Victorian Solar Energy PFIT Reduced

Victoria has reduced the level of its feedin tariff for solar energy to 25c / kilowatt-hour (units of energy). This change is a reasonable measure, in view of the improved economics of solar power. The exchange rate, increasing numbers of panels suppliers, and improved economies of scale have all contributed to the reduced cost base of modern solar systems. Solar still makes great sense in Victoria. Had a system for some time ? Consider a solar system...

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Planned changes to feedin tariff scrapped

Threat passes: Planned changes to the 60c feedin tariff enjoyed by older installations have been scrapped.  Householders that had borrowed money to install the systems welcomed the government decision to honour existing contracts.  The backdown is a positive step that recognises the basic principle of contracts, and the upper house independents, minor parties & back benchers are to be commended for their principled stand. Many of the older systems were installed at a time when the currency was lower and the price of panels higher –...

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NSW Solar Rally – Last Chance

The NSW government plans some nasty retrospective changes to the 60c tariff for existing completed projects. A rally is proposed that seeks to highlight the concerns of the 110,000 families affected. Show your support for Solar!NSW Solar Last Chance Rally11:30am Wednesday 18 May, 2011Barnet Long Room: Customs House31 Alfred StreetCircular Quay, Sydney

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Solar Summit Update 1

NSW Solar Summit Update – Sydney, 7 May 2011 Dear Customers, Our industry representatives, the Australian Solar Energy Society and the Clean Energy Council participated in stage one of the NSW Solar Summit on Friday, with Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren giving one of the formal presentations (and the only solar industry allowed to speak, out of five speakers). The focus of Matthew’s presentation was the need to provide interim options to householders ‘half way through’ the process, and a pathway...

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Federal Government announces further RECs change

Flash Traffic: Solar credits quantity reduced by larger margin than announced previously Solar Credits is the name given the the incentive available for capital investment in green energy production. For information on on the Feed in Tariff, see this news article and general feed in tariff information The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, today revealed that the Solar Credits multiplier will be reduced from 5 to 3 from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012, with the effect being to reduce the installation incentive by...

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Another feed-in tariff success story

Off the back of the German solar feeding tariff laws, Solarworld AG built a thriving solar panel export business that is now a truly global player, with 1.4GW capacity expected to be online by the end of this year. As a result of continued success, SolarWorld Groupwide earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased in financial year 2010 by 26 % , climbing 40.0 million euros to € 192.8m (for comparison, in 2009 it was € 152.8m). This stellar result was achieved by increasing volumes in the face of low industry pricing. Solarbuzz...

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NSW Solar PV Bonus Scheme Review – 20c is new baseline

Upon reaching 50MW installed capacity, the NSW Government has reduced the successful 60c solar feed-in tariff to 20c, as a result of unexpected demand. Review points of note Will still operate until original 31 December 2016 deadline; Existing customers will continue to receive the 60 cent credit for export, provided the system size and ownership are unchanged; New customers will connect at the base rate of 20c, although retailers are offering between 20 and 28c for exported power; and Once 300MW of installed capacity is reached, a further...

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