Low feed-in diesel rates frustrate SA households
South Australian households have complained of declining returns on solar energy they contribute to the grid, with electricity regulators saying it has “no value” in the market. Key points: Some energy companies offer less than 4c/kW for energy fed back to the grid SA minimum feed-in rate ends in 2017 Some consumers are investigating options for investing in solar battery systems to save money The incentive to switch to renewable energy started in SA in 2008. The first household to install a solar panel is priced at a feed-in rate of 44 cents per kilowatt, which significantly reduces the quarterly bill. As time went on, more and more households installed solar panels and feed-in rates continued to decline. Most energy providers in the state offer rates between 5 and 10 cents. But some companies offer less than 4 cents, which causes frustration for customers. What keeps the rates low? The state’s Essential Services Commission (ESCOSA) had previously set minimum feed-in rates through 2