WA's feed-in tariff commences

Western Australians who own a solar power system now have another reason to smile, with the commencement of the net feed-in tariff yesterday.  For those who don't have a system, now is the time to explore buying one!

The feed-in tariff  gives system owners 40 cents for every unit of electricity that is exported, and when combined with the Renewable Energy Buyback scheme, currently at 7 cents, owners get a total of 47 cents.

In a net scheme like WA’s, the home first uses the power that is generated from the solar panels on the roof. This is used to power TVs, fridges, any appliance that requires electricity to operate. If there is any left over, the system exports this to the electricity grid to be used by someone else. And the feed-in tariff pays you for this electricity exported.

The good thing about a net feed-in tariff is that it encourages energy efficiency. The less power the home uses the more it exports. This means more smaller, or in some cases a zero dollar electricity bills and more money for you! 

So not only are you creating your very own green power, you are rewarded for using less traditional 'dirty' electricity. So having a solar power system is good for the environment and good for the family budget!

Feed-in Tariff Summary:

Model: Net (information on Net feed-in tariffs can be found here)
Tariff Rate: $0.40 + Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme tariff $0.07 = $0.47/kWh
Length: customers to receive payments for 10 years
Eligible Systems: Up to 5kW for Synergy grid, up to 10kW/phase for Horizon Grid (30kW for 3 phase grid connection)
Start date: 1 August 2010
End date: 20 years from commencement

For more information on the feed-in tariff visit the WA Office of Energy’s website.