Solar Energy Buyback Program
Why is this program available?
Providing an incentive such as this buyback program will encourage more customers to install solar photovoltaic systems and connect the system to the grid. More of these systems connected to the grid will reduce the peak demand on our generating plant. This is because peak electricity demand closely matches the availability of solar power throughout the day. By reducing this demand on our plant we produce less greenhouse gas emissions and burn less fuel, ultimately benefiting everybody.
Who is eligible for this program?
Households and companies that comply with Power and Water’s requirements to grid connect a solar PV system can enter into a contractual arrangement with Power and Water to sell the electricity generated by their solar photovoltaic cells during the day. At the end of the day and depending on the need, the customer will then purchase that same energy back.
In a way, Power and Water’s electricity grid becomes the storage for electricity generated domestically, or on commercial premises.
How do I apply for this program?
Once you have decided to go solar, all the information you require is contained in Power and Water’s Requirement for Grid Connection of Photovoltaic System via Inverters. You can either obtain a copy from this website, or collect a hardcopy from one of our customer service offices. The following points highlight some important points for a successful solar buyback arrangement:
- Read our Requirements for Grid Connection of Photovoltaic Systems via Inverters (PDF 198kb)
- Safety is a key concern - our power workers must be able to work on safe systems. Adding private households changes our network profile – but solar photovoltaics make this possible.
- To meter the output of the photovoltaic equipment, a dual metering arrangement will be put in place. It will measure the gross output of the photovoltaic unit, which is of interest to both you, the customer, and to us.
- Two contracts are arranged with Power and Water business units which are contained in the above requirements document, or as separate documents: