The ACT feed-in tariff scheme has concluded, but a 1:1 net feed-in tariff (where you are paid the retail electricity rate for electricity you feed into the grid) is still on offer for solar customers. For up-to-date info, please see our solar feed-in tariff rewards page.
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We’ve prepared a quick bullet point summary of the ACT gross feed in tariff for each of the three relevant categories, as follows:
Small Scale Solar Energy Systems up to 30kW
– A 15MW cap on eligible systems before the tariff ceases entirely
– Currently at approx 6MW of capacity as at 22 November 2010
– Are expected to reach the cap in 3-4 years time (there is 9MWs remaining)
– Will be amended in new legislation March 2011 to include 0-30kws (not 0-10 + 10-30)
– Receive 47.5cents per kW hour as of
Medium Scale Solar Energy Systems (30-200kW )
– Have a cap of 15MW
– Commences at the same time as part of the same legislation as the small-scale scheme March 2011
– FIT to be decided from discussion papers and should be around the 30 cent per kw hour. There will likely be a flat rate for all systems between 30 and 200kW.
-Tariff rates set to be debated in early February 2011, and once approved are expected to become effective immediately.
Large Scale Solar Energy Systems (200kW to 40MW)
– First 40MW cap to be allocated in August 2011, after which applications will be accepted for consideration. The Department of Environment, Climate Change, Energy, and Water will make decisions based on the size of the project and the tariff rate requested.
– Proponents to win jobs through a reverse auction process
– The bidding process will analyse best price, a project’s geographical positioning, grid capability, aesthetics, environmental appropriation, and landholder commitment.
– Tender participants will vie for power purchase agreements (with/without RECs), deeds, and other benefits offered by the ACT, FIT administration arm. Tariff rates will be valid for the first 20 years of the project’s running.
– One company can win 40MW altogether or through multiple, decentralised systems (as low as 201Kws).
– This scheme is centred in different legislation, compared to the medium and small-scale generation, and should commence around June-July 2011
Other information
– This Feed-in-tariff pertains to: renewable technologies for biogas, solar PV, solar thermal and wind (however there is a strong bias towards Solar Pv)
– Main retailer = ActewAGL
– Distributor = ActewAGL
– The above schemes amount to 70MWs however the ACT has earmarked a future 210MW capacity of renewable to be Australia’s solar/renewable capital.
Brendan Noakes M.Sc. Environmental Management, B.A. Comm.
Commercial Solar Energy Developer, Solar Choice Pty Ltd
