A Solar PV
Feed In Tariff
For Canberra?
Media Statement by Mick
Gentleman MLA
Monday,
14 May 2007
Canberra:
Soon To Be The Solar Capital?
 Known
for its large number of environmental enthusiasts, Canberra will
be a greener capital if a new proposal is adopted which will assist
people to generate their own electricity. Labor Member for Brindabella
Mick Gentleman has asked the Chief Minister and Minister for Environment
Jon Stanhope to consider including a ‘Feed- in Law’
as part of the ACT Labor Government’s renewed Climate Change
Strategy due to be released in coming weeks.
A Feed-in Law
is a market mechanism that encourages the adoption of solar technology
by paying people who generate their own electricity via solar cells
(Photovoltaic or PV). People who generate electricity from their
roof top and feed that electricity back into the grid are paid more
than the market price for the power that they generate.
“This
offsets the cost of installing the PV panels on the roof and encourages
people to generate clean energy,” he said.
“We are
currently investigating which would be the most appropriate model
for the ACT. The most successful model we have is the German one,
which has been in operation since 1991 and was amended in 2000.
In Germany, the rate is set at a higher level than current electricity
and is paid on each unit of the electricity generated by the consumers’
solar PV system. The premium paid to the generator falls every year
and is funded through a small levy on all electricity bills.
“The PV
industry in Germany has resulted in €6.8 billion being invested
in PV systems in that country since 1999 and is now employing 30,
000 people. The ACT will hopefully now get a slice of the solar
action.
“There’s
no doubt the increased use of PV panels would create jobs in trades
connected with installation such as the electrical and other building
trades. In future with adequate demand, we could even see a high-tech
PV manufacturer set-up in the ACT.
“I think
this exciting technology has the potential to provide Canberrans
with the opportunity to generate cost-effective clean energy, and
to protect Canberrans from electricity fluctuations caused by issues
such as water shortages.
“The
scientific evidence of climate change is indisputable. We all have
to act now, and the ACT must play its role in contributing to the
growing international and national response to climate change,”
Mr Gentleman said.
Note:
The updated Bill was introduced into the ACT Assembly in April 2008.
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