Kimberley Enviro Solutions
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The Solar Credits scheme has been introduced by the government as part of the revised RET (Renewable Energy Target). Solar Credits, also known as the REC multiplier allow 5 times the amount of RECs to be created for the first 1.5kW of eligible small generation units (small-scale solar PV, wind and hydro) for installations on or after 9 June 2009. Solar Credits are not means tested, so anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can claim Solar Credits.
Can I claim Solar Credits if I have received a rebate?
No, if approval or pre-approval for Commonwealth government rebates has been given under the Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP), National Solar Schools Program (NSSP), Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP) or Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) you aren’t eligible for Solar Credits.
If this is my second system can I claim Solar Credits?
If the system is new, complete and separate and you have not received a rebate (refer to the question above for a list of these) or Solar Credits on the other system you can claim Solar Credits.
If I’m extending an existing system can I claim Solar Credits?
No, only new and complete systems can claim Solar Credits. In other words, the unit must not need any additional parts to produce electricity.
How many times can I claim Solar Credits?
You can only ever create Solar Credits once. You can choose to RECs in 1, 5 or 15 year deeming periods; however you can only ever claim Solar Credits on one of these periods i.e. if you choose to claim Solar Credits in 5 year periods you can only claim them for one of these periods.
What systems are eligible for Solar Credits?
You can claim Solar Credits on the first 1.5kW of small-scale solar PV, wind and hydro. For systems greater than 1.5kW, Solar Credits are applied to the first 1.5kW then 1:1 RECs are applied thereafter.
What are phantom RECs?
1 REC represents 1 megawatt hour of electricity produced by a renewable source, such as solar, wind etc. Phantom RECs refers to the extra 4 RECs produced through Solar Credits, which don’t represent any additional renewable energy generation.
What date can I create Solar Credits from?
Solar Credits can be created for systems installed on or after 9 June 2009.
How do I calculate Solar Credits?
To work out how many Solar Credits you are eligible for please refer to Money Back page.
How long will the Solar Credits scheme last for?
The Solar Credit multiplier will decrease over time. The 5x multiplier will exist until 30 June 2012, and then it drops each year to 4x, then 3x, then 2x and ends in June 2015.
How long do I have to create Solar Credits?
You can only claim Solar Credits AFTER your system’s been installed and you must make the claim within 12 months of the installation.
What is an eligible premise for Solar Credits?
The following premises are eligible:
- Houses, including the land the house is built on and outbuildings
- Townhouse, apartment etc (each unit/flat is eligible for Solar Credits)
- A school
Other premises located at an address including:
- Businesses – e.g. motel, hotel, caravan park, hospital, nursing Homes (but each room is NOT an eligible premise)
- Shops – including each shop in a shopping mall/ complex. A shop located on the same land as a house is a separate premises
- The premises where a community group or institution carries on its activities e.g. Scout hall
If a farm has more than 1 house, each can get Solar Credits.
What is NOT classified as an eligible premise (so can’t get Solar Credits)?
Some premises that have been identified as NOT eligible for Solar Credits, these include:
- Home offices located within a house
- Street lights and signs
- Mobile phone towers
- Boats
- Mobile homes (caravans)