SBS - Essential Energy

NSW Solar Bonus Scheme
Update: 3 June 2013
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the recent changes to the SBS?
SBS customers who presently receive the gross FiT are now permitted to expand their overall generating
capacity and retain the SBS FiT for their primary generator if the additional capacity is supplied through a
secondary system that is connected separately and net metered.
For customers who choose to do this, no SBS payments are available for the non-SBS generator, and
any electricity produced by the secondary system would be paid at the applicable net metered rate.
Customers should check what FiTs are available and confirm whether their preferred retailer will pay a
non-SBS FiT in addition to the SBS FiT.
Will customers presently receiving the 60c FiT who increase their generation capacity revert to
the 20c FiT?
SBS participants receiving the 60c FiT who increase their SBS generator’s capacity will move to the 20c
FiT. However, if they increase their generation capacity by installing a net metered secondary system,
they will remain eligible for the 60c FiT for export from their original system, while any export from the
secondary system would not be eligible for the 60c FiT.
Are there any FiTs for the net export of the secondary system?
A number of energy retailers offer separate FiTs for customers with solar panels. Customers should
contact their retailer to ask about available FiTs for net export.
How do SBS customers apply for a secondary system?
Customers currently participating in the SBS are required to submit a new Application for Grid
Connection to Essential Energy, ticking the ‘Secondary System’ box. If this box is not ticked, the
application will be treated as an upgrade and may impact the SBS FiT. Please note that the Application
for Grid Connection form has been updated.
Do customers require a new meter?
Customers who wish to install a secondary system will need to arrange a new meter to be installed by a
level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP).
Why do customers require a new meter?
Different meter configurations will apply to single and multiphase installations:
Single phase installations: the new meter will be able to record gross export and net export consumption,
and has been programmed for SBS participants installing secondary non-SBS systems.
Multiphase installations: the new meter will record consumption and net export, with the existing gross
export meter to remain unchanged.
The ASP must submit a Notification of Service Work (NoSW) for any new meter installation, and all
undertaken works must meet the appropriate standards – to finalise connection of the secondary system,
the nominated installer must also submit a Certificate of Compliance Electrical Works (CCEW).
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Q&As – 3 June 2013

Briefing
3 June 2013
NSW Solar Bonus Scheme (SBS) Update
Aren’t customers only permitted to have one type of metering arrangements (gross or net)?
This rule only applies to generation from a system that is participating in the SBS. The additional
capacity must be net metered separate to the SBS generator. Because no SBS payments are available
for secondary systems, they are not classified as participating in the SBS.
How do customers get a new meter?
Customers can contact an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) who will order the new meter from
Essential Energy and arrange its installation. The new meter will be able to support secondary systems.
Installation of the new meter can be arranged through any level 2, category 4, ASP at the customer’s
cost – Essential Energy will provide ASPs with the meter at no cost. A list of ASPs is available from the
NSW Department of Trade and Investment website:
http://www.trade.nsw.gov.au/energy/electricity/network-connections/contestable/Level-2-ASPs.pdf
What are Essential Energy’s inspection arrangements for new installations?
Essential Energy will inspect new renewable energy installations on a sample basis after receiving the
CCEW from your installer and the NoSW from your ASP.
For customers with multi-phase supply (two or three phases), does this impact on the type of
equipment they can install?
Yes, depending on the size of the solar or wind system the customer intends to install. As there are a
number of different scenarios relating to multi-phase installations, customers are encouraged to speak
with their ASP to ensure they receive advice specific to their circumstances.
As a general rule, Essential Energy recommends that systems up to five (5) kilowatts can be installed on
a single phase, and that inverters for generators (wind or solar) five (5) kilowatts or more are spread
across all available phases. Customers should discuss this information with their ASP or installing
electrician to ensure the best installation for their property.
Who should consider installing a secondary system?
Customers who receive a gross metered 60c FiT may benefit by reducing the amount of energy they
purchase from their retailer as a result of using power that they generate from the secondary system
during sunlight hours.
Customers who receive a gross metered 20c FiT should consider replacing their gross meter with a net
meter because the retail price of their daytime electricity use is likely to exceed the 20c FiT.
Customers on the 20c FiT are permitted to increase their generation capacity up to 10kW and continue
to receive the 20c FiT, so they may not benefit from installing a secondary system. It is important to
ensure that customers seek approval from Essential Energy by submitting a new application before
increasing generation capacity.
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Q&As – 3 June 2013