Cutting red tape to enable solar power growth

Monday, 10 October 2016

• Cutting red tape to remove costly barriers for commercial rooftop solar systems
• Operators of power stations are no longer required to be licensed by the Economic Regulation Authority, saving industry about $1 million each year 

The Liberal National Government is removing unnecessary red tape to enable the next phase of the solar revolution and reduce cost pressures on the delivery of energy supplies to consumers.

Energy Minister Mike Nahan said Western Power, working with the Economic Regulation Authority, had changed its technical rules to make it easier for commercial solar photovoltaic systems to be fitted onto rooftops and into its network.

"These changes potentially reduce the cost of commercial-scale rooftop solar installations by up to $30,000 per system, while maintaining the safety and integrity of the electricity network," Dr Nahan said.

"The State Government continues to be a huge supporter of solar technology, with more than 190,000 WA households now using rooftop solar to help manage their energy needs.  The next phase of the solar revolution will be driven by commercial rooftop solar systems and that's why we're making it easier for businesses to take advantage of this technology."

Western Power's revised technical rules and connection standards remove redundant protection requirements now covered by modern inverters. 

The changes will streamline the photovoltaic system connection process, and follow the Liberal National Government's announcement in August that it had cut red tape to make it easier for solar power companies to offer innovative solutions to consumers, giving more West Australians access to solar energy technology.

Finance Minister Sean L'Estrange said power station operators would also benefit from regulatory changes that removed the need to obtain a licence from the Economic Regulation Authority.

"This change, which is necessary because there are numerous safeguards already in place, will save industry about $1 million each year in regulatory costs," Mr L'Estrange said.

"Energy is an essential service and these reforms are an important step in enhancing the efficiency of this economically significant sector."

Fact File

• There is now more than 500MW of rooftop solar capacity in WA - that is enough to power about 120,000 homes for an entire year
• Click here to read the Government's Red Tape Reduction Report Card
• Submit ideas to reduce red tape at http://www.finance.wa.gov.au