NSW Feed In Tariff

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The NSW Feed In Tariff Explained

  • The NSW Feed in tariff officially began January 1 2010
  • It is what's known as a Gross Feed in Tariff (as opposed to Net). It is paid for all of the power you generate
  • The Feed in Tariff will be 60c/kWh for systems up to 10kW capacity
  • Is set for 7 years
  • System sizes are capped at 10kW of generation capacity per meter

Every kW installed will generate up to $1000 per annum of feed in bonus if the power is fed into the grid.
From 2010 annual returns start at 10%. For larger systems (up to 10kW) which utilised the 50% business tax break, the annual returns are closer to 20%.
Smaller systems (that feed less power into the grid) will also earn a minimum return of 10% per annum if they feed at least half the power generated into the grid

Throughout its development, the NSW FiT was promised to be a 'Net' scheme. A last mintue backlfip however, saw the scheme changed to 'Gross'. As the new legislation currently stands, this change will benefit new installations but penalise customers that chose to install a Net system.

Systems currently installed in NSW as 'Net'

Thousands of systems currently installed are wired up as 'Net' systems and will require electrical works to be undertaken in order to transition from a Net, to a Gross Feed in System. In urban areas this cost may be a few hundred dollars. In regional areas the costs to rewire as a Gross system will vary depending on distance and complexity of connecting the solar power system to the meter box. Innovative solutions are possible, such as installing a ground-mounted solar power system close to the meter box instead of mounting on shed or home roofs. Ultimately though, the cost will depend on the distance and obstacles between your Power Generation 'Inverter' and your Electricity Distribution Meter.

The NSW State government has recently decided that while existing 'Net' customers will receive the 60c Solar Bonus Scheme for the six months of the scheme, the Bonus will no longer be paid to existing Net customers from July 2010. It should be noted that this is a policy decision. Installation companies, the renewables industry in general and electricity distributors such as Country Energy, Integral, and Energy Australia were not consulted on this decision but are currently required to enforce it.

Further details on the chronology of this process are available at catherinecusack.com.au

New Systems being installed in NSW

New Small power Generation units being installed in NSW must be wired up as a Gross system and will need to wired to your Electricity Distribution Meter. The new Gross meters for Energy Australia and Country Energy are expected to be available in April 2010. Customers with Country Energy and Energy Australia will need to wire thier systems up as a Net system until the Gross meters are available. When the new Gross meters become available customers will need to contact a qualified service providers to change thier meter over. A list of qualified service providers is available at the NSW Office Of Fair Trading Website : List of Level 2 Accredited Service Providers for electricity network connections

You can also call Ausenergy on 1300 785 009 for assistance with solar power system options and estimates on changing your existing Grid Powered Feed in system from Net to Gross. Gross meters for Integral Energy customers are already available.

How do I change from Net to Gross FiT in NSW ?

Country Energy, Energy Australia, and Integral Energy will provide a Gross meter free of charge. The new Gross meters for Energy Australia and Country Energy are expected to be available in April 2010. This meter can be ordered through, and must be installed by a qualified electrician. A list of qualified service providers is available here:
NSW Office Of Fair Trading Website : List of Level 2 Accredited Service Providers for electricity network connections

You can also call Ausenergy on 1300 785 009 for assistance with solar power system options and estimates on changing your existing Grid Powered Feed in system from Net to Gross.

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