The Australian Government has realized how important solar energy is to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to the increase in usage of renewable resources. Their realization saw the introduction of a solar rebate, which ended on 9 June 2009. It was means tested and was available to households with an annual taxable income of less that $100, 000.

In place of the solar rebate the government has introduced the Green Loans, which will be available from 1 July 2009. The Green Loan gives households a four year interest free loan of up to $10, 000 to assist them with improving energy and water efficiency in their homes.

The Green Loan differs from the Solar Rebate in that homes are no longer given the money; instead it is now a loan that will need to be paid back over four years. This assistance requires individuals to take more responsibility for the effect they are having on the environment.

The abruptness of the solar rebate ending rebate has surprised and angered many people and influenced their decision to install solar panels. This is unfortunate, as the benefits of solar panels are multiple, and a few of these benefits include:

-    money saving
-    no greenhouse gas emissions
-    increase value to your house
-    protects individuals from the inevitable rise in electricity costs

It proved very popular as many people found the upfront costs of installing solar panels overwhelming. The Solar Rebate allowed more people to install solar energy in their homes as it reduced the cost by up to $8000.

Solar Energy is the cleanest, most viable form of renewable energy and the
solar panels convert sunlight to electricity silently, therefore it has no negatives. If the government is serious about reducing greenhouse emissions it is important that they make solar energy a realistic option for all households. The solar rebate was a good start, but will the green loan be able to do better? With the average cost of solar panels being very expensive will the new Green Loans increase the uptake of renewable energy like the solar rebate did? Only time will tell.

It was also generously extended to schools. Grants of up to $50,000 are available to each Australian school for the installation of grid connected solar power. This will be available to schools until June 2015. The solar rebate is not only good for schools, but an excellent opportunity for learning. The installation of solar panels is a great way to teach kids about renewable energy, the environment and show them that the choices they make can effect the environment positively or negatively.

To find out more about installing solar panels at your home or school give Solar Switch Australia a call today. They are waiting to hear from you and can answer any questions you have. Ph: 9401 0011 Website: http://www.SolarSwitchAustralia.com.au

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