Time to investigate best solar power deals

Solar power users should be considering their metering options and investigating the best power company deals, ahead of the closure of the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme.

This was the message to take from an information evening held recently at the Peninsula Community Centre, according to local solar specialist Mr Jo Muller.

Mr Muller said about 80 people attended the session which was organised by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and hosted by Central Coast Council.

The evening was targeted at residents and businesses with solar panels installed on their premises.

Guest speaker was Mr Mark Squires from the NSW Division of Resources and Energy's Sustainable Energy Program team.

Mr Muller said, based on information provided at the Opportunity Workshop, retailers were offering feed in tariffs of between zero and eight cents per kilowatt hour so it was worth shopping around.

Depending on the offer they choose, solar uses may also need to change their meters before the scheme closes.

According to an email sent to residents and business owners who attended the workshop, Federal Government websites, including energymadeeasy.gov.au and energyrating.gov.au/calculator can help customers find the best deals under the new system.

The Woy Woy Energy Opportunity Workshop was the only one to be held on the Central Coast and was one of 22 held throughout the state.

The Solar Bonus Scheme ends on December 31 and, according to a NSW Department of Industry, Resources and Energy website, it has "been successful in achieving its aim to encourage the uptake of renewable energy in NSW".

According to the website, eligible scheme customers will continue to receive payments under the scheme until the end of the year after which they can access the same market offers for unsubsidised feed in tariffs that are available to all other solar customers.

"Now is a good time for you to investigate your metering and other product options to make sure you get the most out of your renewable energy system when the scheme ends and to look around to see what competing retailers have to offer," the website said.

Interview, 8 Dec 2016

Jo Muller, Sun2Steam

Circular, 6 Dec 2016

Mark Squires, Environment NSW

Reporter: Jackie Pearson