By NOEL MURPHY
POWERCOR is denying local home-owners solar power because of unrealistic limits and inadequate infrastructure, according to an installation operator.
City to Surf Solar director Christian Pritchett said the paralysis was afflicting all outlying areas of Geelong and significant parts of the urban area.
“Many of our clients who have waited until now to install solar power are finding they’re out of luck.
“Powercor are just trying to protect its assets but instead of nursing the old infrastructure it would be nice if there was more vision from the authorities to get with the times and do something about upgrading instead of knocking people back from trying to do the right thing.”
Mr Pritchett was frustrated about submiting solar approval applications for clients “only to have to go back and inform them they’ve been denied”.
He said Powercor had imposed excessive restrictions on poles and wires, saying too much solar power in any one area could affect its costs to maintain outdated infrastructure.
“If a resident’s neighbours have installed solar power ahead of them, their application for cleaner, greener, more cost-effective approach to power may be denied.”
Powercor spokesman Drew Douglas issued a statement saying the energy sector was changing amid a significant shift in the way electricity was generated, distributed and stored.
“In the past five years there has been a major increase in both household and commercial solar-powered generation which has had and will continue to have an impact on the way we maintain and extend our distribution network.
“Governments have also instituted initiatives that will change the way energy is consumed.
“In 2011 the average inverter size was around 1.15kW. In 2012, inverters up to 2.5kW were common and this year we’re seeing 5kW.”
