solar energy - solar pricing

Solar Pricing

United Energy plays an important role during the solar photovoltaic installation process. We have a regulatory obligation to install an embedded generation meter (or bi-directional meter) to ensure a safe, efficient and measured process for customers to export excess electricity back into the grid.

It is important to note, the installation of a bi-directional meter may result in a change of network tariff, and therefore we encourage all new customers to contact your electricity retailer for all billing enquiries.

For further information on feed-in tariffs, please click here to view a fact sheet developed by the Department of Primary Industries.

Feed-in tariffs

Feed-in tariffs reward people who are producing their own renewable energy by allowing them to receive a financial return for the excess power they feed into the grid.

There are three feed-in tariff offerings available for customers. These offerings are dependent on the timing of solar energy installation and/or generation capacity.

Premium feed-in tariff (PFIT)

PFIT is a Victorian Government initiative that started in late 2009 and will soon be closed to new applicants. The initiative offers 60 cents/kWh for export generation from solar PV systems. It is being closed due to the legislated 100 megawatts (MW) capacity limit being reached. The PFIT was set up to accept a total capacity of 100 MW of installed solar power across the state.

If you have already paid a deposit for solar panels and would like to be considered for the premium rate, by 30 September 2011 you must:

  • have solar panels installed
  • have a Premium Feed-in Tariff contract in place with your chosen electricity retailer
  • have lodged a Solar Connection Form with United Energy of Jemena (UE service provider)
  • have lodged the following forms with your electricity retailer:
    • Electrical Work Request
    • Certificate of Electrical Safety

If customers have already signed up, or in the process of signing, we encourage the following actions:

  • check your contracts and ensure they specify firm timeframes for panel installation
  • contact the solar installer and ensure that they can have the necessary forms completed and provided to the relevant electricity suppliers by 30 September 2011.
  • follow-up with your electricity retailer to ensure they have received the relevant forms (complete and correct) by 30 September 2011.

Eligible customers who are signed up to the Premium Feed-in Tariff and currently receiving credits recorded to their account will continue to receive this rate until 2024. No retrospective changes will be made.

Transitional Feed-in Tariff (TFIT)

On Thursday 1 September 2011 the Victorian Government Energy Minister Michael O’Brien announced that the transitional feed-in tariff (TFIT) will begin 1 January 2012 to replace the PFIT initiative, offering customers with solar systems of five kilowatts of less a 25 cent/kWh rate for export generation. TFIT will be available for five years from the scheme’s commencement.

Standard Feed-in Tariff (SFIT)

A standard feed-in tariff (SFIT) is available to households, community organisations and small businesses generating electricity from solar sources with a generation capacity of up to 100 kilowatts.

The standard feed-in tariff allows eligible customers to sign up and receive a ‘one-for-one’ payment rate for any excess electricity they feed back into the state’s electricity grid.

For further information on SFIT, please contact your retailer.