When will VIC premium feed in tariff end? « Alternative Technology Assn Forums

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When will VIC premium feed in tariff end?

(5 posts) (3 voices)

Started 12 years ago by smallfish
Latest reply from smallfish

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smallfish
Member

I've heard rumors that Victoria is getting much closer (much quicker than expected) to the 100 megawatt limit, which could result in the end of the premium feed-in tariff as soon as September this year. Have tried asking the Dept of Primary Industries for more info without response so far.

The premium quality 3kW Solar PV system we are considering is unlikely to have all components available until late this year or possibly early next year, so even if we committed to it now, we could be too slow to install and connect in time to qualify for the premium tariff.

Does anyone have any more reliable info as to how close Victoria is to its 100 megawatt limit, and/or when it's likely to be reached?

Posted Friday 11 Jun 2010 @ 1:24:01 pm from IP #
living sustainably
Member

If you hear from them, please keep us updated. Seems that everywhere for new installations there is a backlog of at least a few weeks.

Posted Tuesday 15 Jun 2010 @ 4:50:56 am from IP #
smallfish
Member

Spoke with Vic Dept Primary Industry today with no new answers.

All info I received was read word-for-word from their website. The last 3 FAQs on this page are the closest I get to answers: http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/energy/projects-research-and-development/solar/feed-in-tariffs/feed-in-tariffs-faq/victorias-feed-in-tariffs-frequently-asked-questions

Basically they say they don't have any information on how close we are to the 100 megawatt cap, though it's still my understanding that they are the body who actually monitor this, so if they don't know how close we are, I don't know who would?!

I have heard from an installer that one approach is to install a smaller system now in order to qualify quickly, then increase the system later. I would imagine that only the size of system installed before the cap is reached would qualify, but I'm not sure. I've asked this question of the DPI and they have forwarded the inquiry to their policy people. I'll let you know if I receive a reply.

Posted Wednesday 16 Jun 2010 @ 11:44:50 am from IP #
eco efficient
Member

I'm in NSW so we may have some differences but when you sign up with a solar company the paperwork is logded with your energy supplier for the feed in tarrif and approved before any installation has occured. With our paper work I filled it in myself and sent it in quickly to Integral power to get approved. It took a few weeks and was approved and am locked in for the feed in tarrif before the panels went on.
The paper work is lodged with the system size and annual energy production and I don't think it could be changed later. I would lodge with the right info on the paperwork.
I would make a move now and get in before it suddenly runs out with no notice as governments do.
Also you seem to be waiting an long time for the premium system, Panels seem to be coming in very quickly now days from overseas and maybe the inverter is your hold up. I would not wait that long, your solar company could use another inverter until the original one arrives or should be able to help you out some how or find a comparable quality system elsewere.
Hope this help you out.

Posted Thursday 17 Jun 2010 @ 12:57:30 am from IP #
smallfish
Member

Thanks for the suggestions, eco efficient, much appreciated. And yes, it is the SMA inverter that is apparently the hold-up.

I'm meeting another installer tomorrow and will ask about your point above re: when the paperwork to register for the FiT happens in the process and also the possibility of using another inverter temporarily until our preferred one becomes available.

Further to all this, I'm pleased to report that today I received a call from an extremely helpful member of the policy dept of the DPI Vic in response to my inquiries. Basic points he made were:

1) In May this year, there were 11,000 systems installed, most of which were 1.5kW or less, which DPI equated to be approx 16% into the 100 megawatt quota.

2)An informal (and unqualified) estimate at present would be that we are still at less than 20% of the 100 megawatt cap, though he flagged that many systems that are already installed are still not registered, yet are planning to. Plus, they are aware that demand has increased sharply recently, so there's no accurate way to know where we're up to right now. Neither is there any way to realistically estimate when we will reach the 100 megawatt cap.

3) Data on exactly how many megawatts are registered for the Premium FiT is only collected annually. This means that at end November 2010 will be the next time that official data is collated. Without this data, the Minister cannot legally end the scheme. Therefore, the DPI is saying that there is no legal way that the Premium FiT could be ended before December 2010.

While this may not give me complete answers, I find it far more encouraging than the rumors of a 'September' end to the scheme I was fed by one supplier.

Hope it helps some of you too.

Posted Thursday 17 Jun 2010 @ 12:30:03 pm from IP #

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