February 15, 2013
Regional Queensland’s love affair with solar energy reached record heights last year with 31,990 new solar systems connected to Ergon Energy’s network under the State Government’s Solar Bonus Scheme.
Ergon spokesman Paul Jordon said the number of solar PV systems installed in regional Queensland almost doubled in just 12 months to December 2012.
“In December 2012, there were 65,361 solar systems connected to Ergon’s network, up 96 per cent from 33,371 in December 2011,” he said.
“That equates to more than 195MW of solar photovoltaic capacity on residential and commercial rooftops connected to Ergon’s network.
“These systems are generating in excess of 820MWh a day, enough to power 43,000 average homes each day, providing there is sufficient sunshine.”
Mr Jordon said one in seven detached homes in regional Queensland – about 15 per cent – now had a solar PV system. It’s estimated up to 25,000 more solar systems will be connected in 2013.
At the end of January, there were 2345 solar PV systems installed in the areas served by Ergon’s Kingaroy, Murgon, Yarraman and Proston depots.
This includes 627 in Kingaroy, 529 in Nanango, 181 in Blackbutt, 153 in Wondai, 121 in Murgon, 87 in Yarraman, 48 in Goomeri, 44 in Bernarkin, 40 in Kumbia, 36 in Maidenwell, 33 in Booie and 29 in Proston.
Mr Jordon urged customers who have lodged a signed network agreement with Ergon Energy for the 44 cent feed in tariff to proceed with installation quickly to avoid a last-minute rush before the June 30 deadline.
“Failure to have their system installed and ready for meter connection with lodgement of a Form A by that date will void the 44 cent feed in tariff under the Solar Bonus Scheme,” he said.
“As long as we have a Form A by midnight on June 30, the meter for the solar system can be installed later.”
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