04-Jan-2010 Gross Feed-In-Tariff is Here Solar electricity system owners in NSW are having a very happy new year thanks to the new gross solar feed-in-tariff that started on January 1st.

The most generous solar buy back scheme in the country sees system owners credited 60 cents per kilowatt hour for all the electricity their panels create. That means a household with a 1.5kW system will be paid up to $1500 per year for the solar electricity their system generates, which represents a 25% tax free return on your investment.

This new tariff will drastically reduce the payback period for a solar electricity system to as little as four years.

“When you combine the new feed-in-tariff, the solar credits scheme rebate and interest free green loans, solar power is within reach of the majority of households and represents an excellent investment in your home and the environment” said Adam Tesoriero, Director of SolarSwitch.

People without solar power will certainly be paying more for their electricity to subsidise the feed in tariff scheme. Also the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal have recommended electricity price rises of up to 62% over three years from July.

Integral Energy customers will be credited for the gross feed-in-tariff immediately, while Energy Australia and Country Energy have until July 1st to change over to gross metering. In the mean-time those customers will be credited a 60 cent net feed-in-tariff.

The feed in tariff applies to systems of 10kW or less and is guaranteed for 7 years. It is based on a “first come, first served” basis with the scheme being re-assessed once 50 Megawatts have been installed.

Businesses also qualify for the new incentive provided they use less than 160MWhrs per year.

“Having installed around 2,000 grid-connect solar electricity systems SolarSwitch has the knowledge, expertise and dedicated staff to install your system in a timely and professional manner to take advantage of the gross feed in tariff as soon as possible” said Mr Tesoriero.

The gross feed in tariff compliments the new rebate scheme known as “Solar Credits”. The cash incentive, which contributes toward the up-front cost of your system, is based on the “Renewable Energy Certificates” or “RECs”.

The RECs fluctuate in value but SolarSwitch still guarantee this rebate as a high point of sale discount of $7000 for a 1.5kW system, so you really are making the maximum saving.

“The great thing about Solar Credits is that it is not means tested and is open to everyone, so businesses and people wanting to put solar electricity on their rental properties can access this incentive” said Mr Tesoriero.

SolarSwitch offer the highest quality monocrystalline solar panels and German inverters that are the most efficient and widely used in the world.

“We pride ourselves on installing quality equipment sourced from reputable manufacturers that will be around to honour your 25 year manufacturer’s warranty….this is a lifetime investment after all. We are also an authorized dealer for SunPower who offer the most efficient solar panels available on the market, including a brand new 300 Watt panel” Said Mr Tesoriero.

Each installation is managed and carried out by SolarSwitch’s licensed, insured and Business Council of Sustainable Energy accredited electricians.

“So with the Solar Credits Scheme and the new gross feed-in-tariff there’s never been a better time to install solar. Why wait when you can cut your energy costs and start helping the environment today” Said Mr Tesoriero.

For more information or a Free Home Assessment contact SolarSwitch here or on (02) 8985 9945.

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