When Gordon Fraser-Quick heard the news on Tuesday, 10 November 2009, that the New South Wales Government had introduced a gross feed-in tariff for its state’s rooftop solar systems, he thought there must be something wrong with his hearing.
“So I turned up the volume on my car stereo and there it was: the voice of John Robertson, the state’s Environment Minister, announcing that households will be paid for all the electricity they generate using solar panels on their homes!”
Renowned as Lismore’s ‘solar guru’ – he’s also a man who puts his money where his mouth is. An environmental consultant who also works with Lismore business Nickel Renewable Energy, Mr Fraser-Quick installed a 1.7 kilowatt capacity system on his South Lismore home over 12 months ago and hasn’t looked back since.
It’s a win, win, win
“I’m thrilled,” he said, upon hearing the NSW Government announcement that it will be the only state in Australia to offer a gross payment scheme on solar. Not only is it a step in the right direction in addressing the problem of growing greenhouse gas emissions, it will provide a boost for the solar industry that employs him and it will also earn him a third income. “This is great for the planet, my pocket and my job,” he said. “It’s a win, win, win and I can’t help but grin!”
Mr Fraser-Quick’s home is 100% powered by the sun. “My system produces around 2,700 kilowatt hours of clean, climate friendly, planet saving renewable energy each year, so it will earn me up to $1,600 per year through the proposed gross feed-in tariff.”
In fact he’s so passionate about solar, he voluntarily started and coordinated a community program – the Lismore Climate Care Solar Rollout project - with the goal to convert 50 houses in the Lismore area to solar. His efforts were so successful the project has so far rolled out solar technology to over 230 homes in the town.
"With this week’s news that they would change over to a gross payment scheme, those solar owners and new solar investors will be paid a premium price for the energy they sell back to the grid," Mr Fraser-Quick explained.
According to the NSW Government, that will equate to around $1,500 a year extra income for the average solar-powered household.
The gross feed-in tariff is a massive boost for the renewable energy system in New South Wales,” Gordon said. “With the feed-in tariff plus the current Small Business Tax Rebate Incentives there has never been a better time to invest in solar energy systems.”
Solar Farming
Working with Nickel Renewable Energy in Lismore, Gordon is currently seeking businesses and farmers to invest in solar farming, by installing systems generating up to 10kW capacity on individual properties.
"Earning 60 cents per kilowatt hour using a larger solar system can generate very attractive returns on investment and make a substantial contribution to business income," he said.
Gordon believes the NSW gross model to have set the standard for a national feed-in tariff: “It should be a model repeated across the nation.”
Countries such as sometime-sunny Germany have proved the effectiveness of the gross feed-in tariff model for many years and Germany now boasts the highest solar power capacity in the world.
Yet in hot, dry, drought-ridden Australia – a country which has the highest rates of sun cancer in the world – citizens and their elected representatives just aren’t showing the same interest or action in using their vast solar resources.
When asked if he thought the Australian people are ready and willing to invest in renewable energy, he said: “The Australian community has demonstrated great commitment to investment in renewable energy. The feed-in tariff is likely to result in even greater interest.”
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When Gordon Fraser-Quick heard the news on Tuesday, 10 November 2009, that the New South Wales Government had introduced a gross feed-in tariff for its state’s rooftop solar systems, he thought there must be something wrong with his hearing.
