04 Sep Regional QLD solar users to benefit from removal of feed-in-tariff cap
Regional Queenslanders with solar systems up to 30kW will now benefit from changes introduced by the Palaszczuk Government as part of the $1.16 billion Powering Queensland Plan, designed to support and grow the renewable energy sector.
Up to 4000 regional households and small businesses are now eligible to receive the Queensland regional feed-in-tariff for systems up to 30kW in size. The cap was set at 5kW and it is now expected that many more will take up the offer and install large solar systems.
Treasurer and Acting Minster for Energy Curtis Pitt said “by increasing the solar system size limit for the regional feed-in tariff (FiT) from 5 kilowatts (kW) to 30 kW of total rated inverter capacity, 4000 more Queensland households and businesses would be eligible.”
“Expanding the eligibility for the regional FiT to small photovoltaic generators with a total rated inverter capacity up to 30 kW will enable more regional Queenslanders to receive fair payment for excess energy exported from their solar PV system to the electricity grid,” Mr Pitt said.
“Importantly, because the regional FiT is set by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) at an economically efficient, cost-neutral rate based on market energy costs, there is no additional expense to non-solar customers.
“It’s great news for those 4000 solar customers not previously eligible for the FiT and great news for regional Queensland households and businesses considering solar.
“Many businesses who have been considering solar will now be able to take advantage of the regional FiT for excess power they export when their businesses are closed.
“By encouraging solar uptake we are one step closer to the state’s solar target for one million residential rooftops or 3000 megawatts by 2020.
“Put simply – this initiative is a great outcome for customers and for the renewable energy industry.”
“There are now 20 renewable energy projects in Queensland either commencing construction or finalising commercial arrangements, collectively with almost 1800 megawatts capacity, supporting more than 2,800 direct construction jobs in regional Queensland and providing a $3.4 billion investment boost,” he said.