Photovoltaic feed in tariff

Is a feed-in tariff still applicable for rooftop PV plants?

The feed-in tariff for rooftop PV plants is still not applicable. Many electricity retailers (but not all) have introduced a feed-in tariff. A feed-in tariff pays the solar PV system owner for excess electricity generated and not used personally. If all of the energy produced is used the electricity bill will be reduced.

Are solar feed-in tariffs a good idea?

Only seven states have offered solar feed-in tariffs, according to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. As such, if you're a property owner who is considering or has already invested in solar, it is unlikely that a feed-in tariff mechanism impacts the economics of your system.

How rare are solar feed-in tariffs?

Feed-in tariffs are relatively rare as a solar policy mechanism in the U.S. Only seven states have offered solar feed-in tariffs, according to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

What is a feed-in tariff?

In Europe, feed-in tariffs have been used as a primary or exclusive policy mechanism for renewable energy deployment. In contrast, feed-in tariffs in the United States are more often used with other solar incentives, designed as an added price benefit beyond the additional financial incentives for property owners investing in solar.

Who is eligible for a feed-in tariff?

Anyone who produces renewable energy is eligible for a feed-in tariff, but those who take advantage of it are often not commercial energy producers. They can include homeowners, business owners, farmers, and private investors. Generally, FITs have three provisions. They guarantee grid access, meaning energy producers will have access to the grid.

Does Germany have a feed-in tariff?

Germany’s most recent change to their feed-in tariff (FIT) system was enacted by the German Renewable Energy Act 2014 (EEG 2014). The standard FIT is only available for so-called “small systems” with a capacity under 500 kWp. This ceiling will fall to 100 kWp in 2016. All other plants must market their solar power directly.