Solar News

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) recently published its recommendations for a fair and reasonable feed-in tariff for 2012/13. While the figures went up slightly (7.7 to 12.9¢/kWh) the tariff remains voluntary - which means energy retailers still do not have to give you anything for electricity exported into the grid.

On the same day, IPART determined that energy retailers must contribute 7.7¢/kWh in 2012/13 for each eligible kWh under the (now closed) NSW Solar Bonus Scheme. These contributions commenced on 1. July 2012. If you wonder why these contributions were not made from the start of the Scheme we suggest you contact IPART or your local representative.

Some Energy retailers are/were paying voluntary premiums to Solar Bonus Scheme customers on top of the 60¢ paid by the NSW government. These voluntary contributions are now under review, and it is expected that retailers will reduce or eliminate these payments in the near future if they not already did so. IPART's Retailers Comparison website already dropped all information regarding voluntary feed-in tariffs.

If you are considering switching retailers the above mentioned website is still a valuable resource in comparing tariffs and availability charges. Once retailers have finish their 'review', solar feed-in tariffs will be published again. In the meantime, we recommend that you check the retailer's website or contact the retailer directly for information about their solar feed in tariffs.