Information about the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme distilled from the government website.
How do I receive the gross feed in tariff payment?
By having a gross meter installed.
What if I want net metering?
Eligible customers will be able to receive the credit of 60 cents per kilowatt hour on a ‘net’ basis for electricity exported to the grid in excess of that used at the premises.
What is the difference between a ‘net’ and a ‘gross’ feed-in tariff and ‘net’ and ‘gross’ metering?
‘Gross’ feed-in tariffs are where the consumer is paid/credited for all the electricity generated by their renewable energy generator
‘Net’ feed-in tariffs are where the consumer is only paid/credited for the ‘net’ generated electricity they export to the national electricity grid from their renewable energy generator
How long will the Solar Bonus Scheme run for?
The Solar Bonus Scheme operates for 7 years from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2016. Eligible customers will only be entitled to receive benefits from the Scheme during this time, irrespective of when the customer joins the Scheme.
Do all electricity retailers have to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme?
Yes, all electricity retailers who supply small retail customers are required to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme.
Will the Solar Bonus Scheme be reviewed?
The review will impact only on new entrants to the Scheme which means if changes are required they will not be applied retrospectively to customers who have already joined the Scheme. As required by the legislation, a report on the outcome of the review will be tabled in each of the Houses of Parliament.
Only small retail customers are eligible to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme.
Am I able to install more than one eligible renewable generator and receive the Solar Bonus Scheme credit?
No, only one eligible renewable energy generator (solar photovoltaic system or wind turbine) per customer will be eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme credit.
Generators that have both solar photovoltaic and wind turbine components are regarded as multiple generators.
Customers with more than one site are eligible for one generator only, provided they meet the small customer threshold.
Why are large customers not eligible to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme?
Restricting the Scheme to small customers helps keeps the costs of the Scheme down for all energy customers.
Can community-owned solar farms participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme?
Yes, community-owned solar farms or community organisations are eligible to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme
Are wind turbines eligible to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme?
Wind turbines up to 10 kilowatts in capacity that connect to the electricity network through an inverter (up to 10 kilowatts in capacity) are eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme.
Are businesses and community organisations eligible to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme?
Yes, businesses and community organisations are eligible to participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme a
Can owner’s corporations participate in the Solar Bonus Scheme?
Owner’s corporations may have an account for common power services distinct
How does the Solar Bonus Scheme apply to tenants and landlords?
Tenants who are responsible for the consumption of electricity at their leased premises may be eligible for the Scheme (provided all Scheme criteria are met). However, tenants will need to check their lease agreement before proceeding to install a generator as the express consent of their landlord will ordinarily be required.
A landlord who does not occupy the premises is unlikely to be eligible for the Scheme where the tenant is responsible for the consumption of electricity at those premises.
How does the Solar Bonus Scheme's tariff rate compare to the average price of electricity?
The Solar Bonus Scheme’s tariff of 60 cents per kilowatt hour (c/kWh) is around three to four times the average price of electricity in New South Wales.
The Industry & Investment NSW website provides general information on the Solar Bonus Scheme to assist individuals and businesses interested in participating in the Scheme.