Members of the Australian solar energy industry are hoping a downturn in the dollar will prompt a jump in solar sign-ons.

Reports online say that recent reductions have put solar panelling components at their cheapest price yet, and with a slight drop in the value of our dollar over the weekend, the cost savings of free energy may be more attractive than ever.

The opportunity won’t last long however, with some industry professionals saying global market shifts will lead to a greater cost for importers of high-tech solar components, so the cost to consumers may soon increase.

The payback period on a solar system feed in tariffs in some states will be slashed in the near future. The most recent announcement was the ACT's incentive being reduced from 1:1 to just 7.5c per kWh for those who don't lodge the necessary paperwork by June 30.