Variable Feed in Tariff

[HLF]

As the fit is 3.3c and most probably moving to almost Zero shortly, why haven't time limited fits not been introduced. Low fits in off peak and high fits in peak times. There is almost no incentive to send excess energy to grid. Might have to get the export limit set to Zero when the new fit comes in. Why should I send energy to the grid for no reward but retailers charge the neighbours 25c or more to use the energy next door.

[Lester]

Yes, FITs are going to zero, you can see the writing on the wall with Victoria, where I assume you might be with 3.3c new feed in ?

2025 / 2026 the PROPOSED rate is going to be 0.04c, yes 1/100th of one cent (what's the point of that !!??).

Not sure what process is left before that is confirmed there, but you can put in some feedback, check the links in this article, where you can supposedly "Have your say".

https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/victoria-solar-tariff-2526-mb3093/ 

Solar has gone from good FITS with some credit for many, which could eliminate many households bills on solar alone, to Solar being neutral with reduced FITS as long as you can self consume a fair amount during the day, to now or the near future seeing solar almost a waste of time unless you have a battery too.

A battery of course needs a compatible and suitable size solar system to be in place, so if that's older you might need a whole new setup.

Here in SA it is 4c flat FIT, recently dropped form 6c, with various tariffs for TOU, of course peak tariff a fraction under 50c is when everyone uses some power early morning between 0600 and 1000, and afternoon / evening (get this) from 1500 - 0000, half the afternoon right through to midnight.

[HLF]

Hi Lester,



Yes, less appealing to install solar panels now. I was going to upgrade my 5
Kw system, but now I will wait until the unit or panels fail. Installed in
2014. Still reasonable generation but have been informed of some issues with
a few of the lower quality panels. 3Kw on the North, (2014) then additional
2Kw on the west (2016)



Currently paying about $200 a year, for heating, cooling, cooking and hot
water. Still use a small amount of gas in the coldest months. Not keen on
spending on a battery unless it is subsidized.



Fit is currently 3.3c in Vic. Peak charges apply from 3pm to 9pm, every day.
Off Peak is all other times on my plan. The times seem to be more aligned
with reality than where you are. There was some discussion about moving the
Peak time to 4pm to 9pm due to the amount of solar generated at that time of
the day.

[Lester]

10 years old and no grandfathered decent FIT, must have been a bit late for that, a bit of a bugger.

Talked to a 5kw system fellow here today still on 44c FIT, but pretty sure all those will finish in the not too distant future.

Your bills are very low, that's for sure, your household must self consume a lot of your production, and that is the best advantage of solar without a battery now.

I'd do the same in your shoes, keep your 5kw working as best possible for you, and if you deem it's been worthwhile over the 10, 12, 15 years or whatever it ends up, then invest again if it makes sense.

For me, it's going to be hard deciding on a battery, getting daily increases in overall bill level each day of between 9c and 20c, with an odd air cond day seeing it sometimes go to $1. 

And that includes the $1.02 daily supply charge.

Going into another winter will tells us what's needed in future, but if our bills are only $500 - $600 a year in total, it won't make a lot of sense $ wise.

Maybe if we get a small V2G capable EV for use around town, that might be a good way to use that for a battery for those peak times too, maybe even play the Amber game if it looks like a reasonable option.

For me though, just making us neutral to grid needs is the ultimate goal.

[HLF]

Hi Lester,

Yes I try to self consume as much solar production as I can. Installed a Heat Pump hws about 4 months ago, so now only use gas for 3 to 4 months in winter. I run a 6 Kw and a 3.5 Kw heat pump for heating and cooling. Central gas heater set to 16 for background heat. Usually only runs for short periods when the outside temperature drops below 6 degrees.

Generation statistics 2016 - 2025. Generation 56.84 MWh, self-consumption 9.61 MWh, consumption 18.82 MWh, from grid 9.21 MWh. 

The HPHWS uses about 1 Kw per day and I would like to puchase a PHEV in the future as most of my day to day drives are usually less than 20km

[Lester]

Sound good . . .

A PHEV might be a decent option, but if I'm going down that route, I was wanting to get away from all the ICE servicing totally, although most PHEVs are a once a year thing, AND you get the highway non stop use with the (usually) small turbo engines.

The big things are getting one V2G compatible, and with a battery capacity that can make a difference to peak consumption in the home after solar hours, and not drain the battery too much / too often, so it can be used daily.

I suppose like a normal hybrid, you always get the regen braking, so there are advantages there.