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Gross Feed-in "Solar Bonus" Scheme
The Keneally government's gross feed-in tariff “Solar Bonus” scheme came into effect in January this year but has left many households in NSW frustrated and facing costly meter installations.
The Greens want to hear your stories and experiences. You can send your details and complaints or ideas about how to improve the scheme by using this online form
Issues with the scheme
The common complaints about the scheme include:
- Delays in obtaining a gross feed-in meter (particularly for existing panel users with older net meters)
- Expensive installation costs when replacing old “net” meters
- Electricity retailers failing to provide cash for the full value of electricity fed into the grid and offering only credits.
The Greens highlighted these problems and other shortfalls in the scheme during the debate in parliament
The 60 c/kWh gross tariff will only be available for 7 years. Roof-top solar installations will go into a boom and bust cycle in NSW as homeowners will only be able to recoup their full investment within the life of the tariff if they install their panels in the first three years of the scheme.
The scheme also fails to provide a mechanism to support community solar projects or renters and persons living in strata accommodations.
The Greens are committed to improving the gross tariff to support clean energy jobs in NSW.
Background on the NSW Feed-In legislation
The electricity feed-in tariff legislation (Solar Bonus Scheme) was passed in the parliament on 27 November 2009.
You can read the debate in parliament here
The Greens moved several amendments that would have improved the scheme to increase the uptake of solar panels in order to start to create more clean energy jobs in NSW. These amendments included:
- extending the scheme until 2023, guaranteeing access to the tariff rate for seven years regardless of when in that time connection of solar panels was made, and
- guaranteeing those generating a credit on thier account would be paid cash instead of a credit being held by the retailer.
These amendments were not supported by the government, opposition or other cross-bench members.
Read John's comments in the media about the operation of the Solar Bonus Scheme to date.
Read John's submission to the NSW Government's Solar feed-in tariff Taskforce date 12 January 2009 Read the Greens NSW Climate Change and Energy PolicyFurther Background information:
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