It’s happy days for solar power supporters in New South Wales. Legislation for a gross solar feed in tariff has been passed, making the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme one of the most generous feed in tariffs in the nation.
Early in November, the Rees Government reversed a decision to run with a net feed in tariff system that would have only paid a premium rate on surplus electricity generated and exported to the mains grid by a home solar power system. The gross model will instead pay a whopping 60c for every kilowatt hour generated.
According to Max Sylvester of Energy Matters, a national provider of solar power solutions, the New South Wales Government move will stimulate a flurry of installations in NSW. “We were already seeing a huge uptick in interest when the Rees Government tabled their plans for a gross feed in tariff. Use of our instant online solar quoting system by New South Wales people jumped 40% overnight. The legislation passing means a great deal to not only the solar industry in the state, but also to the level of clean energy being generated in New South Wales.”
The details of New South Wales gross solar feed in tariff initiative are as follows:
– Pays 60 c/KWh on a gross basis
– Maximum system size 10 kW
– Program runs for 7 years
– Commences 1 January 2010
– Reviewed in 2012
“The 60c per kilowatt hour means that systems installed in New South Wales under the Solar Bonus Scheme will pay for themselves in a far shorter time, after which they will generate an income for households.” said Mr. Sylvester. “Additionally, as well as the Solar Credits rebate, if people take advantage of the Federal Government’s Green Loans program which offers interest-free financing, the revenue generated by their system will in many cases meet the repayments – effectively providing them with a free solar power system.”
Minister for Energy, Climate Change and the Environment John Robertson said the scheme would triple the existing capacity of small scale solar PV systems, bringing the state’s total up to50 megawatts. This would equate to around 33,000 NSW customers with solar panels installed on their roofs – more than any other state or territory in Australia.
More details on the New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme
New South Wales solar power specials
Instant online quote for NSW solar power
