This week's Federal budget held a surprise in the additional funding of $245.3 million to meet the continued demand for the Solar Homes and Communities Plan - the $8,000 rebate. This adds to the $150 million that had been allocated to be utilized by 30 June. The extra allocation is due to “the highest uptake of solar installations ever seen in the Australian community”, according to the Minister, The Hon. Peter Garrett. This is very good news for the village sector because significantly more residents and ILU’s can be accepted before the June 30 cut off.