The Greens' plan to help Australia's millions of renters access cheaper and cleaner energy by creating a pathway for landlords to install solar on their properties has been warmly welcomed by Rewiring Australia.
The Greens' election commitment to fund the installation of solar panels on rentals ensures a third of Australians don't miss out on reduced power bills.
"We strongly support this proposal from the Greens. We don't want renters to miss out on cheaper and cleaner energy, so this is a great initiative," Rewiring Australia's CEO Francis Vierboom said.
The Greens plan would allow renters to ask their landlords to install solar panels, with landlords only being able to refuse on certain grounds.
The cost of installation would be funded by a $10 billion fund which would be created from the Snowy Hydro. Landlords could either pay back the cost of solar and installation early, or when the property is sold.
"This financing model is similar to Rewiring Australia proposals, which allow for the cost of solar to be recouped after the property's sale. It makes sense and removes the barrier of upfront costs.
"We know electrifying our homes significantly reduces our power bills. It shouldn't just be homeowners who get to enjoy the financial benefits of solar.
"We believe this fund being proposed by the Greens would be a foundational piece of Australia's housing and energy policy toolkit, and we applaud them for it, and would encourage other political parties to support it if they want a fairer energy system for all Aussies," Francis Vierboom said.
Rewiring Australia research shows average homes that fully electrify their homes, including upgrading to an electric vehicle, can save more than $4,000 a year, including when accounting for using finance for upfront costs.
"The evidence is there. We know making the switch will save people hundreds, and potentially thousands of dollars a year. Any step to make that easier for all Australians regardless of their circumstances is a great move," Francis Vierboom said.
