Hi All
Getting a 6.6kw Solar Panel system installed next week. Used gov rebate.
However, got notified today that Powercor will not support feed in tariff. So the system will be running without it.
Just wondering is it worth to have a solar panel system in this situation?
Cheers
How do you change from a distributor?
So they are not a retailer? If not, OP probably can't.
I did notice they have this advice on their page:
Prior to investing in solar panels, it is recommended you apply for pre-approval so you know how much export capacity you are able to install.
That's related to the size of the system, higher kws require three-phase supply etc.
"Just wondering is it worth to have a solar panel system in this situation?"
It will still cut down your power bills. Tarrifs will eventually be phased out anyway as they are driving the price of electricity too high.
pretty hard to make the maths work out well without some form of FIT to at least get a return on the non-utilised power
wasnt aware that any of the providers were not providing any FIT.. where did you find this info?
Its not uncommon in older suburbs.
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorian-fee…
Is my electricity retailer obliged to offer me the current Feed-in Tariff?
"If your electricity retailer has more than 5,000 customers they are obliged to offer you the current minimum Feed-in Tariff which opened on 1 January 2013. This tariff is a minimum only and your retailer is always free to "top up" over and above the minimum rate if they choose to do so.
If your electricity retailer has less than 5,000 customers they are not obliged to offer the current Feed-in Tariff."
Powercor is the distributor, not the retailer. If they won't sign off on it then as far as the retailer is concerned there's no feed-in.
Yeah, there must be something squishy at OP property or his grid that powercor refuse to provide FIT. Without FIT it certainly takes longer to recoup initial investment but won't mean forever. You have to figure out whats your consumption during the day to work out the actual number.
I'm with powercor too, sadly…
I applied for a 5KW system ~5 years back but was only permitted to get 3KW installed with the current retail FIT.
With all of the recent Victoria wide rebates on, I had another go at adding an extra 2KW as my system was already setup to handle up to 6.2KW.
Powercor's reply? Change my system in any way and I'll no longer get any FIT. How encouraging is this system eh? A neighboring house got the 5KW years back when I was denied (long story) and they enjoy the extra dollar FIT. We are both on SWER lines.
So I am limited by them to be 3/5ths green. TYVFM <— Thank You Very Much.
Hi Java, no Feed in tariff will impact your economics (pay back period). Comments above are correct Powercor are the distribution company (own the poles anz wires) for your area (as opposed to your retailer - sends the bills), powercor approve any solar connection to the grid and can limit the amount of energy you can feed into the grid by wither limiting the size of the system or export limit it (stop your system exporting to the grid). They usually do this due to network issues in your area, too much solar - voltage issues or capacity constraints on your local network.
When looking at you economics you need to work out home much energy you use will solar will be generating as this will be your 'free' energy if you are not home due the day on weekdays or week ends then your pay back period will increase. Check out the calculator below to have a look at a few scenarios, I would also ask powercor if you out a smaller system would they allow it to export and then look at your options to see what's best for your situations.
Hope this helps
Change from Powercor