Solar Xpress and 1300 Solarman

 Queensland households and small businesses can now apply for a rebate on surplus electricity generated by their roof-top photovoltaic (PV) systems which is fed into the grid.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the Solar Bonus Scheme, which offers 44 cents per kilowatt-hour for surplus electricity, started on July 1.

Mr Wilson said the scheme would boost the state’s use of renewable energy, encourage energy efficiency and stimulate the solar power industry in Queensland.

“The Solar Bonus Scheme will help people save money, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Wilson said.

“Households and small businesses will receive credits on their electricity bills for any additional power they generate through their solar systems and are able to contribute to the grid.

“It is estimated the scheme could save consumers more than 25 percent of their annual electricity bill, depending on how energy-efficient they are in their home.”

Mr Wilson said the scheme was specifically designed to provide greater rewards to homes that conserve energy.

To maximise the solar bonus, households can:

·minimise standby power use

·reduce the use of heating and cooling appliances

·make the most of natural and energy-efficient lighting

·switch off second fridges or freezers if you can do without them

·switch pool or spa pumps and filters to off-peak tariffs.

The Solar Bonus payment will appear as a separate line item credited on the quarterly electricity bill.

Mr Wilson said those wishing to claim the solar bonus should contact their electricity retailer to sign-up to participate in the scheme.

“The Solar Bonus Scheme demonstrates the Bligh Government’s support for the solar industry and commitment to energy conservation,” he said.

Source: http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=58980

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Canberrans who use solar energy at home will soon be able to receive payment for any excess electricity they feed back into the power grid.

New laws aimed at making solar power more affordable for individuals were passed by the Legislative Assembly last night.

Residents who feed solar electricity back into the grid will be paid a premium of almost four times the domestic price.

Labor backbencher Mick Gentleman - who proposed the scheme - says he is hoping to capitalise on the popularity of the idea as soon as possible.

“I think it’ll make a really big difference,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback from the community and from installers in the ACT that have really been looking forward to this feed-in law.

“They see it as a great inspiration for people to move to renewable energy.”

The ACT Greens have welcomed the move.

The Conservation Council is now calling on the Federal Government to adopt the new scheme.

The council’s Genevieve Wauchope says a national roll-out of the incentive would help Australians tackle climate change and increased costs associated with carbon trading.

“We’d be definitely encouraging the Federal Government to take up the ACT model,” she said.

“We would be very concerned if the national framework was going to implement a weaker model and then the ACT had to come into line with that.”

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/03/2292901.htm

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The South Australian Government says a solar feed-in scheme which is operating from today shows the state is leading in Australia on climate change strategies.

The scheme pays a premium guaranteed tariff of 44 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity to households and other small customers who feed solar electricity into the power grid.

The Government says it rewards customers whenever they generate more electricity than they use, not just on a balance at the end of the month or quarter.

SA Premier Mike Rann says enterprising customers will notice the benefits.

“It’s an added incentive for South Australians, an added bonus for South Australians, to plug into solar power,” he said.

“It’d be worth about $400 annually for the average household.”

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/01/2290530.htm

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