Changes benefit regional Queensland solar users

Published Friday, 01 September, 2017 at 08:30 AM

Acting Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Regional Queenslanders with large solar systems will benefit from changes introduced by the Palaszczuk Government.

More than 4000 regional households and small businesses are now in line to receive the Queensland regional feed-in-tariff, with many more expected to take up the offer and install large solar systems.

Treasurer and Acting Minster for Energy Curtis Pitt said by increasing the solar system size limit for the regional feed-in tariff (FiT) from 5 kilowatts (kW) to 30 kW of total rated inverter capacity, 4000 more Queensland households and businesses would be eligible.

“Expanding the eligibility for the regional FiT to small photovoltaic generators with a total rated inverter capacity up to 30 kW will enable more regional Queenslanders to receive fair payment for excess energy exported from their solar PV system to the electricity grid,” Mr Pitt said.

“Importantly, because the regional FiT is set by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) at an economically efficient, cost-neutral rate based on market energy costs, there is no additional expense to non-solar customers.

“It’s great news for those 4000 solar customers not previously eligible for the FiT and great news for regional Queensland households and businesses considering solar.

“Many businesses who have been considering solar will now be able to take advantage of the regional FiT for excess power they export when their businesses are closed.

“By encouraging solar uptake we are one step closer to the state’s solar target for one million residential rooftops or 3000 megawatts by 2020.

“Put simply - this initiative is a great outcome for customers and for the renewable energy industry.”

The Palaszczuk Government’s $1.16 billion Powering Queensland Plan outlines a range initiatives designed to support and grow the renewable energy sector.

“There are now 20 renewable energy projects in Queensland either commencing construction or finalising commercial arrangements, collectively with almost 1800 megawatts capacity, supporting more than 2,800 direct construction jobs in regional Queensland and providing a $3.4 billion investment boost,” he said.

For more information on eligibility and the regional feed in tariff visit www.dews.qld.gov.au .

ENDS

Media contact:            Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484