IMPORTANT:
The New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme premium gross feed in tariff finishes at the end of 2016. 2017 could bring crippling electricity bill shocks to participants who don’t take appropriate action – Learn more here.
Historical Notes:
On May 13, 2011, the NSW Government announced the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme was closed to new applications and applications lodged from midnight 28 April 2011.
The NSW Government made net metering available and recommended consumers check with electricity retailers with regard to financial incentives for solar households.
IPART’s draft determination for solar feed in tariffs for 2014/15 recommended a retailer contribution of 5.3c/kWh for solar energy exported back into the grid.
NSW SOLAR BONUS SCHEME EXISTING CUSTOMERS – ADDING CAPACITY
60c Solar Bonus Scheme Customers
Customers who receive the 60c/kWh tariff may expand their overall generating capacity and retain the 60c tariff for their Scheme generator if the additional capacity is from a separately metered non-Scheme generator.
No Scheme payments are available for the non-Scheme generator.
Customers must notify their distribution network service provider (DNSP) of any change to their generator that would affect their receipt of Scheme payments. Fines and penalties of up to $110,000 may apply for failure to notify.
The connection must be made in accordance with directions provided by the DNSP. The Scheme generator will need to be gross metered and the non-Scheme generator will need to be net metered.
20c Solar Bonus Scheme Customers
Customers receiving the 20c/kWh tariff may increase their Scheme generator’s capacity with the consent of their distribution network service provider (DNSP).
Customers may connect up to a total of 10 kW of capacity to the network in accordance with directions provided by their DNSP and remain eligible for the 20 cent tariff.
Alternatively, customers who receive the 20c/kWh tariff may expand their overall generating capacity beyond 10 kW and retain the 20c tariff for their Scheme generator if a second separately metered non-Scheme generator is connected for capacity greater than 10kW.
No Scheme payments are available for the non-Scheme generator.
The connection must be made in accordance with directions provided by the DNSP. This includes the requirement that no more than one net meter is permitted.
Important Note:
Both 60c and 20c customers must:
– consider how the expansion of their system will affect Scheme tariff payments and other benefits before deciding to expand the generating capacity of their solar PV system.
– check for themselves what feed-in tariffs are available and confirm with their preferred retailer whether the retailer will pay a non-Scheme tariff in addition to the Scheme tariff; and
– understand that their DNSP may not yet have the ability to process an application for connection of a second separately metered non-Scheme generator. They must check with their DNSP before committing to purchase additional capacity that requires separate metering.
