Solar Feed In Tariffs Ending – Who, What, Where And When?

There’s been a great deal of coverage about some solar feed in tariffs (FiTs) ending in Australia soon. Below is a summary regarding who will be affected, when and how; plus links to further information and recommended action guides.

For the very latest on Feed-in Tariffs go to our FiT page.

Solar Feed In Tariff Program Closures

Some of the commentary that has appeared online recently makes it sound as though all solar feed in tariffs are going the way of the dodo. However, it’s just specific programs in several states that are ending – some of the legacy incentives.

There will still be payments to participants for electricity exported after these programs end, albeit at a significantly reduced rate. That will have a significant impact on participants’ power bills.

South Australia

The first to face reductions will be Group 4 participants in South Australia. This consists of households with solar power systems that became eligible between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2013, and who had an import/export meter installed by midnight 29 January 2014.

Group 4 participants have been receiving a rate of 16c per kilowatt hour for surplus electricity exported. This 16c payment will end September 30 this year. After that time, Group 4 participants will be eligible for the standard feed in tariff rate of (currently) 6.8c per kilowatt hour.

Learn more: SA Group 4 Solar Feed In Tariff Guide.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, there will be much more of an impact on affected solar power system owners.

The ~140,000 participants who joined the Solar Bonus Scheme before May 2011 have been receiving either 60c or 20c per kWh for all electricity generated.

The Solar Bonus Scheme feed in tariff will end on December 31, 2016 and the new rates will be as little as 4.7-8c per kWh on average. These will be only payable on surplus electricity you export to the grid. There is also an added complication as meter changeovers will be necessary in most cases.

Learn more: NSW – Solar Bonus Scheme Impacts And Action Plan.

Victoria 

The Victorian Transitional Feed In Tariff (TFIT) succeeded the Premium Feed-in Tariff in 2011 and closed to new participants in December, 2012. The TFIT pays solar power system owners a minimum of 25 cents per kWh for electricity exported to the grid.

The 25c feed in tariff will cease on December 31, 2016 and participants will then receive as little as 5c kWh.

Learn more: Post- TFIT Guide And Recommendations.

If you’re affected by solar feed in tariff changes and would like some personalised advice; contact our friendly, expert team on 1800 EMATTERS (1800 362 883) or via our contact form.

Read more about current solar feed in tariff rates throughout Australia.