Solar panels in my neighbourhood

On my morning or evening walks I have been trying to spot Solar Panels (Photovoltaic) and as a result of the Federal Government rebate they are springing up all over the place. So far I have counted 11 houses with my house yet to be installed.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006 Census) indicates there are approx 7,700 occupied private dwellings in my suburb, with a median weekly family income (2006)approximately $1100.

So 11 solar panels installations spotted + 1 to be installed = 0.1558 % of dwellings that will get their $8000 from the government. Not a large take-up here but enough throughout Australia to cause the government to drop the scheme and develop a less generous one. Now there are probably more installations I haven't yet seen, or like myself with applications waiting (due to the demand).
Imagine the ramp up in jobs that would be created if even 1% of households took up the offer. The panels themselves are probably made in China (like everything else) but the installers, sales, company staff are all jobs for Australians.

The Electricity companies are also hard pushed to keep up with the demand in feedback meters I'm told. Imagine what it is like in areas north of Melbourne where the solar gain is much higher. Is the take-up of panels better for NSW, SA, WA and Queensland areas? I would love to know - some stats are available from http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/history.html.

But with only 1% take-up there will be a negligible reduction in CO2 usage - we need much more if you are a Climate Change believer. The REC's will go to the polluters unless we buy them back from the installers. Unlike the poor Liberal and National Party politicians who are so stuck over the issue. Their day of reckoning is fast approaching!