NSW will launch solar feed-in tariff for surplus electricity

Carmel Tebbutt, NSW Environment Minister has announced that the government will introduce a feed-in tariff,  to encourage people to take up solar power, paying for unused electricity householders put into the grid.

The details of the tariff will be reported early next year, after a government taskforce has researched and examined different types and rates of tariffs.

The big question is - will NSW adopt a net or gross feed-in tariff? If a net tariff is adopted, householder are paid above the market rate for electricity feed back into the grid. Whereas, with a gross tariff, the subsidy is paid for all power generated from their solar panels.

The taskforce will also advise the government on other issues to be addressed: the type of renewables available, emerging technologies, and possible harmonisation with other states.

The scheme is expected to be implemented by mid-2009.