Will installing a home battery system affect your solar feed in tariff?
The question is one the Clean Energy Council has been asked regularly, so the nice folks at the CEC have put together a brief guide regarding the current situation.
In summary, here’s how things look in each state.
Australian Capital Territory
Feed in tariffs are not payable in the ACT if a system includes a storage device connected to any other source of electricity, except in the case of a compliant renewable energy generator under the Act.
New South Wales
In NSW, it depends on the setup of the solar + storage system. For example, exports under the Solar Bonus Scheme are payable only if the PV system generated the electricity. In this scenario you’re not able to charge a battery system with cheap off-peak electricity and then export it; earning a higher rate.
Northern Territory
The NT’s 1:1 solar feed in tariff is not affected by the installation of an energy storage system.
Queensland
The CEC states the situation in QLD is unclear and may be clarified through a review.
South Australia
Installing a home energy storage system in SA will result in ineligibility for continuing feed in tariff payments.
Tasmania
There are no restrictions in the Apple Isle at the current time
Victoria
Likewise, the coast is clear in VIC – a battery system will not result in cessation of FiT payments.
Western Australia
Solar owners in WA can install non-exporting batteries behind the inverter without needing the involvement of the retailer and this will not affect premium feed-in tariff eligibility.
You can grab a copy of the Clean Energy Council’s infosheet storage and feed in tariffs here (PDF). It’s current as at September 17, but bear in mind the rules are in a state of flux in some states.
For some owners of solar panels looking to further minimise reliance on mains power or to ditch the grid altogether – and the numbers in this latter group are growing – the topic of feed-in tariffs may soon become a non-issue.
News item provided courtesy of Energy Matters Australia
