The Tasmanian Greens today called for the Minister for Workplace Standards to cut red tape that is threatening to strangle the rooftop solar industry.
Greens Energy Spokesperson, Kim Booth MP today highlighted industry concerns that the application of the new Building Codes for solar installations would increase the cost of solar installations and lead to job losses.
“This new extra regulatory impost means that Councils now require planning fees and an accredited builder to install solar panels,” said Mr Booth.
“There are serious industry concerns that this extra layer of bureaucratic red tape will cost jobs and that is just what we don’t need in Tasmania.”
“Every solar installation is already required to be engineered, installed and inspected according to Australian Standards.”
“According to the Director of DMS Energy this new planning requirement is an industry killer.”
“Industry players say the best case scenario will add about 25% to the contracted value of solar installation and a worst case scenario could add an extra $3900 for each system installed, or 100% increase in the total system cost.”
“The industry is also concerned that a new legal minefield has been opened up as only accredited builders will be legally permitted to do the job, whilst the solar experts are driven off the site.”
“Ultimately, pointless red tape drives the price up for consumers and potentially drives companies out of business, something that the Property Council and the HIA should reflect on given their role in wrapping the building industry up in worthless over-regulation.”
“These extra costs will drive mums and dads away from installing solar as the costs are prohibitive. It will put pressure on the solar industry and lead to loss of jobs.”
