Recent changes to the feed-in tariff scheme have amended the amount that can be earned by customers that install eligible solar photo-voltaic (PV) generators.

Customers with eligible PV generators are entitled to receive an additional premium, which has been determined by the Essential Services Commission. The amount reflects the fair and reasonable value to a retailer of electricity fed into the network, and all retailers selling electricity to eligible customers are required to pay the amount.

The Commission has released its Final Price Determination for the solar Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Premium to apply from 27 January 2012 – 30 June 2014.

The FiT Premium, which is credited on solar customers’ electricity bills when they generate more electricity than they use, reflects the fair and reasonable value of fed-in electricity to electricity retailers.

The Commission’s Final Determination is to set the FiT Premium as follows:

Feed-in Tariff Premium (nominal cents per kWh and GST exclusive)

All electricity retailers are required to provide at least this minimum FiT Premium to solar customers but may choose to credit a higher amount.

Solar customers are entitled to receive both the FiT Premium from electricity retailers and an additional credit from the electricity distributor, ETSA Utilities. Under the feed-in legislation, ETSA Utilities must pay eligible solar customers 44c/kWh of fed-in electricity (for those that connected, or obtained ETSA Utilities' approval to connect, the PV unit prior to 1 October 2011). From 1 October 2011, those solar customers that connected, or received approval to connect, the PV unit will receive a credit from ETSA Utilities of 16c/kWh.

Under the amended legislation, those receiving 44c/kWh also get the FiT premium determined by the Commission, which results in a total FiT amount of 51.1c/kWh from 27 January 2012. This will increase to about 53c/kWh from 1 July 2012. The total FiT amount is over 7 times the current value of wholesale electricity produced by the systems, and over 4 times the value of electricity being generated by wind farms (approximately 11c/kWh)

For further details & PDF Fact sheets visit Essential Services Commission of South Australia Web Site.

Here's a great article from the Australian Financial Review .."The Proof is in the heating - solar's shinning success story". Professor Martin Green from the University of NSW explains how solar is making a significant contribution to the grid in Germany - the early adopters of solar - and how that translates to the growing Australian solar industry. Click the link above to download the PDF article.

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 With another hot summer upon us - here's some useful energy saving tips to keep your cool -

Commercial and residential solar energy provider, Premier Solar group of companies, has become one of Australia's largest installers of solar PV systems following the recent acquisition of Solar Shop Australia's business and assets from appointed receivers, Ferrier Hodgson.

Included in the acquisition was Solar Shop Australia's commercial arm, Commsolar, as well as Australia's only solar specific finance organisation, Solar Financial Solutions, making Premier Solar one of the strongest and most diverse solar businesses in the nation.

Premier Solar Group Director, Daniel Cobb, said the organisation was proud to have added one of the country's most recognised solar organisations and its people to its group of companies.

"Solar Shop Australia has been at the forefront of the solar industry for more than a decade, providing thousands of households and businesses with tailor made solar solutions and introducing many of the top solar panels to the Australian market," Mr Cobb said.

"Despite facing challenging times in recent months, Solar Shop Australia remains one of the country's largest solar providers, with an extensive national network.

"We don't shy away from the fact that it's been a difficult time for our staff and customers, but rest assured our dedicated team are working around the clock to honour its commitments to existing customers and have put a lot of energy into refining our business operations moving forward."

Mr Cobb said Premier Solar had been built on the principle of sustainable growth.

"We recognise the long-term potential of clean, green energy in Australia and understand the extensive opportunities that the industry presents," he said.

"There will always be a place for residential solar, however bringing Solar Shop and its associated businesses into our group positions us for the market shift towards larger scale commercial solar and clean energy power generation, including solar farms."

Solar Shop Australia General Manager, Kevin Whelan, said joining Premier Solar was the dawn of a new era for Solar Shop Australia.

"We are proud to be on board with Premier Solar, which has not only established itself as a savvy and innovative player in the national solar market, but also shares the same values and passion for quality products and customer service as Solar Shop," Mr Whelan said.

"Premier Solar has already demonstrated its strong belief in Solar Shop Australia with its decision to maintain the brand, retain the skills and expertise within Solar Shop's team and by keeping the core of the business firmly based in South Australia.

"The combination of Solar Shop's unparalleled solar expertise and national network, with Premier Solar's broad-based and sustainable business structure, places us in a strong position for growth in this rapidly changing market.

"We are not here to just survive within Australia's exciting clean energy future, we have every intention to thrive."

Premier Solar remains committed to helping the Australian community achieve the 20 per cent renewable energy target by 2020.

For further information please download our FAQ document here.