Beacon Lighting - Beacon Solar

Feed-in Tariffs
A feed-in tariff is a premium rate the electricity supplier pays you for any electricity that your solar power system feeds back into the grid. The energy providers are obliged to buy your solar energy for a rate above the market price (often 3 or 4 times the rate you pay for energy used from the grid).

Feed-in tariffs have been used effectively in Germany and Spain and are responsible for the huge success of solar power in over 40 countries around the world. The tariffs work to promote the adoption of more renewable energy solutions in a time when natural resources are quickly depleting and the harmful effects of global warming are being seen by all.

WA Net Feed In Tariff announced

The WA Government has announced the new 40c Net Feed In Tariff scheme to commence 1st August 2010. Under the scheme residential Synergy customers with systems 5kW and below; and Horizon Power customers with systems 10kW and below, will be paid for any excess power exported back into the electricity grid.

Feed in tariff recipients will receive payments for 10 years, with the scheme up for review every 3 years or 10MW of new generation.

The scheme will be administered by Synergy and Horizon Power. Existing customers of the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme will receive further information regarding payments from their respective electricity retailer. For further information please see WA Feed In Tariff FAQs

Click here to see the Minister for Energy, the Hon Peter Collier MLC Media Release.

NSW Gross Feed In Tariff

GET IN TODAY AND START ENJOYING THE SAVINGS!!

The NSW Government introduced the "Solar Bonus Scheme" allowing participating customers to earn a gross feed in tariff rate of 60 cents per kilowatt hour for solar power fed back into the grid. The gross feed in tariff is the most generous in Australia, meaning you can pay off your solar system even faster!

Your standard 1.5kW solar power system has the potential to earn $1,500 per year. At this rate the payback period for a standard system could be as low as 2.5 YEARS, and with ever increasing electricity costs predicted, it may be even sooner. But with a huge uptake expected, you'd better get in quick!

The proposed Solar Bonus Scheme is available to small electricity customers with solar PV systems up to 10kilowatts in size and is to operate for 7 years.

Click here to see the Premier's Media Release (10th Nov). For further information contact one of our helpful solar representatives on 1300 BE SOLAR or see NSW Solar Bonus Scheme frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Is every state the same?
Every states feed-in tariff structure differs. ACT and NSW operates on gross feed-in tariffs whereas Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania offer net feed-in tariffs.

What is the difference between NET and GROSS?
A gross feed-in tariff rewards you each kilowatt your system produces whereas a net feed-in tariff only rewards you for the surplus energy your system produces that is fed back into the grid after personal usage.

How can I maximize my tariff?
To get the maximum feed-in tariff results its best to use less electricity during the day when possible and only pull down from the grid at night when only costing you 14-16c per kW. This suits most lifestyles of those working full time. Try to switch off appliances that arent needed or shift some tasks to very early or to later at night.

When will the feed-in tariff program finish?
The time period that the tariffs will run varies for each state and at present Queensland, ACT and South Australia have all committed to 20 years whilst Victoria has agreed to a 15 year contract, all states will also perform reviews during this period. The only exception is WA were the tariff will only be payable until the cost of the system has been recuperated by the system owner.

Will small businesses and community groups be eligible?
Some states such as South Australia have included small businesses and community buildings, churches and smaller schools as long as their consumption is below 160MWh per annum, Queensland allows for small businesses using less than 100MWh per year.

Will I receive the premium feed-in tariff for any size system?
Victoria will only pay the premium feed-in tariff for systems up to 2kW. Anything above the 2kW will be paid the 1:1 tariff of whatever the electricity company rate is (usually around 14-16c per kW). ACT will only pay the premium feed-in tariff of 50.05c/kWh up to a 10kW capacity. Any system over 10kW will be paid 80% of the premium rate at 40.04c/kWh up to 30kW capacity. All other feed-in tariff states have not specified a maximum size for feed-in tariffs.

What if my system produces more electricity than I use?
You will be credited by your electrical provider for any surplus electricity you have sent to the grid. The Electricity Act 1996 states that if your account is in credit for any more than 12 months the electricity supplier must pay you the balance rather than keep the credit ongoing.

State	Feed In Tariff Status	Max Size	Rate	Gross / Net
ACT	In operation - Introduced March 2009.	Under 10kW - premium rate. Over 10kW - 80% of premium rate.	50.05c per kWh up to 10kW capacity. 40.04c per kWh up to 30kW capacity	Gross
QLD	In operation - Introduced July 2008.	-	44c	Net
SA	In operation - Introduced July 2008.	-	44c	Net
VIC	Law passed - to commence late 2009. Currently paying 1:1 tariff.	5kW	60c	Net
NSW	Law passed - to commence January 2010.	10kW	60c	Gross
TAS	Government yet to stipulate details of tariff.	-	Proposed 20c	Proposed Net
WA	Law passed - to commence August 2010. Currently paying 1:1 tariff.	5kW for Synergy 10kW for Horizon Power	40c	Net
Average cost of power is 14 -16c pr kW, tariffs usually 3 to 4 times the rate you pay for electricity.

Feed in tariffs and all figures are correct at the time (June 2010) and are subject to changes in Government regulations. Calculations based on a standard system producing 2500kW per year as stated by NSW Government. Payback period calculated on average 1.5kW Zone 3 system at approx $2,995 after RECs.