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The NSW Government has announced there will be no change to payments for customers already receiving or about to receive tariff payments under the Solar Bonus Scheme. This includes customers on the 60 cent or 20 cent tariff rate. The Solar Bonus Scheme provides a feed-in tariff for eligible customers with small solar or wind generators that are connected to the grid. The Scheme commenced on 1 January 2010 and operates until 31 December 2016.
Customers wishing to connect a renewable energy generator to the grid without participating in the Solar Bonus Scheme are able to do so.
Customers interested in purchasing solar panels are still able to connect new systems to the electricity grid without participating in the Solar Bonus Scheme. The benefits of installing solar panels include:
- Commonwealth - Renewable Energy Certificates or 'Solar Credits'
The Commonwealth Government administers credits and offers through renewable energy certificates. These certificates reduce the upfront costs of purchasing solar panels. For the latest information about what is available from this Commonwealth incentive, visit http://www.orer.gov.au/publications/faq.html)
- Reduced electricity bills
Customers can use the electricity from their renewable energy generator on site, reducing the amount of electricity they need to purchase from their retailer. This is called 'net metering' (see below), and can reduce electricity bills.
- Retailer feed-in offers
Some energy retailers offer feed-in tariffs, separate to the Solar Bonus Scheme, for electricity fed into the grid. These offers vary and customers can shop around and choose the right retailer for their circumstances.
Metering - 'net' and 'gross' metering
Please note, the Solar Bonus Scheme feed in tariff is closed to new applications, however some energy retailers offer other tariff arrangements. Contact us to find out more!
'Net' feed-in tariffs are where the consumer is only paid/credited for the 'net' generated electricity they export to the national electricity grid from their renewable energy generator (not for the proportion of generated electricity they use themselves). In order to receive a 'net' feed-in tariff the consumer needs to have 'net' metering that can measure the net amount of generated electricity exported to the national electricity grid. A 'net' meter measures the net amount of generated electricity exported to the national electricity grid. This means a customer uses the electricity they produce first, before sending the remainder to the grid. A net meter allows customers with solar panels to reduce their electricity bills.
A 'gross' meter measures the 'gross' or total amount of electricity generated by a renewable energy generator that is exported to the grid. 'Gross' feed-in tariffs are where the consumer is paid/credited for all the electricity generated by their renewable energy generator (e.g. solar photovoltaic system or wind turbine). In order to receive a gross feed-in tariff the consumer needs to have gross metering that can measure the 'gross' or total amount of electricity generated by their renewable energy generator that is exported to the grid.
Should I choose a 'gross' meter or a 'net' meter?
It is up to individual customers to decide what metering arrangement will best suit their property, system and budget. Customers are encouraged to contact their Network Service Business or accredited service provider to discuss their metering options before making a final decision.
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