Solar bonus scheme
Note: If your Solar Bonus Scheme (the Scheme) eligible generator is not connected to the electricity network by 30 June 2012, you will not be eligible for Scheme tariff payments. Customers wishing to maintain Scheme eligibility must connect the eligible generator to the electricity network by 30 June 2012. The date is fixed and no exceptions or exemptions apply. Customers who wish to receive tariff payments and are awaiting the connection of their system may wish to discuss with their installer and a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider whether installation and grid connection is possible in this time frame.
Customers whose systems are already connected to the electricity grid are not affected.
The Solar Bonus Scheme provides a feed-in tariff for eligible customers with small solar or wind generators that are connected to the grid. The Scheme commenced on 1 January 2010 and operates until 31 December 2016.
The Regulatory framework of the Solar Bonus Scheme is set out in the Electricity Supply Act 1995 and the Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2001 available at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.
The NSW Solar Bonus Scheme is closed to new applicants. Customers who applied to join the Solar Bonus Scheme by midnight 28 April 2011 are able to proceed with their connection until 30 June 2012 and receive Scheme payments. Systems connected from 1 July 2012 will not be eligible to receive Solar Bonus Tariff payments.
Each customer has the responsibility for ensuring that their renewable energy generator installation meets all requirements of the Solar Bonus Scheme including complying with the metering and connection requirements of their Distribution Network Services Business as well as the strict rules governing eligibility for the higher (60 cent) tariff rate.
If all eligible applications are installed and connected, generating capacity under the Scheme is expected to reach 375 megawatts (MW). This is the largest capacity of any state or territory feed-in tariff scheme in Australia.