ACT Feed In Tariff Launched - Canberra Solar Power To Boom

 

The ACT's new gross feed in tariff system came into effect yesterday and is set to create a thriving solar power industry for Canberra.

While some states only offer buyback rates a little above the market rate for electricity or have no feed in tariff program at all, the ACT scheme pays between 50.05c/kWh for electricity produced by grid connected solar power systems up to 10kw capacity and 40.04c/kWh for systems up to 30kW capacity. 

The program, set at a multiplier of 3.88 on the market rate for electricity and guaranteed for 20 years, offeris those considering investing in a solar power system reassurance they will be able to recoup their outlay in a much shorter time than in other states. 

The other major difference in the ACT feed in tariff program is it is based on a gross model whereby all electricity generated attracts the premium rate. Other states programs are based on a net model, meaning that only electricity generated surplus to the consumption of the building the system is supplying is eligible.

Canberra's largest electricity provider, ActewAGL, is yet to update its web site reflecting the details of the new program.

While the ACT's feed in tariff program is expected to see a rush on business and home solar power systems being installed in Canberra and surrounding areas, parties interested in developing solar farms above 30 kW capacity will need to wait a little longer as a decision is yet to be made on rates and guidelines for larger systems. 

The ACT Greens say they will be lobbying intensely over the next few months to ensure legislation is in place to encourage medium and large scale generators to develop solar farms in the Canberra area.

Given the fractured system of feed in tariffs in Australia, the issue is a confusing one for many consumers as each state has differing guidelines guidelines. National programs in place around the world have consistently proven that a gross feed in tariff is one of the most cost effective ways to encourage the uptake of solar energy. 

The Council Of Australian Governments (COAG) met late last year on the issue creating a national, uniform feed in tariff program, but since that time there appears to have been little activity. The principles discussed at that meeting were also criticised as being a watered down version of what is needed for a successful program.

Australian solar power company Energy Matters, concerned by the lack of progress on the implementation of such a system and how it would operate, recently launched an online petition with the goal of encouraging the federal government to move forward with a national program as soon as possible. The petition at FeedInTariff.com.au has attracted over 11,000 signatures to date and the Victoria based company has also continued actively lobbying and consulting with government behind the scenes. 

Related:

Further details on the ACT / Canberra solar feed in tariff

Survey: Australians' Solar Power Motivations

 

The results of a survey just published by Australia's Alternative Technology Association show that most Australians purchasing solar power systems primary motivation goes beyond electricity cost savings.

The survey found that 53% of respondents who had already installed solar power or solar hot water systems, did so in order to reduce their carbon footprint. 43% stated they wanted to increase renewable energy generation in Australia. Only 19% installed solar energy systems to reduce their electricity bills.

In what could be interpreted as an increasing awareness of the relationship between electricity generation and carbon dioxide emissions, among those planning to install a solar hot water system in the coming months, 82% stated their primary motivation being the carbon reduction aspect, 23% for financial reasons, with the remaining percentage quoting other reasons.

However, according to the ATA, the survey reveals that many respondents did not understand the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) system at the time of installing their solar panels, with 62% believing that, in general, information on RECs was insufficient.

Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET), requires electricity retailers to buy 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. RECs are the trading currency for clean power and  accompany the purchase of solar power and solar hot water systems. Aside from government rebates, the sale of Renewable Energy Certificates to electricity retailers can offset the cost of implementing solar energy. 

The ATA says that home owners who who choose not to cash in their RECs will be forcing electricity retailers to buy elsewhere, resulting in their home contributing to Australia's clean energy generation, over and above the RET. The ATA has also recently expressed misgiving about the upcoming Solar Credits program, fearing that it will generate "phantom RECs" that will actually see less renewable energy generated in Australia.

Solar Energy To Help Power Coffee Company

 

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, based in the USA state of Vermont, will build the state's  largest grid connected solar array on the rooftop of its distribution center in Waterbury. The construction of the 100 kW solar array is expected to begin soon and completed late this year.

While the electricity generated by the approximately 530 solar panels will only produce a small percentage of the total electricity Green Mountain Coffee needs for its production facilities, the project is seen by the company to demonstrate environmental leadership and to show US state and federal governments that solar energy is viable, but needs policies that provide a broad-reaching structure for all forms of renewable energy. The project is expected to produce electricity equivalent to the consumption of 16 houses.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is a company that appears to take its environmental and social responsibility commitments quite seriously through many initiatives including the allocation of 5% of their pre-tax earnings to social and environmental causes, sales of Fair Trade Certified coffee, energy efficiency and waste reduction programs, projects in coffee-growing communities and product donations. 

The company is also a regular sponsor of National River Cleanup, part of the their CAFÉ Program (Community Action for Employees), which provides paid time off for employees to volunteer in their local communities.

Recently, the company also issued a request for proposals from nonprofit organizations that are working to address climate change, offering four USD $200,000 grants for projects in transportation-related emissions, threats to coffee-growing communities, building political will, and individual empowerment.

News for Friday 27 February, 2009

 

• Emissions Debate Heating Up In Australia
  

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