Queensland Renters to Benefit from LNP Opposition’s Solar Scheme

Parents for Climate welcomes today’s announcement by the Liberal National Opposition to provide renters across the state greater access to cheap solar energy via a $3,500 grant to eligible landlords.

Nic Seton, CEO of Parents for Climate, said: “This announcement is a ray of sunshine for renters, who want to enjoy the cost savings of solar energy like everyone else. It’s great to see these sorts of initiatives that will speed up the rollout of rooftop solar and make sure landlords and renters can both share in the benefits. 

“Rooftop solar gives households more choices to manage their energy usage - they can wash the never ending pile of kids' laundry or run the air con in the middle of the day without worrying their energy bill will go through the roof."

“It also gives parents who want to drive electric vehicles the ability to charge their cars cheaply at home, rather than paying for petrol or diesel."

“We know from evidence around Australia that households with rooftop solar can save more than $1,000 per year on their energy bills. Queensland already has the highest rate of rooftop solar uptake in the country and this announcement will help ensure no household or family misses out.”

In it recent report, Hothouse Australia: Our kids at risk as heat soars, Parents for Climate and Sweltering Cities found:

• Renters across Australia are regularly reporting indoor summer temperatures above 30°C, while temperatures exceeding 40°C are becoming more frequent. 50% of renters leave their homes on hot days to go to a cooler location. 
• In 2023, energy costs increased by over 20% in South East Queensland, with this trend set to continue. 
• Renters are disproportionately exposed to the impacts of inefficient homes with limited or no cooling appliances, putting children and vulnerable people at risk of health impacts. 
• Between July 2010 and January 2019, heatwaves in Queensland were associated with a 5 per cent increase in all-cause mortality compared to non-heatwave days.

In welcoming today’s announcement Mr Seton is also asking both sides of politics to embrace Parents for Climate’s Solar our Learning initiative that seeks support to install rooftop solar, batteries and energy efficiency upgrades at every school and childcare centre.

“Our Solar our Learning initiative is a game-changing clean energy program that would create thousands of local jobs in clean energy, while slashing energy bills for schools and early learning providers,” Seton said.