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Solar with Neighbourhood Energy

Here at Neighbourhood Energy, we believe in keeping things simple, so when it comes to Solar, why not let us take care of all the complications for you?

Solar power is electricity generated from the sun's energy. With a solar power system, photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on your roofs which harness sunlight to generate electricity.

How does the process work

Installation

Once you've decided you're ready to go ahead with the installation of Solar Photovoltaic Panels on your roof, you will need to contact a Solar Power System company to arrange to have the solar panels installed at your home.

After installation, you'll need a Certified Electrical Inspector to review the installation. If all requirements are met, the Inspector will issue an Electrical Work Request and a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

Account set-up

Now that you're property is all set up – we're ready to help you finalise the process!

You need to choose if you're interested in the General Feed in Tariff or the Premium Feed in Tariff. We've enclosed some information below to help you understand the difference – but if you're unclear which one may benefit you best – give us a call – we're always happy to help!

What is a General Feed in Tariff (GFIT)?

This is where Neighbourhood Energy will buy back your net Solar Feed In usage at the same rate you purchase it from us. It generally allows your current metering configurations to remain as they are, and you can keep any existing dedicated circuits and controlled load.

You will still be required to have a meter upgrade to a bi-directional meter which will enable your distribution to accurately record the usage fed back in to the Electricity grid.

There may be a change in the way we currently charge you depending on whether or not your distribution company makes any adjustments to your current tariff set up.

For more information in regards to your current tariff please refer to Neighbourhood Energy's gazetted rates.

Download the General Solar Feed-in application form.

What is a Premium Feed in Tariff (PFIT)?

The Premium Feed in Tariff (PFiT) is reaching its cap of 100 megawatt on the installed capacity of solar panels across the state. In order to be considered for a Premium Feed in Tariff you must have completed the Premium Feed in Tariff Application and entered into a Contract with Neighbourhood Energy for the Premium Feed in Tariff, provided a Electrical Work Request and Certificate of Electrical Safety. If this is not completed by the 30 of September 2011 it is highly unlikely that your PFiT application will be successful for the Premium Feed in Tariff. If your application is not successful you may be eligible for a Standard Feed in Tariff or a Transitional Feed in Tariff.

For customers to be eligible, you must meet the following criteria;

• Be a household, community organisation or small business;
• Have a Solar PV system no greater than five (5) kilowatts in size;
• Claim only Solar PV systems installed at your principle place of residence (if you are a household);
• Consume 100 megawatt hours or less of electricity per year (if you are a small business or community organisation);
• Claim only one Solar PV system per site.

Depending on the network billing rules, you may lose some of your current entitlements like your dedicated circuit or controlled load and there may be a change in the way we charge you depending on whether or not your distribution company makes any adjustments to your current tariff set up.

If you're unsure around what impacts this may have to you and your electricity bill, give us a call, and we can help you understand what option may be best for you!

Download the Victorian Premium Solar Feed-in application form.

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Neighbourhood Energy 2011 Solar Buy Back Rates

Distributor Area	Citipower	Powercor	Jemena	United	SP AusNet
Premium Feed In Tarrif – PFIT
Tarrif Type	D25	D25	D25	D25	D25
Rebate	66.00¢/kWh	66.00¢/kWh	66.00¢/kWh	66.00¢/kWh	66.00¢/kWh

All prices are inclusive of GST and are valid as of 18th February 2011

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What's next?

Once you've decided which tariff you're interested in, give us a call so that we can send you the appropriate contract and some more information about the specifics of the tariff. You will then need to sign and return the agreement to us so we can begin making the necessary arrangements for your new meter and tariff to be installed!

Along with this agreement, you will need to send us your Electrical Work Request (EWS) and Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES), provided by your solar power system installer and safety inspector. These can either be faxed or sent to our postal address, or even emailed to us!

After we've received this paperwork, will notify your Distributor (who is responsible for the poles, wires and meters in your area) of your new metering requirements and arrange for them to complete the installation and upgrades!

The metering installation can take up to 20 business days depending on the availability of your distribution company. A fee will apply to have the distribution company attend your site and complete the appropriate metering installation and tariff upgrades. This charge will appear on your next invoice from Neighbourhood Energy after the Service Order has been raised to the network.

Billing

Your system is ready to start generating electricity, and when you use less power than your house is consuming, the net energy will be fed back in to the grid! Your new meter will measure how much electricity you have fed into the grid. This data is sent to your Distributor, who passes it on to us so we can ensure you receive your feed in credits!