Victorian Government Solar Energy Programs
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These programs range from the individual household level, through to support for investment in large scale commercially scaled projects, as well as promoting research and development into new forms of solar power.
Households, small businesses and community organisations
In order to assist households, small businesses and community organisations, from 01 January 2012, the Victorian Government will offer a Transitional Solar Feed-in Tariff which guarantees a minimum credit of 25 cents per kilowatt hour for any excess electricity exported to the grid for solar photovoltaic systems of up to 5 kilowatts.
Alternatively, customers can choose to sign up for a Standard Feed-in Tariff which is available for solar, wind, hydro and biomass systems greater than 5 and less than 100 kilowatts in size, and provides a “one-for-one” rate for excess electricity exported to the grid.
Large-scale solar
The new Victorian Government has committed to promote the development of solar power generation, with the aim of securing five per cent of Victoria's energy generation from solar power by 2020.
To assist in achieving this commitment, the Government will continue to support key large scale solar investments. These include:
- the Silex/Solar Systems 100 megawatt technology concentrated solar photovoltaic technology demonstration; and
- the TRUenenergy 180 megawatt commercial solar project in Mildura.
In September 2010, the Victorian Government announced that TRUenergy’s Mallee Solar Park is the preferred proposal for the Victorian Large-Scale Solar Project (VLSSP).
Medium-scale solar
In 2010, an independent Medium-Scale Solar Working Group was established to examine and assess effective models for the uptake of medium-scale solar energy in Victoria.
The Working Group first convened on 7 September 2010 and released a Discussion Paper on medium-scale solar soon after.
| Read the discussion paper and view the large number of submissions received in response. |
On 4 November 2010, a broad range of representatives attended a Community and Industry Reference Group (CIRG) forum convened by the Medium-Scale Solar Working Group, providing a further opportunity for key stakeholders to ask questions and provide input into the development of a final report to the Minister for Energy and Resources. See the presentation
The final report was delivered to the Minister for Energy and Resources in December 2010 and will be considered as input into the Victorian Government’s review of renewable and low-emission generation programs.
| Read the final report and associated appendices. |
Research and Development
In the area of Research and Development, the Victorian Government has committed up to $50 million for the deployment of a large scale, solar power demonstration project in North Western Victoria being developed through Solar Systems Pty Ltd.
The Sustainable Energy and Research & Developments Grants Program (SERD) has already provided a $6 million grant for a $12 million project header by Melbourne University to develop and increase the efficiency of organic solar cells as an alternative to silicon based cells.
Through these projects Victoria is continuing take a leading role in the development of the solar energy sector and is ensuring it is well placed in the move towards a more affordable, secure and sustainable energy future.
Links:
Green Door for Renewable Energy
Solar Hot Water Rebate Metropolitan Melbourne
Solar Hot Water Rebate Regional Victoria
Solar Hot Water Rebate - Regional Victoria rebate eligible solar hot water systems
