Solar panel installers in urban areas are reporting that between 50 and 70% of orders were being canceled. In rural areas, about 30% of orders are being canceled. According to the Clean Energy Council, one installed has had 98% of orders canceled.

The cancellations result from the means test placed on the rebate for domestic solar panel installation in last weeks budget. From midnight on Tuesday, a family that earns more than $100,000 a year can no longer claim the rebate of up to $8000 on a solar photovoltaic system for their home.

The lost business will cost installers millions of dollars. Some staff have already been laid off and other installers have abandoned plans to recruit more staff.

Because the change does not require legislation, it cannot be overturned by the Senate. Opposition Climate Change Spokesman, Greg Hunt, commented that “This is a decision which is not only destructive to small business people and the environment, but it was taken in stealth and the Parliament has been entirely excluded from having any say,”