Saving the planet !

If global warming is fast becoming a matter of human survival for the population of planet earth, then surely there is a better way than just imposing a carbon tax.   One of the objectives of this coming carbon tax is to convince the electricity generating industry to move from burning coal to renewable energy.   The coal fired electricity generators are the biggest source of carbon dioxide release and their elimination would go a long way towards resolving the problem.

It may take a case of " push " moving to " shove " to have that happen in the short term.  We already encourage householders to install rooftop solar energy installations and buy back excess power generated at a premium price, but surely the time has come to make solar energy a requirement in the specification of all new homes.

Present laws make it compulsory to connect to water and sewerage.  Would it not be reasonable to require every new home to be capable of  generating at least it's own energy needs, with any excess returned to the grid for the same credit rate as the price charged to the householder when that home draws from the grid ?

Comparing the price of an average solar energy collector with that of the average new dwelling reveals a minuscule cost to comply, and brings the benefit of at least a highly reduced power bill - or perhaps no power bill at all.   It would not be unreasonable to add the requirement of installing solar as part of the approval process for renovations or extensions to existing homes.   The aim would be to eventually have every home in this country contributing to the national electricity grid.

This could certainly be achieved by extending the requirement that all existing homes being offered for resale must have solar power fitted before a contract can be exchanged.   Once again, in comparison of the sum of money about to change hands, the cost of such installation is trivial.

It is all a matter of urgency of need.   If those predicting coming disaster are right, then we are facing a national emergency and we need take drastic steps to save the planet- and ourselves.    But if the pundits are wrong - at least we will have solved the power problem - and ensured long term cheap electricity for all !