More and more people are becoming interested in replacing their electricity with solar panels and other solar power accessories. While this phenomenon is occurring all over the world, it’s especially popular in sunny Australia as the sunlight beats down naturally on your new panels, and all you have to do is get them installed on your roof. These solar panels are then hooked up to the power grid to supply needed power to your home or business, and as a result your bills are often lowered by up to 30 per cent. You can often get a huge return on your investment in as little as four years, and the major solar panel wholesalers in Australia offer 25 year warranties.
As of December 2012, more than 2,412 MW of PV (photovoltaic) power had been installed, with 1000 MW of PV power installed in 2012 alone. Customers had majorly increased using solar power in the last four years due to significant rebates and incentives.
Australian Rebates & Incentives
Homeowners, small businesses, and even schools have joined the energy revolution and become more eco-friendly as Australia offers different types of government mandated incentives for those that switch their energy resource.
Renewable Energy Certificates(RECs)
When you purchase solar panels or a solar power system, you may receive renewable energy certificates with your purchase. These may be traded in so that you can receive discounts on other solar merchandise from wholesalers in Australia.
As of June 8, 2009, the Solar Credits Program originated and consumers received five times as many certificates for the first 1.5 KW of capacity under the new Renewable Energy Target.
The Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET)
The MRET strives that renewable energy obtains around a 20 per cent share of Australia’s electricity supply by 2020. They require all wholesalers such as industrial operators or electricity stores to buy renewable energy certificates, if they get energy through sources like solar, wind or water as they will provide a baseline and additional money for your investment.
Feed-in Tariffs
In Australia, several state governments use feed-in tariffs to measure the amount of electricity used and pay those that use renewable energy an incentive. In March 2009, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) began a gross feed-in tariff, where they paid the same amount. For example, solar systems up to 10 KW received 50 cents a kWh and solar systems between 10 and 30 KW were paid 40 cents. This does depend on where you live and the current plan in your state area. In South Australia it was 25 cents through the end of September, and then it reverted back to 11 cents. In order to receive this incentive, you must report the power you exported into the grid to get the full benefit.
Incentives for Small Business and Schools
During the 2012-2013 tax year, Australian small businesses are able to write off their assets such as their solar panels and accessories up to the value of $6,500. In addition, many wholesalers offer zero money as a deposit, allowing you to see the benefits of solar energy before you even start making payments a low financing plan.
Beginning in July 2008, schools became eligible to receive up to A$50,000 in grant money for installing 2KW solar panels through the National Solar Schools Program. They received applicants until November 2012, and almost 3,000 schools have installed solar panels.
Success of Wholesalers
Many solar panels wholesalers in Australia install modern, quality solar panels, while offering 25-year warranties on the panels. They also stay up to date with the latest government rebates and incentives to make sure you are receiving the best deal.
Bill Michaels has loved technology since he was playing with gadgets as a teenager. Even then, he was interested in seeing how solar energy worked and how it could be improved. He has multiple degrees in Biotechnology, Ecology, and Electrical Engineering, and now works as the department head of a Renewable resource agency.
