Current News Items

Changes to the Victorian solar power Feed-in Tariff

September 1, 2011

On Thursday, 1 September 2011 The Victorian Coalition Government announced changes to the Victorian solar power Feed-in Tariff.

The Premium Feed-in Tariff is being replaced by transitional Feed-in Tariff

To read the press release click here.

To read more about the Victorian Transitional Feed-in Tariff click here.

For more information, please contact one of our renewable energy consultants on 1300 35 36 36. 

Federal government announces changes to Solar Credits Scheme

May 5, 2011

By EKO Energy

The federal government has announced that further changes will be made to the Solar Credits Scheme.

The Solar Credits Scheme is based on Small Technology Certficates (STC's) and a multiplier system. Solar Credits applies to the first 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of system capacity installed for systems connected to main electricity grids. The press release issued by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, states that “The Solar Credits multiplier from 1 July 2011 will be reduced to three, and to two on 1 July 2012 and then be reduced to one on 1 July 2013.”

Minister for Climate Change, Greg Combet, said the decision was a result of soaring growth in solar panel installations and the flow-on cost to electricity prices. “There had been such strong demand for solar panels that it had resulted in higher electricity prices. The Government is very keen to take pressure off prices."

According to EKO Energy CEO, Erik Zimmerman, the change in price is not a major issue. “The new rebate structure will still reduce the price of a solar power system by approximately one third.  The price of installing solar has dropped 70% in the past 2 ½ years and the federal government rebates will continue to provide a major discount for customers.”

“The combination of the federal government rebate and the state government incentives will still provide consumers with a good return on investment. Paybacks are typically 7 years or less.”

This feeling was echoed by Mr Combet stating that, “The changes announced today will continue to support households, small businesses and community groups with the upfront cost of installing solar panels, while also helping to moderate market demand and placing the industry on a more sustainable development path. The cut we are making still means that a subsidy of around $3700 will be available."

The trend is toward large systems as consumers are looking to offset their skyrocketing electricity bills. These systems will represent excellent value for money.