The Queensland government will look at expanding a pilot solar power scheme after an initial offer of 1000 home-use systems met an overwhelming response.
The government last week announced it would bulk-buy 1000 solar systems to drive down the cost of the environmentally friendly option for householders. The Queensland Solar Homes Scheme would cut the cost of installing solar power from about $5000 to $1500.
More than 5000 people expressed interest in the scheme in just 48 hours. Premier Anna Bligh said she had thought the order of 1000 was ambitious, given that only 446 Queensland homes now have solar power.
Systems would be offered to households chosen in a ballot, Ms Bligh said. "I am very pleased that we've had such an overwhelming response to our new program to make solar panels much more affordable," she told reporters in Brisbane yesterday.
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http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2008/03/09/1204998270371.html?s_rid=smh:top5