Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are set to be dramatically cut with new research showing one in every two households in Queensland is considering making the switch to solar water heating over the next two years, probably due to a combination of the generous federal government rebate, the financial squeeze of rising electricity prices and concerns about the environment.
The national Newspoll survey of 1,062 home-owners aged 18 to 64 , commissioned by Solahart showed that 56% of home owners in Queensland who don’t currently have solar hot water were likely to consider installing solar water heating over the next two years, which is a significant increase on the 9% of households currently enjoying hot water free from the sun.
Environmental expert Tim Flannery said the results were exciting.
"Australians are among the highest greenhouse polluters on a per capita basis in the developed world, caused largely by the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Residents in Brisbane have a role to play in reducing carbon emissions and it's promising to see that people are keen to take action," said Mr Flannery.
“Electric water heaters are a major contributor to the problem, accounting for roughly a quarter of household energy consumption. By comparison, using a solar water heater saves about 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year,” he added.
Solahart’s National Manager, Stephen Cranch said the recent 15% rise in Queensland electricity prices along with the generous federal government rebate are key reasons why solar water heating will increase significantly over the next two years.
“Higher energy costs as well as the generous $1,600 federal government rebate are enticing people to choose solar water heaters. On top of this more than $500 is also available in Renewable Energy Certificates for the same Solahart system,” said Mr Cranch.
“We expect the uptake will rival the huge spike in growth experienced by both the internet and mobile phones, with solar water heating becoming a part of everyday life for most Brisbane households. It’s also good news for workers as it will create hundreds of new jobs in the industry,” he added.
iNewspoll online Omnibus Survey, 30 April-3 May and 14-17 May 2009, 1,062 Australian home owners aged 18-64
