Solar feed-in tariffs in Australia: a guide

Solar feed-in tariffs are incentives offered to encourage households and businesses to generate renewable energy through solar panels. These tariffs are paid to solar panel owners for the excess electricity they generate and export back to the grid. Each state in Australia has its own solar feed-in tariff scheme, which varies in terms of eligibility criteria, rates, and payment mechanisms. In this article, we will explore the different solar feed-in tariffs across states and territories in Australia.

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, the solar feed-in tariff is determined by electricity retailers and is not set by the state government. The rate varies between retailers and can range from 5 cents to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, as of January 2022, the NSW government introduced a new Solar for Business Program that provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses for installing solar panels. Under this program, eligible businesses can receive a solar feed-in tariff of up to 14 cents per kWh for excess energy exported to the grid. (source: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/saving-energy-and-bills/solar-battery-and-renewable-energy/solar-feed-in-tariff)

Victoria

In Victoria, the solar feed-in tariff rate is determined by the state government and is set at a minimum of 10.2 cents per kWh for residential solar systems. The rate is reviewed annually and may change depending on market conditions. In addition to the feed-in tariff, the Victorian government also offers a Solar Homes Program that provides rebates and interest-free loans for households to install solar panels. (source: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-feed-tariff)

Queensland

In Queensland, the solar feed-in tariff rate is also determined by the state government and is set at a minimum of 7.842 cents per kWh for systems up to 30kW in size. However, the rate can vary depending on the electricity retailer and the size of the solar system. The Queensland government also offers a Solar Bonus Scheme that provides a feed-in tariff of 44 cents per kWh for households that installed solar panels before July 2012. (source: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/solar-bonus-scheme)

South Australia

In South Australia, the solar feed-in tariff is determined by the state government and is set at a minimum of 10.1 cents per kWh for residential systems. However, some electricity retailers may offer higher rates. The South Australian government also offers a Home Battery Scheme that provides subsidies for households to install battery storage systems to complement their solar panels. (source: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/solar-battery-scheme/solar-feed-in-tariffs)

Western Australia

In Western Australia, the solar feed-in tariff is also determined by electricity retailers and can vary between 7 cents to 10 cents per kWh. However, the state government has announced that it will introduce a voluntary buyback scheme for excess solar energy generated by households. The scheme is expected to commence in mid-2023 and will pay a fixed rate of 10 cents per kWh. (source: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/solar-feed-tariffs)

Tasmania

In Tasmania, the solar feed-in tariff is determined by electricity retailers and can range from 5 cents to 12 cents per kWh. However, as of January 2022, the Tasmanian government has introduced a Solar for Business Program that provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses for installing solar panels. Under this program, eligible businesses can receive a solar feed-in tariff of up to 12 cents per kWh for excess energy exported to the grid.

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, the solar feed-in tariff is also determined by electricity retailers and can vary between 8 cents to 22 cents per kWh. However, the Northern Territory government does not have any specific solar incentive schemes for households or businesses.

In conclusion, the solar feed-in tariff schemes across states and territories in Australia vary in terms of rates, eligibility criteria, and payment mechanisms. While some states have government-mandated minimum rates, others rely on electricity retailers to determine the rate. It is important for households and businesses to research and compare different solar feed-in tariff schemes before deciding to install solar panels to maximize the benefits of generating renewable energy.

 

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Rebates for small business commercial solar in Victoria!

The Victorian government have announced a new scheme to help increase small business commercial solar in Victoria – with two different rebates currently available. Let’s take a look at what your company should do if you’re thinking about installing – you can get a rebate of up to $3,500 to help pay it off!

Commercial Solar in Victoria – Solar for Business rebate

Solar for Business rebates (source: solar.vic.gov.au)

According to the Victorian government website, from May 2021 eligible small businesses in Victoria can apply for the Solar for Business Program rebate. The rebate offer includes up to 50% or $3,500 (whichever amounts to less) on eligible solar power systems.

The program is eligible to quite a lot of small businesses, here’s the skinny on the details if you want to apply:

You must:

  • Be the owner of a business which has less than 20 employees     
  • Operate from premises that are not considered residential     
  • Operate from premises that are individually metered    
  • Have your system installed by a Solar Victoria approved solar retailer (click for a search) as detailed on Solar Victoria’s website   
  • Install a solar system with a PV capacity size up to a maximum of 30kW, as detailed on the Solar Victoria approved product list

Solar for business has been a no brainer for quite a while now, so with rebates like this being offered there’s never been a better time to consider installing renewable energy at your small business. If your bills are in the thousands per month you will save money installing solar. To also enjoy a rebate from the government is a very nice sweetener indeed – hopefully we see the scheme being taken up and similar rebates in other states implemented.

To register your interest please click here.

Small Business Energy Saver Program in Victoria

The Small Business Energy Saver Program is another option – providing generous bonuses of up to $2,000 for companies who upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment, such as air-conditioning, refrigeration, and heating pumps. 15,000 solar rebates will be available under the program – these will be doled out over the next three years.

(Very) rough solar installation costs – commercial solar in Victoria

Generally you can budget around $1000 per kilowatt (a little over a dollar a watt) of power on your system (after STCs), e.g. a 50kW system will be around $50,000 (closer to $65k in WA, if you’re thinking about a place to set up commercial solar…). This is obviously very, very rough and you’ll pay a bit more per watt for a smaller system (e.g. 10-30kW) rather than up to 100kW, so don’t quote me on these prices. Please note that the Solar for Business rebate only covers systems to a max of 30kW!

If you do want some help with getting a price guide for commercial solar installation or you’d like someone to go over some quotations with please email us and we’d be happy to help.

You can also get help with some rough savings numbers by using the solar calculator at the Queensland government website.

Registered accredited providers

The Victorian website has an up to date list of accredited providers for the scheme, but if you’re interested in installing commercial solar in Victoria and taking party in the rebate scheme, here’s a list current as per 12.04.21:

Barwon South West

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Gippsland

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Wattly
Patrick Blain
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 878 500
[email protected]

Grampians

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Hume

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Wattly
Patrick Blain
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 878 500
[email protected]

Loddon Mallee

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

 

 

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