Let Solar Choice help you find the best solar power deals in the Australian Capital Territory. The ACT is a great place to install a solar PV system, thanks to the falling cost of installing solar panels, plus federal and local incentives. This article is an overview of the benefits and options available to those who are considering going solar in the ACT.
Why install solar panels in the ACT?
Getting the best deal on solar PV anywhere in Australia–including the ACT–means first understanding how a system benefits a home or business. Solar panels only produce electricity during sunlight hours, and how much electricity is generated depends on the intensity and duration of the sunshine. The average ACT rooftop receives an annual average of about 3.8 hours of sun per day. This number fluctuates seasonally (higher in summer and lower in winter). Estimated daily generation figures for different size systems based on 3.8 sun hours are detailed below.
1.5kW solar system – 5.7kWh
2kW solar system – 7.6kWh
3kW solar system – 11.4kWh
5kW solar system – 19kWh
How big a solar power system do you need in the ACT?
The right system size for an ACT resident is the one that produces just enough electricity to meet daytime electricity needs. This will depend on the household or business in question. Solar systems in the ACT are best-suited for those who use a significant portion of their power during daylight hours.
Federal Government Solar Rebates for the ACT
Significant up-front incentives are available from the federal government. Without going into the technicalities, this discount comes in the form of ‘small-scale technology certificates’ (STCs), which utility companies and other liable entities are required to create or acquire under Australia’s Renewable Energy Target scheme. STCs are a tradable ‘renewable energy currency’ that help reduce the cost of installing a solar system. Depending on the market price of STCs, they can reduce system prices anywhere from 55c to 77c per watt off the cost of installing a solar PV system.
ActewAGL’s Solar Buyback Scheme
ActewAGL has recently introduced a ‘net metering’ scheme for ACT solar customers. Customers who own a solar system will now be paid 7.5c for every kWh that they ‘export’ to the electricity grid–i.e. that they do not consume on-site themselves. Since the retail electricity rate in the ACT is significantly higher than this, it makes more sense for homes and businesses to avoid purchasing pricier electricity from the grid by using as much of their self-generated solar power as possible to obtain the most benefit.
Finding the best solar deals in the ACT
Solar Choice, as Australia’s free Solar Energy Brokering and advice service, helps customers to find the best deals on offer anywhere in Australia–including the ACT. Request a Solar Quote Comparison today by filling out the form to the right of this page, or call us on 1300 78 72 73.
© 2013 Solar Choice Pty Ltd
