatisation has revealed the gentrader assets would not have attracted any buyers were it not for a massively subsidised and heavily discounted coal supply. It also found that NSW coal-fired power stations depend on those subsidies to maintain their place in the merit order of the National Electricity Market.
The true fact is Coal fired power is a lot more expensive to produce than we are being told, the Renewable Energy Sector is being asked to compete against this heavily subsidised form of power generation, LETS GET SERIOUS AND START COMPARING APPLES WITH APPLES and see who comes out on top.
The NSW government wants any future renewable energy scheme to not cost the consumer or government any money, will they also extend this policy to all power generators.

Sun Sets on Solar in NSW

September 21, 2011

The Solar Industry is in its death throes in NSW, says Ged McCarthy, President of SEIA. ‘Despite the major solar import and install companies running major campaigns and promotions over the last month or so, the customers will not sign up for solar until Barry O’Farrell has provided a cast iron guarantee for a new Solar Bonus Scheme.’

‘Homeowners don’t trust this Government when it comes to renewables after the shenanigans over the Solar Bonus Scheme immediately after they assumed office. And Barry O’Farrell has made his personal feelings about wind power public, so one wonders about the Federal Liberal stance on Renewable Energy and a Clean Green Future for Australia.’

The NSW solar Industry cannot survive much longer. We have all tried to prop up our businesses and keep paying our staff over the past 6 months but if Barry O’Farrell doesn’t act soon, he will have effectively put us all out of business and slammed the door shut on solar in this state.’

NSW Premier must not hold back investment in renewable energy

September 8, 2011

THE solar industry is battling to stay buoyant with enquiry rates dipping dramatically for some companies.
And the president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Wauchope-based Ged McCarthy, more than 3000 jobs have already been lost within the industry in NSW in recent times.
“The NSW solar industry is in a state of depression,” Mr McCarthy said.
“The industry cannot wait until April 2012 for the IPART review as there will be very little of the industry left by then.
“In a recent phone survey conducted by SEIA of nearly 100 NSW solar companies, the results were devastasting.
“Those results showed that 416 people have already lost their jobs with another 108 people to be laid off in the coming four weeks if no policy is announced quickly.
“This equates to more than 3000 jobs lost already in NSW.
“On the back of that, enquiry rates have dropped from 200 to 300 per month to just 1 to 2 for some companies.”
Mr McCarthy said the industry agrees that the 60 cent tariff was too generouus and is not asking for a premium payment for exported energy.
“We are asking for a fair price for the green power that the system owners supply to the grid. The NSW industry, and most of the general public, believe that a 1:1 parity payment is a fair price for this green power – you are paid the same dollars as you are paying the retailer,” he said.
“Barry O’Farrell has shown his true colours by giving his personal opinion that no more wind farms would be approved in NSW if he had his way. He has shown that he does not believe in renewable energy and wants to stay with the high polluting power sources or – as discussed at the 2nd Solar Summit in July – move into nuclear power.
“This is amazing, as the rest of the world seems to be moving away from nuclear.”

ACT Solar saved by the Greens

June 30, 2011

ACT Greens get Liberal Support to save the ACT Solar Industry.

MEDIA RELEASE
Shane Rattenbury MLA, Climate Change Spokesperson, ACT Greens

30 June 2011

Greens Bill to encourage solar industry wins Liberal support

ACT Greens Energy spokesperson Shane Rattenbury MLA welcomed support from the Canberra Liberals for his Bill which will soften the impact on the local solar industry by rolling in the micro solar scheme into the medium scale scheme.

“The very sudden halt of the small scale solar Feed-in Tariff left an industry in the lurch just as it was beginning to flourish,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“It’s unfortunate that this Bill was required, but the reality is that without it the ACT solar industry would be facing real trouble and would start to let staff go over the next 2 months.

“We sought to overcome the crisis caused by the artificial cap imposed by the Labor and Liberal parties. The passage of this Bill will act against that.

“The Energy Minister has indicated that he would ensure the industry would be protected against sudden shocks, but we haven’t seen any sign of him doing this. We have acted to create a fairer framework to protect those Canberran small businesses.

“The Bill will change the current legislation so that all installations between 0-200kW can receive the medium scale tariff rate.

“The tariff rate has also been reduced to reflect the increasing efficiency in the industry. Householders who install solar after this Bill can still expect assistance from the feed-in tariff scheme to offset their investment in clean energy.

“The Greens Bill passing represents a win for a local industry, a better price for rate payers and a win for the environment,” Mr Rattenbury said.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Burmester – 0423 657 561 ACT Legislative Assembly GPO Box 1020, Canberra ACT 2601

Smart Solar Strategy

May 22, 2011

Today a letter has been sent to all NSW MP’s outling a Smart Solar Strategy for NSW.

The letter shows there is another way to make the savings required without ripping up the contracts of 120,000 + people.

These figures were provided to Minister Hartcher last Friday when he met with SEIA.

SEIA urges the Government to look seriously at the Smart Solar Strategy and provide security to the 120,000 customers who signed contracts in good faith, provide security to the business who have invested in the Solar Industry in NSW and show the people of NSW that they can have faith in the O’Farrell Government.

Download the Smart Solar Strategy here

And remember Australia’s Future is SOLAR!

Solar Rally

May 16, 2011

Well Friday the 13th May 2011 was certainly a Black Friday for the NSW Solar Industry with the newly elected Coalition Government not only closing the Solar Bonus Scheme but announcing that it will introduce retrospective legislation to reduce the Feed in Tarrif from 60c to 40c per Kilowatt hour.

We can not let them get away with this!

The Rally organised for Wednesday the 18th May has now just become a very important starting point to what might be a long fight to save our industry in NSW.

I call on Solar business’ and everybody who has made the desicion to install solar power Australia wide to show their support for our NSW counterparts. If we let the NSW Government get away with introducing retrospective legislation to reduce a Feed in Tarrif that Taxpayers signed up to in good faith then it sets a precident for other states to follow.

The Rally will be held in the Barnet Long Room
Customs House
31 Alfred Street
Circular Quay, Sydney
from 11.30 to 12.30

We need as many people as possible to build a strong crowd, and show how many people will be affected.

Yes, going to the city is a pest. Yes, parking is expensive. But you really have to be there, and with your whole crew.

And pass the this email on to your customers, your family, your friends to get their support, if we can get general public support we are well on our way to winning this thing.

Industry has clearly said this will bury many NSW businesses. This our opportunity to show the political cost of not doing the right thing and we only do that with bums on seats as a backdrop to the TV cameras.

We also need your financial support. This will cost us over $20,000 to run so we need your help. Every little bit helps, so please contribute what you can.

We need:

Primary sponsors ($1,500)
Secondary sponsors ($500)
Associate companies ($200 donation)
Supporters ($50 donation)

Sponsorships and donations can be made to the following account:
Account Name: SEIA
BSB: 032-653
Account Number: 231355
Please quote as reference SR – ‘your name’
Official receipts will be issued.

Please email your pledge for support to info@seia.org.au

As corporate supporters of this campaign, we will acknowledge your support in printed material and on the SEIA website. Sponsors may also care to distribute their own flyers at the event.

This campaign is about standing up for your industry, your company and your community. The event is clearly in your own corporate interest.

Combined we have a substantial voice – let’s make sure we are heard!

Again, Please forward this email to your customers, your family and your friends, lets get the message out to as many people as possible that we are going to fight for the rights of all who believe Australia’s Future is SOLAR!

Regards,
Ged McCarthy
President SEIA
Email: ged@seia.org.au
Ph: 0448 393 071
Web: www.seia.org.au

Black Friday for the NSW Solar Industry

May 13, 2011

Friday the 13th May was a black friday for the NSW Solar Industry. NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher not only announced the closure of the Solar Bonus Scheme to new applications, it advised that the Government would introduce retrospective legislation to reduce the Feed in Tariff paid to Solar System owners from 60c to 40c per kilowatt hour.

Minister Hartcher has said that the Government believes this to be a fair and responsible measure to reduce the burden imposed on NSW Taxpayers
Ged McCarthy, SEIA President asks the Minister, is fair and responsible to change a scheme that NSW Taxpayers joined in good faith, many of whom have borrowed money to install solar systems assuming that they were going to get a certain return on investment until 2017. Is it fair and responsible to leave suppliers and installers of Solar Power systems left holding millions of dollars worth of stock, much of which has been pre-paid prior to leaving the country of manufacture, pushing many to the brink of bankruptcy if not into bankruptcy. Is it responsible to subject the NSW Taxpayer to possible lawsuits as people effected by the Governments actions seek compensation.

The Solar Industry has been the victim of State and Federal Governement whims for too long, we are determined to fight through any and every avenue open to us for justice and an equitable and sustainable future for solar in NSW