Shadow falls over solar panels

POPULAR government rebates of up to $8000 for households installing solar panels are one of the most inefficient ways of tackling climate change, according to a report commissioned by the Federal Government.

The report by the former head of the NSW Cabinet Office, Roger Wilkins, concludes that many climate-change programs cost taxpayers significantly more than the environmental benefits they delivered.

It found the solar panel rebates were among the worst offenders, costing more than $400 for each tonne of carbon dioxide emissions abated, much higher than any feasible market price on carbon emissions.