By Rob O'Brien

Solar panels will be mandatory for all new and substantially refurbished government buildings from July 1 next year, Premier Mike Rann has announced.
 

Speaking from Copenhagen where he is chairing the international States and Regions Alliance Climate Leaders Summit, the Premier said the decision would increase South Australia’s target for renewable energy generation to 33 per cent by 2020.

“That puts us in a world leading position on renewable energy targets along with California,” he said.

“This decision means that government-owned and operated residential buildings will have a minimum of 1.5kW of solar panels installed while all other new government buildings will have a minimum of 5kW.

Mr Rann said that South Australia continued to lead the nation in grid connected domestic solar systems and had committed to meeting 50 per cent of the government’s own electricity needs from GreenPower by 2014.

“We were the first to introduce solar feed-in laws and have the largest solar array in Australia at the Wayville Showgrounds,” he said.

“We have already taken the lead by installing solar panels on our most prominent public buildings such as Parliament House, the Art Gallery, Museum, Adelaide airport and schools.

“It’s already 20 per cent, and this move will further support the renewable energy industry. It is yet another measure to provide economic stimulus and green jobs growth.”