Your Questions About Renewable Energy Certificates
Chris asks…
What does Penny Wong’s press release mean for renewable energy certificates between now and Jan 1st?
admin answers:
Good question David
From my understanding (and I fully support the amendments to the RET by the way), domestic REC values will be $40 each for the next six months, and the solar multiplier for domestic PV will remain as it was been until then as well. After that time both the value of the RECs AND the amount of PV multiplier will be reviewed and changed as needed which will ultimately mean less capital subsidies for domestic systems. Bare in mind that PV prices have been plummetting lately, which in effect means the subsidy CAN be reduced and system out of pocket costs remain about the same.
If more RECs are generated than needed in that timeframe, the target will be temporarily lifted and then adjusted/corrected as we get closer to 2020.
Hope that helps, and we’ll see how things develop. I’m involved in a sustainability group who will be doing a PV bulk purchase soon – we’ve been waiting for this amendment before going ahead with it as without it, the phantom RECs from the solar mutiplier have been eliminating any net climate benefits.
Edit : I clarified the situation with a policy advisor and if a system is generated now (or in the next six months) the RECs created will count to the 2010 allocation which will mean less slice of the pie for large scale renewables, and therefore the REC is essentially wasted. Advice is to purchase a (domestic) system ONLY if you can defer the RECs generation until after Jan 1st to make sure it will fall into the new system.
Also, here’s the official media release… Http://www.climatechange.gov.au/en/minister/wong/2010/media-releases/June/mr20100625.aspx
Donald asks…
Does anyone here install or work with solar panels and/or wind turbines?
I am looking for some information on a career in this area. Currently I am trying to get some feelers out there, in order to move along in the right direction. I live in New England and would like to know my options. Whether it be schooling, worshops, certificate programs, or an apprenticeship. Please provide me with any information that will get me on my way.
admin answers:
/i became a solr tech by starting with in house training/self training. It was a start up company, now getting bigger. If i was not exp. And wanting to start out, i would look for a renewable energy diploma. Here in NC, they offer it at NC State. Its 3-week long courses that cover thermal, pv, radiant floors, and business aspects of the solar industry. Show this diploma to any solar comp, and your ahead of the game.
(a benefit would be if your skilled in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry) Good Luck
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