Recent News

16 February 2012

Victoria Feed-in Tariff Inquiry Issues Paper released: Submission of comments due by 29 March 2012

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/victoria-feed-in-tariff-inquiry-issues-paper-released-submissions-due-19-march/

15 February 2012

Darwin Criteria for connecting solar PV systems to the grid

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-power-in-darwin-northern-territor-connecting-solar-pv-to-the-grid/

14 February 2012

What the Solar Flagships trouble means for large-scale solar

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/what-the-solar-flagships-trouble-means-for-large-scale-solar/

9 February 2012

1-to-1 Solar Buyback Schemes vs Solar Feed-in Tariffs: The Economics

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/the-economics-of-a-1-to-1-solar-buyback-vs-solar-feed-in-tariffs/

6 February 2012

Solar Choice opens Brisbane, Queensland branch office

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-power-brisbane-solar-choice-brisbane-office/

24 January 2012

A Solar Community bulk discount deal organised by Solar Choice for the residents of Kununurra, Wyndham, and Lake Argyle, Western Australia is now underway.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-power-kunnunurra-wyndham-lake-argyle-western-australi/

20 January 2012

Federal Solar Credit rebate multiplier to fall from 1 July 2012--from 3x multiplier to 2x? Or to 1x?

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/federal-solar-credits-rebate-reduction-from-1-july-2012/

17 December 2012

Inquiry into Victoria's Feed-in Tariffs announced

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/victoria-feed-in-tariff-inquiry/

14 December 2011

Solar system prices reaching unprecedented lows across Australia. Why and how long will it last?

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-pv-system-prices-reach-unprecedented-lows-in-australia/

13 December 2011

Solar power sees major growth across Australia in 2010-2011

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-pv-power-sees-huge-growth-in-australia/

12 December 2011

Australia to see 37% average rise in electricity prices by 2014

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/australia-to-see-37-average-rise-in-electricity-prices-by-2014/

5 December 2011

Solar Choice now on Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/company/solar-choice-pty-ltd

1 December 2011

ACT large-scale solar feed-in tariff details released

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/act-large-scale-feed-in-tariff-details-released/

24 November 2011

8-10c/kWh: New NSW Solar Bonus Scheme Feed-in Tariff Scheme rate draft determination

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/nsw-solar-bonus-feed-in-tariff-draft-determination-8-10c-kwh/

15 November 2011

Draft determination for retailers' contribution to South Australia Feed-in Tariff announced by ESCOSA

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/escosa-south-australia-feed-in-tariff-draft-price-determination/

8 November 2011

Carbon Price legislation passes senate, becomes law in Australia. It will come into effect from July 2011.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/carbon-price-becomes-law-in-australia/

25 October 2011

Solar Choice Commercial announces Commercial PV Finance Package

The Package, an exclusive agreement between CAFGA and Solar Choice Commercial, has the potential to revolutionise the large-scale PV industry in Australia.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-choice-commercial-announces-pv-financing-package/

18 October 2011

Solar Choice gets a Mitsubishi i MiEV electric vehicle

Solar Choice staff will from this point on be motoring around in style and on zero emissions for official business.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-choice-electric-vehicle-mitsubishi-i-miev/

13 October 2011

Solar Choice announces Townsville, Queensland Solar Community

A Solar Community organised by Solar Choice is now underway in the Townsville region.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-power-in-townsville-queensland-solar-community/

12 October 2011

Solar Choice announces Mackay Solar Community

A Solar Community organised by Solar Choice is now underway in the Mackay region.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-power-mackay-qld-solar-community/

30 September 2011

SA and Vic Feed-in Tariffs conclude in an orderly manner

Both the South Australia Feed-in Tariff and Victoria Premium Feed-in Tariff schemes reached a conclusion on 30 September 2011. The new FiT rates for each state will be 22c/kWh and 25c/kWh, respectively.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/sa-and-victoria-solar-feed-in-tariff-schemes-enter-next-phase/

23 September 2011

Changes to South Australia Solar Feed-in Tariff legislation

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/proposed-changes-to-south-australia-solar-power-feed-in-tariff-legislation/

1 September 2011

Victoria 60c Premium Solar Feed-in Tariff Scheme deadline 30 September 2011. 25c rate to follow.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/victoria-60c-premium-solar-feed-in-tariff-scheme-closes-whats-next/

10 August 2011

Victoria Solar Feed-in Tariff cap limit quickly approaching

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/victoria-solar-feed-in-tariff-100mw-cap-limit-approaching-quickly/

4 August 2011

NSW Solar Update: IPART terms of reference released for next solar feed-in tariff scheme

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/how-are-electricity-prices-solar-feed-in-tariff-determined-nsw/

1 August 2011

WA Solar Feed-in Tariff closed to new applicants

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/wa-feed-in-tariff-to-close-to-new-applicants/

14 July 2011

ACT Solar Feed-in Tariff closes again

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/act-feed-in-tariff-closes-again/

4 July 2011

ACT Solar Feed-in Tariff reopened to small-scale systems

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/act-solar-feed-in-tariff-small-scale-reopened-reinstated/

1 July 2011

WA 44c/kWh Solar Feed-in Tariff Scheme application deadline closes

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/wa-fit-feed-in-tariff-scheme-application-deadline-closes/

24 June 2011

SA Solar Feed-in Tariff changes: Results from parliamentary debate

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/sa-feed-in-tariff-changes-results-from-parliamentary-debate/

29 April 2011

NSW Government suspends Solar Bonus Feed-in Tariff Scheme

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/nsw-government-suspends-solar-bonus-feed-in-tariff-scheme/

14 June 2011

Save Solar Power: National Industry Summit to be held in Sydney

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/nsw-solar-bonus-scheme-industry-national-summit-sydney/

7 June 2011

Some good news: NSW Government drops retroactive Solar Bonus Feed-in Tariff reduction plans

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/nsw-solar-bonus-scheme-government-solar-fit-retroactive-reduction-plans-dropped/

1 June 2011

ACT hits 15MW cap, scheme closes

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/act-feed-in-tariff-hits-15mw-cap-scheme-closed/

31 May 2011

Things to know about the Victoria Solar Feed-in Tariff

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/victoria-feed-in-tariff-cap-things-to-know/

20 May 2011

WA Feed-in Tariff reduction: 30 June 2011 application for 40c/kWh rate

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/wa-feed-in-tariff-reduction-30-june-2011-application-deadline-for-40ckwh-rate/

13 May 2011

Solar Shock: Government announces retrospective NSW Solar Bonus Scheme cuts

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/nsw-solar-bonus-scheme-shock-government-announces-feed-in-tariff-reductions/

10 May 2011

Eligibility changes to Queensland Solar Bonus Feed-in Tariff Scheme

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/queensland-solar-power-feed-in-tariff-eligibility-changes/

5 May 2011

Solar Credits Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) multiplier to fall from 5x to 3x

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-credits-renewable-energy-certificate-rec-multiplier-to-fall-to-3x-from-5x/

15 April 2011

NSW electricity prices to rise by up to 18.1% by July 2011

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-power-price-decreastes-while-nsw-electricity-prices-to-rise-by-up-to-18-1-by-july-2011-ipart/

5 April 2011

ACT Solar Feed-in Tariff to remain unchanged at 47c/kWh

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/act-solar-feed-in-tariff-to-remain-unchanged-at-0-457kwh/

7 January 2011

Enhanced Renewable Energy Target: changes for 2011 now in effect

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-power-rec-changes-to-the-renewable-energy-target-for-201/

1 December 2010

Solar Credits Amendments for 2011

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency announced today the changes to the Solar Credits Discount Scheme that the industry has been anticipating. The good news is that a long term plan has been outlined in accordance with the original intension of the legislation. This was to phase out the discount at a steady annual rate.

The Solar Credits Multiplier, which currently multiplies by five the number of RECs that are allocated for the first 1.5kW of a grid-connected solar energy installation in Australia, is to be reduced accordingly:

5x to 4x on 1 July 2011;

4x to 3x on 1 July 2012;

3x to 2x on 1 July 2013 and;

2x to 1x from 1 July 2014.

This brings the changes forward one year from when originally proposed. It reflects the original intension of the legislation to phase out the discount in tune with the lowering overhead costs of production and installation of solar components.

In addition, the minimum $40 value for RECs is to go ahead. This will allow customers and installers the option to place their generated RECs in a 'clearing house', whereby after three months they will automatically be paid $40 per REC for their value.

Both of these announcements are welcomed by the industry, giving some much needed stability and forward planning.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/amendments-to-solar-credits-discount-scheme-for-2011/

27 October 2010

NSW Solar Bonus Scheme: Midnight Announcement Regarding NSW Solar Feed-In Tariff

If you pay a deposit by tonight you will receive the current 60c rate until 2016.

The NSW Government are announcing important changes as of midnight tonight to the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme. Confirmed reports of the alteration currently project a 21 day period for people to be included in the current 60c per kWh tariff, running until 2017. Further officially unconfirmed reports at this stage that the new rate will be 20c per kWh Gross.

This means if you pay a deposit you will have the best chance of receiving this rate.

Solar Choice is investigating through all sources the definition of 'participating customers', and what status a system and application needs to be in to be classed as such. Further updates will be made available asap, follow us on Twitter for more information. (http://twitter.com/Solar_Choice)

Official release (https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.premier.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/101027-Solar-Bonus-Scheme.pdf)

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/category/solar-and-renewables-policy/feed-in-tariff/nsw-new-south-wales/

7 September 2010

SA's net feed in tariff increased to 54c per kWh

SA Premier Mike Rann last week announced that the State's net feed in tariff will be increased from 44c to 54c per kWh, from a date yet to be decided. Other changes include limiting the payment of the scheme to the first 45 kW hrs exported to the grid per day (meaning 10kW is close to the largest system eligible). Systems installed primarily for commercial profit making objectives are excluded. Most significantly, the scheme will be closed to new connections once 60 megaWatts of eligible customers have been installed.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/category/solar-and-renewables-policy/feed-in-tariff/sa-south-australia/

24 August 2010

Submissions for review of NSW Gross Feed In Tariff to be lodged by 30 Sept 2010

Earlier today the NSW Govt invited submissions from the solar energy industry and members of the public on what changes, if any, should be applied to the immensely popular Gross Feed In Tariff (or Solar Bonus Scheme). Submissions need to be lodged by 30 September 2010.

Thankfully the NSW Govt hasn't imposed any sudden changes. The Minister has made clear that customers already connected to the scheme, or who will have their gross meters approved by their electricity wholesaler prior to any legislative changes (if any), will not have their entitlement to the scheme's generosity affected.

Solar Choice anticipates that demand in NSW for solar energy installations will surge on this news, and recommends that customers err on the side of prudence and proceed with their preferred installer as soon as possible to avoid any risk of missing the 60c per kW hour gross tariff.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/category/solar-and-renewables-policy/feed-in-tariff/nsw-new-south-wales/

4 June 2010

Queensland net feed-in tariff to continue as normal

The Queensland Govt recently announced that the net feed in reward scheme will continue in it's current form paying a minimum of 44c per kWh for installations up to 30kW per three phase meter. Approximately 36 megaWatts of solar PV has been connected to the grid across the state pursuant to the net tariff since it commenced on 1 July 2008. Some electricity retailers are paying up to 50c per kWh.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/category/solar-and-renewables-policy/feed-in-tariff/qld-queensland/

27 May 2010

WA announces net feed in reward scheme from 1 Aug 2010

WA Energy Minister Peter Collier this afternoon released details on the net feed in tariff or reward scheme to start on 1 August 2010 (with applications from 1 July). The scheme will run for 10yrs, paying a minimum of 47c per kWh, including the 7c already provided for under the existing Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme. Systems for residential premises up to 5kW are allowed for Synergy customers in the South West grid, and 59c per kW hour up to 30kW (10kW per phase) for Horizon customers outside the South West grid. Eligibility for commercial properties remains subject to an ongoing feasibility study.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/category/solar-and-renewables-policy/feed-in-tariff/wa-western-australia/

2 September 2010

NSW FIT quickly approaching 50 megaWatt review

It was announced yesterday at the Australian and NZ Solar Energy Society (ANZSES) conference in Sydney that the generous NSW gross feed in reward scheme is rapidly approaching its 50 megaWatt ceiling for review. A tally was conducted by NSW's three energy wholesalers (Energy Australia, Country Energy and Integral), and it was ascertained that 28 megaWatts of eligible customers have already been either connected in NSW or have applied to be connected pursuant to the scheme. When the scheme was announced only recently in November 2009, there were 8 megaWatts of eligible customers connected. With such a rapid surge in NSW customers seeking the benefits of the scheme, Solar Choice recommends that customers err on the side of prudence and aim to find an installer who can have your system fully installed and connected to the grid ASAP.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/category/solar-and-renewables-policy/feed-in-tariff/nsw-new-south-wales/

10 November 2009

NSW announces generous gross feed in tariff

NSW Govt announced an hour ago that the new feed in reward scheme starting on 1 January 2010 will be far more generous than the net tariff announced earlier this year, and that a gross scheme will be introduced instead. This gross scheme will reward customers with installations up to 10kW with a premium rate of 60c per kW hour, which is four times the market price of electricity, regardless of how much electricity is consumed by the household.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/nsw-govt-announces-gross-feed-in-reward-scheme.html

2 November 2009

Victorian Feed In Tariff commences

Victoria's feed in tariff commenced yesterday. The scheme is limited to only the first 100 mega Watts of solar energy connected to the grid, meaning that Victorian customers yet to install solar will need to move quickly in order to receive the premium rate of 60c per kW hour (nearly 4 times the market rate) for surplus clean energy that systems up to 5kW contribute to the grid. Customers should also shop around for those electricity companies which will pay you a cheque for your feed in rewards, rather than just credit your account.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/victorian-feed-in-tariff-commences.html

20 August 2009

Solar Credit discount legislation due to pass the Senate

Solar Credit discount legislation due to pass the Senate today, allowing up front discounts of up to $7,000 for all Australian principal residences, businesses and holiday homes to install solar energy.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-credit-discounts-legislated-today.html#more-359

1 July 2009

Solar Choice successful in legal challenge to Fed Govt.

Solar Choice successful in legal challenge to Fed Govt. If you faxed or emailed $8k rebate application on or prior to 9 June 2009, you now have until 17 July 2009 to deliver your original signatures to Canberra.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/original-follow-up-signatures-for-rebate-applications-now-extended-to-17-july-2009.html

18 June 2009

Update on progress of Solar Credit legislation

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-credit-legislation-deferred-until-at-least-august-2009.html

10 June 2009

Solar Credit discounts

Solar Credit discounts will operate to save you up to $7k in going solar -no means test, and available for all buildings including commercial premises and holiday homes.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/how-the-new-solar-credit-scheme-operates-from-9-june-09.html

9 June 2009

Federal Govt's shock: $8k rebate ended three weeks early.

http://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/fed-govt-calls-early-finish-to-8k-rebate-effective-9-june-09.html