Electricity feed-in tariff

Solar Feed-in Scheme

Overview

The Northern Territory (NT) Grid Buy Back Rate rewards households that install solar power (photovoltaic - PV) renewable energy systems by paying them for the electricity they generate.

The NT system is a gross feed-in tariff scheme which means that you are paid for each unit of electricity that you feed back into the grid.

Key eligibility

To be eligible for the feed-in-tariff, you must:

• Have a PV system connected to the mains power grid that meets Power and Water Corporation's grid connection requirements.
• Enter into the required contractual agreements with Power and Water and pay the application and metering fee.

Homeowners, landlords and renters are eligible to apply. Renters should check with their landlord before installing solar energy systems.

A number of other conditions apply. Check your eligibility on Power and Water's website.

Items covered

The electricity feed-in tariff pays you for the electricity generated from your PV system. The amount of electricity you generate will be deducted by Power and Water from your electricity bill at the residential rate of 18.31 cents for every kilowatt hour of electricity you feed back into the grid.

A customised rate can also be negotiated for larger solar systems (those greater than 10 kVA).

Next steps

To take the next step, make sure that you understand the full program information before you purchase a solar system. If you already have a solar energy system installed, you'll need to contact Power and Water to check that you comply with all requirements.

If you receive any payments from Centrelink, you may need to check with them if your credits or payments have any impact on your Centrelink payments.

It is possible under some circumstances that credits or payments you receive for power generated by solar panels on your residence may be included as assessable for income tax. Further information should be sought from the Australian Taxation Office or your accountant or tax agent.

If you are registered for GST and install a renewable energy system with the intention of furthering a business, then GST will be applied to any income generated.

Other assistance

You could also be eligible for financial assistance to help with the cost of installing a solar power system. As a Northern Territory resident, you may also be eligible for other rebates and assistance from the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Government.

Your local government may also have programs to help you with living greener. Contact your local council directly to find out what assistance you may be eligible for.