Media Release

19 March 2008

Government Cold on Solar Heating

The low uptake of solar-powered heating systems needs some serious attention from the Government if they want to increase the number of homes using them, says New Zealand First energy spokesperson Peter Brown.

“The Government Energy Minister has admitted that the criteria used for installation could be revisited and the training of installers improved. But the most useful change could be to the funding of the subsidy.

“The current subsidy of $500 is totally inadequate and reflects an apathetic attitude towards energy efficiency schemes in general.

“The subsidy should be tripled to $1500 so that homeowners can invest in a decent solar powered system. Some homeowners have had cheap Chinese models installed because otherwise the expense is enormous, and some of these shoddy imports have caused no end of trouble for of their owners.

“The Government should act to make sure that their actions back up the fine words coming from the Energy Ministry, with more help for those who would like to use solar technology,” said Mr Brown.

ENDS

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