Prime Minister Tony Abbott clearly isn't a big fan of the renewable energy sector.
When asked about renewable energy yesterday, he said "when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow, well the power doesn't flow."
It isn't the most encouraging snapshot of a sector that is so much more than wind and sunshine.
Abbott began the day yesterday complaining that the Renewable Energy Target (RET) is pushing up power prices.
"There are different figures as to how much the RET is driving up power prices. Some people said that it was worse than the carbon tax in terms of the impact on prices, others said it was more like 3 or 4 per cent, but in any event we don’t want any needless increases in the power price," he said in an interview on 2GB radio.
"We’ve got massive supplies of coal, we’ve got massive supplies of gas; we should be making the most of our natural advantages. It’s one of the few strong natural advantages we’ve got given our distance from markets, given our relatively small population, so let’s make the most of it.
"Now, as I said, the Coalition supports renewable energy, but we want to try to make the most of it in ways which don’t artificially increase power prices and that’s why we’ve got this review in place at the moment."
The current RET, which is under review, mandates that 20 per cent of Australia's energy mix is generated from renewable sources by 2020. The RET Review is expected to go before Cabinet in the next couple of months.
Australian Solar Council CEO John Grimes said solar actually saves money and creates jobs.
"Solar has cut the average electricity bill by more than 50 per cent. In 2015/16 roof-top solar costs will represent just one per cent of an average electricity bill," he said.
Grimes said solar reduces wholesale electricity prices and strengthens the electricity grid.
He said roof-top solar has delivered over 18,500 new jobs, created 4,500 solar businesses, and resulted in 3,000 MW of solar installations.
Meanwhile, the carbon tax is expected to go before the new Senate next week.