Positive results from feed-in tariff in ACT

According to the ACT Minister for Energy, Simon Corbell, Canberra is fast becoming Australia’s solar capital with new figures that showing more than 3500 solar panel installations are now on Canberra roofs.

“This is clear evidence that the Canberra community is really embracing solar technology with more than 3000 installations on roofs that are accessing the ACT's nation-leading feed-in tariff,” Corbell said. “A strong take-up of solar panels on the household and small business levels have paved the way for a successful expansion to medium- and large-scale solar installations in the ACT.”

The ACT Government announced in September 2010 that the feed-in tariff scheme would be expanded to medium- and large-scale generators.

Corbell added that the spread of suburbs where solar panels had been installed was broad and captured a wide range of socioeconomic groups, stating: “There is a misconception that solar panels are only affordable to the higher income households, but the statistics show us that in the ACT this is not the case. Solar is affordable to a wide range of people and can help to bring down annual electricity bills.

“The total installed capacity of renewable generators as at 31 December 2010 was an impressive 7.03 MW, an increase of 1.1 MW since the previous quarter, and a 257% increase since December 2009.”

Legislation supporting Stage 2 of the Feed-in Tariff Scheme, extending eligibility to community-owned generators up to 200 kW capacity, was introduced into the Assembly in early December 2010 and will be debated early 2011.