QLD Solar Bonus Scheme: Feed in Tariff
The Queensland Government is changing the eligibility criteria for the Solar Bonus Scheme from 7 June 2011 to ensure the Scheme remains cost-effective for all Queenslanders.
What are the changes?
1. The size of eligible solar PV systems will be limited to 5 kilowatt capacity from its current maximum capacity of 10 kW per phase (up to 30kW on 3 phase power)
2. A limit of one Scheme application per premises will apply.
All other eligibility criteria and Scheme benefits remain unchanged.
Find out more about how the changes will be implemented.
What is the Solar Bonus Scheme?
The Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme (the Scheme) pays eligible households and other small customers for the surplus electricity generated from solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems, which is exported to the Queensland electricity grid. The Scheme is designed to make solar power more affordable for Queenslanders, stimulate the solar power industry and encourage energy efficiency.
The Scheme rewards customers whenever they generate more electricity than they are using – not just the balance at the end of the quarter, but whenever generation exceeds consumption during the day.
The Scheme commenced on 1 July 2008 and is designed to boost the state’s use of renewable energy, encourage energy efficiency and stimulate the solar power industry in Queensland.
Customers wishing to reap the benefits of the Scheme will need a solar PV system installed on their premises and have it connected to the electricity grid. Eligible customers will have the option to join the Scheme when the system is installed.
How much are Solar Bonus customers paid?
Customers participating in the Scheme will be paid 8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for surplus electricity fed into the grid.
The average customer operating a 1.5 kilowatt (kW) solar system could save over $250 per year on their electricity bill just by using less electricity from the grid. Solar Bonus Scheme customers also receive payments for exporting excess electricity back to the grid, meaning that these savings could be higher.
The amount of electricity a customer returns to the grid will depend on how much energy is being consumed while the solar panels are generating power. Customers may be able to maximise their solar bonus by improving the energy efficiency of their home to export more electricity to the grid. This could be achieved by reducing standby power consumption, switching to controlled load tariffs and minimising the use of energy intensive appliances such as air-conditioners.
The customer’s grid-connected electricity consumption will also be lower (than without a solar system) as a result of the household or business consuming a portion of its electricity directly from the solar system.
Visit the EnergyWise tips section for simple ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
How does the electricity metering operate?
The electricity generated by the solar power system is fed into the customer’s electricity load to help power the home or business in the first instance. It is also connected to the electricity grid via a meter (or meters) which record both electricity imported from the grid and exported to the grid. When the electricity produced by the solar power system exceeds the customer’s demand for electricity, this excess electricity is fed into the grid via the appropriate ‘export’ register of the meter.
The meter records the amount of electricity exported to the grid rather than the total amount of electricity generated by the solar system.
When the customer uses more electricity than is being produced by the solar PV system, the balance of electricity required is taken from the electricity grid via the appropriate ‘import’ register of the meter.
Will I need a special meter?
Customers wishing to claim the solar bonus will need electricity metering that separately records electricity imports and exports.
If required, the installation of new or additional meters will need to be arranged with the electricity distributor after your solar PV (solar power) system is installed and costs may need to be met by the inpidual customer.
Customers with an existing solar PV system wired in a ‘gross’ metering configuration will need to rewire their system to a ‘net’ configuration, in order to participate in the Scheme. Customers wishing to change their metering arrangements will need to consult with their electricity retailer and additional costs will need to be covered by the customer.
Are investment properties eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme?
The Solar Bonus Scheme applies to investment properties that meet all eligibility criteria. Property owners should note, however, that the Solar Bonus will be paid on the retail electricity account for that individual property. If this account is held by a tenant, then the tenant would receive the benefit of the Solar Bonus.
Further information about installing a PV system
Find out more about installing PV systems – including how to choose a solar PV installer.
Further information for installers
Detailed information regarding the metering and wiring requirements to be eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme can be found in the Electricity Connections and Metering Manuals available online from the Ergon Energy, ENERGEX and Essential Energy websites.