Kings of the sun

THE Bligh Government plans to deliver solar hot water to 200,000 Queensland homes at a fixed reduced price of $500 per household over the next three years.

The Government has sought expressions of interest from the industry to supply, deliver and install solar water heaters and heat pump water systems across the state.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson says the Government wants to canvas a range of businesses to allay concerns that only one supplier will get all the business.

When the Solar Hot Water Scheme was announced nearly 18,000 people expressed interest in the first week.

"This is a great response from the public and indicates thousands of people want to cut their greenhouse gas emissions and potentially save up to $300 on the average household’s annual electricity costs," says Robertson.

"To qualify for the program Queenslanders must be eligible for federal assistance totalling around $2800 and must have an electric hot water system."