“Five million Australians now use solar energy – whether it’s solar panels or solar hot water systems, or both. This decision is an attack on them and on others who plan to switch to solar,” said Greenpeace Australia Pacific climate and energy campaigner, Dr. Nikola Casule.
“Australian families understand that putting solar panels on your roof can halve your electricity bill - that's why we've seen such massive growth in domestic solar over the past decade.
“We want more renewable energy, not less. An Ipsos survey in May showed that solar energy is the most popular source of electricity in Australia, with more than three times the backing of coal-fired or nuclear power.
"Renewable energy from sources like wind and solar is also crucial in the fight against dangerous climate change,” he said.
The government has banned the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation from investing in wind power or roof-top solar panels – a move that will set back efforts to make solar energy affordable for lower-income families and small businesses.
“It’s outrageous that the government is trying to attack the renewables industry when it’s so crucial for jobs, investment and the fight against dangerous climate change.
"China, the biggest importer of Australian coal, is installing solar at a faster rate than Australia is. It's time for this government to listen to the millions of people calling for more renewable energy and real action on climate change, instead of selling them out for the benefit of the fossil fuel industry,” said Dr. Casule.