Solar Power Rebates
Small Technology Credits (STCs)
STCs are available from the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER). The number of STCs your system will generate is based on its size and the date the system is installed. For the first 1.5kW of any system installed until 31/6/2013 the government is offering a STC multiplier, where from the 1st July 2011 the STCs for this first 1.5kW are multiplied up to 3 times the normal rate based on the date of installation reducing the upfront cost of the system by $2300.
The STC multiplier will continue to reduce annually until it is phased out. From 1 July 2012 will be reduced to two and then be reduced to one on 1 July 2013.
Home owners receive the full benefit from the STCs at the point of sale helping reduce the upfront costs of installing the system. Please review the ORER Solar owners guide for more information on STCs.
From the 1st of January 2011 the Renewable Energy Target (RET) has split into Small Technology Credits for eligible Solar Water Heaters & Heat Pumps, PV and other small-scale renewable energy projects and Large Scale Renewable Energy target covering large scale renewable energy projects such as wind farms.
Net Metering
A net meter measures the net amount of generated electricity exported to the national electricity grid. The customer uses the electricity they produce first, before sending the remainder to the grid. The electricity is purchased from you at 6 cents /kW. A net meter allows customers with solar panels to reduce their electricity bills. All current systems are installed under a a net metering system.
Gross Metering
A gross meter measures the gross amount of generated electricity exported to the national electricity grid. The customer exports all the electricity they produce to the grid.
How Solar Power Works
Item |
Item Description |
Net Metering |
Gross Metering |
|
1 |
PV Modules |
Solar panels produce DC electricity when the sun is out. |
Solar panels produce DC electricity when the sun is out. |
|
2 |
Mounting frames for solar modules |
Solar panels are fixed to the roof with a mounting system. |
Solar panels are fixed to the roof with a mounting system. |
|
3 |
Inverter DC – AC |
The inverter changes the DC power to AC power. |
The inverter changes the DC power to AC power. |
|
4 |
Circuit breakers & meter board connection |
The inverter is connected to your meter board and the AC electricity is then used in your home. |
The inverter is connected to your meter board. |
|
5 |
Solar Meter |
Surplus electricity not used in your house goes through a separate meter back into the grid |
All solar electricity goes through a separate meter back into the grid. |
|
6 |
Power Grid |
Any electricity you put back into the grid helps power other houses and you will be issued a credit for that electricity. |
Any electricity you put back into the grid helps power other houses and you will be issued a credit for that electricity. |
