Well the massive year for the Solar Industry looks like finishing on a high note with continued growth in the number of PV systems installed in October once again leading to record numbers of RECs created…..and this of course has a follow through effect on REC’s (Renewable Energy Credits) prices paid.

Over 2.5 million PV RECs were created in October, a very credible 11% increase from already high September levels, which have increased consistently since February 2010, and in recent months has been strongly underpinned by systems sold in NSW. 

These ever increasing levels of RECs being created from solar pv grid systems has lead to a softening in the wholesale REC price and we have seen prices fall by $2 to $3 over the last few weeks, down to $33.60 as of Nov 22nd.

But remember the good news is that starting in Jan 2011, when the new Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) begins, all RECs  created by small-scale technologies (solar hot water and solar panels) will have a fixed price of $40!

If this is new information for you, the full story is available on one of our previous news posts at  http://sunshinesolarlife.com.au/uncategorized/good-news-for-solar-investors-with-new-sres-scheme/

In further positive news for the Australian economy as a whole as well as for the environment, Victorian Premier John Brumby has predicted around 10,000 jobs will be created from green projects over the next five years. Solar and wind power would contribute, along with a pledge of $10 million for training programs to help plumbers and electricians get acquainted with new technology. $5 million would go towards an energy efficiency and renewable power academy delivering the latest access to training for electricians, while $4 million would be allocated to the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre…….Victoria does seem to be leading the way in enthusiasm for large scale solar projects, but we have heard whispers of a very exciting commercial solar initiative that is in the planning stage on the Sunshine Coast that will be of great interest to small scale investors looking for low risk and high returns………watch this space for further details as they come to hand!