The WA solar industry has been dealt an unexpected blow by the Barnett Government with the sudden closure of their feed-in-tariff.

"The Clean Energy Council is disappointed by this decision. West Australians have clearly demonstrated their enthusiasm for solar as a way to minimise the impact of future electricity price rises and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Chief Executive Matthew Warren said.

"We are disappointed that this announcement has been made without any consultation with the solar industry and with no consideration of the future support for this popular technology."

Mr Warren said changes to the Commonwealth's solar incentives, as well as the State's decision to reduce their feed-in-tariff - which both took effect on July 1 - had contributed to a spike in applications.

"The temporary rush by consumers to get access to the best incentives unfortunately appears to have been used as an excuse to shut down an industry which was on track to stabilise under the lower incentives, as was the experience in other states," he said.

Mr Warren said without an alternative scheme in place, jobs would be lost.

"The solar industry continues to seek policy certainty so that it is not at the mercy of knee-jerk reactions," Mr Warren said.

"West Australians have invested in the solar industry - both as consumers and in terms of new training, skills and jobs. The WA Government should not be turning back on this emerging industry."

"We are calling on the WA Government to consider redesigning the scheme to ensure long-term sustainability of the industry and would welcome the opportunity to work with them on such a process."

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