Grid-connected solar power means that you can generate your own clean energy and feed it back to the grid. The surplus that you feed back will be credited against what you have used and thus save you money.

For example from 1.36kW photovoltaic power system in Melbourne, you could expect to generate around 4.8kWh/day and thus save upto $2.88 cents per day in power (given that the soon to be implemented Victorian feed-in tariff of 60cents/kWh is achieved for all your solar generated power).

The price that your solar generated power is sold at depends on your power retailer and the agreement you sign with them. Currently most retailers offer one for one, that is, they pay you the same as you pay them for power (less the GST). Total cost of installed 1.36kW system is approximately $14,000 (including GST) less $8000 SHCP rebate and approximately $1152 for 15 years worth of renewable energy certificates (REC's @ $48) = $4,848 net cost of PV power system. NB. Only available on your primary place of residence.

Depending on your location and solar availability on your roof you could expect to save an additional $1050/year on your electricity bills (once the Victorian feed-in tariff comes into place in January 2009). Not included in this costing is what your power retailer charges to change your power meter over to one that can measure exported power - typically $200-300.

Please feel free to contact us for a free, no obligations quote.

Below are the SHCP guidelines and application forms plus an outline of the steps involved with installing a grid connected solar power system in Victoria.