So could workers in the solar energy industry – seen as a major economic opportunity for the Orana region.

The federal government has received recommendations from a review of the Renewable Energy Target to cut solar energy subsidies.

The review also suggested slashing the government’s target to have 20 per cent of energy renewable by 2020, stopping new companies starting big energy projects and scaling back those under way.

The solar industry fears big job losses if the recommendations are implemented.

 The cost of panels could increase and price some people out of the market. Dubbo, which has led Australia in the number of solar powered homes, would have job losses and some companies could go broke.

It is not clear if cuts to subsidies would affect residents who have been selling energy back into the power grid - a nice little earner for people also doing the right thing by the planet.

Nor is it clear what impacts might be on the massive solar energy development at Nyngan or plans for another solar site, supported by many inland councils, which could produce enough power for Sydney and Melbourne.

The government will respond in the next month. Given its propensity for financial slash and burn measures, many people will be hoping this is not sunset for solar energy.