The Victorian Government today announced a new 'transitional feed-in tariff' (TFIT) for rooftop solar.

The Transitional Feed-in Tariff will offer eligible properties with small-scale solar PV systems of up to five kilowatts in size a credit of at least 25 cents per kilowatt hour for excess electricity fed back into the grid. Click here to read the announcement. 

This rate is slightly higher than the average retail rate consumers pay for electricity.

Here are the key points:

• Victoria's feed-in tariff slashed from 60c per kilowatt hour to 25ckWh.
• The TFiT will be set at 25c/kWh from 1 January 2012 for PV systems of 5kw or less. The tariff will last 5 years from the scheme's commencement.
• If you have already paid a deposit or are already having solar systems installed must make sure all the required paperwork has been submitted before September 30 to receive the existing premium feed-in tariff.
• Customers will also need to have an agreed Premium Feed-in Tariff contract with their electricity retailer.
• The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission will begin reviewing the feed-in tariff later this year.
• The changes are not retrospective and all existing contracts will be honoured.

Solar Shop customers awaiting their solar system installation may contact our customer care centre via phone at 133 765, or by submitting an online form here.  

If you would like to make an enquiry regarding making the switch to solar, you can make an appointment online with our Renewable Energy Advisors here.

A stunning 5kW Kaneka thin film solar installation by Solar Shop Australia has been featured on Grand Designs Australia on Foxtel's Lifestyle Channel.

Solar Shop Australia National Sales Manager, Paul Arthur, said that demand for solar power is increasing across the entire country.

“More people are looking at solar power as a genuine addition to their family home as they realise both the financial and environmental benefits,” Paul said.

“Solar Shop Australia is now able to offer customers a solar power solution that can save money for the family immediately and with a Sunworks zero dollar deposit finance package available, eligible customers are finding solar power a very attractive option,” he said.

Solar Shop Australia South Morang will be lead by experienced Renewable Energy Advisor, Paul Blackman.

With more than three years experience as a Renewable Energy Advisor and having a solar power system that covers 150 percent of his family’s energy consumption, Paul is well placed to offer the expertise and advice for local residents wishing to install solar.

Paul Blackman and the Solar Shop Australia Team

 “Not only will we be offering better localised service to the region, we will also look to employ local staff who are excited by solar power and who will provide the communities of North and North East Melbourne the opportunity to install the best value solar power solution on their homes,” Paul said. 

Paul and the team at South Morang will be holding regular solar power information sessions in store from August. More information about these sessions will be provided here later this month.