OVO Energy currently offers a Solar Feed-in-tariff to Net Metered customers with a smart meter, there are a few restrictions, which are outlined by State below. To find out more about OVO Energy’s Solar feed in tariffs, and the rates we’ll pay in your state, head to our Pricing page.
What Solar system restrictions does OVO have?
There are a few State specific restrictions we have - in line with the energy regulations - with regards to system size, inverter size or with regards to the phasing of the electricity supply. Below is a full list:
In Victoria, the main restriction relates to the total installed name plate capacity of the solar panels; the limit we place on this, in line with the regulations for small customers, is 100kW.
In New South Wales, the main restriction relates to the total installed capacity of the solar panels described on the nameplate; the limit we place on this, in line with the regulations for small customers, is 5kW.
In Queensland, the main restriction relates to the inverter sizing; the limit we place on this, in line with the regulations for small customers, is 30kW. If your inverter size is less than this, we will be able to provide you with a Solar feed in tariff.
In South Australia, the main restrictions relate to whether the electricity supply to the property is single or three phase. If you're not sure about whether you have three phase or not, the simplest way to identify it is by looking at the 'main switch' or 'normal supply main switch' on your switchboard. If the switch looks like three switches combined into one (and is wider than 3 cm) you have 3-phase power. If it's a single switch and slim, you have single-phase power.
- For single phase, the restriction we place relates to the inverter size, in line with the regulations for small customers, and is 5 kW.
- For three phase, the restriction we place relates to the inverter size, in line with the regulations for small customers, and is 30kW.
What is a Premium Feed-in Tariff (PFIT)?
Premium feed-in tariffs are incentive schemes offered by the state Governments, introduced to encourage homes to invest in solar systems, when the average cost for a system was far higher. The scheme provides eligible households with a 'premium' rate for excess energy exported to the grid.
This type of scheme is only available to households who installed solar panels between specified periods and is no longer available to newly installed solar systems.
Please note - the PFIT tariff is a stand alone tariff and cannot be combined with any other retailer solar feed-in offer
For a full breakdown of information about PFITs in your state, click on one of the below:
About the scheme
The Scheme, referred to as "Premium solar Feed-in Tariff" or "Government solar Feed-in Tariff", is currently offered to households with solar system sizes of 5 kilowatts or less. It provides a feed in credit of at least 60cents per kilowatt hour for electricity exported to the grid. For more information visit: Victoria Government Premium Feed- in Tariff
Am I still eligible if I am moving homes?
The PFIT scheme is linked to the property, so when moving homes you are unable to transfer / move the PFIT with you. The new home owner or tenant will be eligible to continue to receive the PFIT until 2024.
Can I install extra panels or make any alterations?
You can replace existing panels for maintenance reasons without losing the PFIT as long as the panels installed do not exceed the original system size. If you add additional solar panels or increase your solar system size, you will no longer be eligible for the PFIT. This will result in your feed in tariff decreasing to the minimum feed in tariff on offer at the time. For more information on our current feed in tariff offers, head to our Pricing page.
What happens if I need to renovate or demolish my home?
You can remove your solar panels due to renovations or if you are planning to demolish your home, without it affecting your PFIT, as long as the capacity of the solar panels do not exceed the size of the solar panels prior to the renovations / demolition. There may be a requirement for your installer to resubmit your paperwork with your distributor after your panels have been re-installed to ensure you continue to receive your PFIT. For more information on whether paperwork is required to be resubmitted, please visit the Victorian Government Solar feed-in page.
About the scheme
The Scheme, often referred to as "Solar Bonus Scheme (SBS)" or "Government solar Feed-in Tariff", is due to expire on the 1st of July 2028. For more information visit Queensland Government Solar bonus scheme
Am I still eligible if I am moving homes?
If you are selling or renting your home, the new tenant or homeowner will no longer be eligible for the PFIT - unless they are your spouse. If you are planning to rent your home, resulting in the electricity account holder name changing (other than to your spouse), the new account holder will no longer be eligible for the premium feed in tariff. The premium feed in tariff cannot be transferred to your new property.
Therefore, your PFIT is linked to the property and the customer name at the time the solar was installed (and the PFIT scheme applied). If the account name changes to any one other than your spouse - the property will no longer be eligible for the PFIT.
Can I install extra panels or make any alterations?
If you are planning to install more solar panels, increase your inverters capacity (including replacing your current inverter with a larger one) or install alternative energy sources (like generators or batteries) you will no longer be eligible for the PFIT.
Please note - if you are arranging a separate connection for additional generators or batteries when your solar system is not generating (e.g. at night) your premium feed in tariff will not be affected.
For more information on how maintenance or replacing your current solar panels or inverter will affect your PFIT, head to the Queensland Government Solar feed-in page.
What happens if I need to renovate or demolish my home?
Since each project differs, we suggest you contact your Distributor (Energex) on 13 12 53 to discuss your specific circumstances. They will be able to tell you exactly how it will impact your existing PFIT.
About the scheme
The Scheme, often referred to as the "Distributor Feed-in", was offered to households that installed solar panels between 30/09/2011 and 30/09/2016. The feed in rate will depend on when your solar system was installed. For more information, head to the South Australian Solar feed in payments scheme page.
Am I still eligible if I am moving homes?
The PFIT scheme is linked to the property, so when moving homes you are unable to transfer / move the PFIT with you. The new home owner or tenant will be eligible to continue to receive the Premium feed in tariff until the scheme has ended.
Can I install extra panels or make any alterations?
You may be able to replace existing panels for maintenance reasons without losing the PFIT. If maintenance is required, we recommend contacting SA Power Networks on 1300 665 913 or via email seg@sapowernetworks.com.au before any work commences to ensure the planned changes do not affect your PFIT.
If you are looking to install an energy storage device (e.g. batteries or grid connected renewable generators) you will no longer be eligible for the premium feed in tariffs.
For more information on how other alterations and changes to your property may affect your PFIT, please head to the South Australian Government Solar feed in page.
What happens if I need to renovate or demolish my home?
If you are planning to renovate or demolish your home, we recommend contacting SA Power Networks on 1300 665 913 or email seg@sapowernetworks.com.au before any work commences to ensure the planned changes do not affect your PFIT.
What size is my Solar PV system?
Are you moving into a property or renting somewhere and you’re unsure how big the solar PV system connected to the property is? We recommend getting in touch with your landlord, real estate agent or the property owner to confirm the specifics of the solar system at your property, but as a guide, a 5kW solar system typically has 15 - 20 solar panels on a 25 - 35 m2 roof.
Does OVO have a preferred Solar installer?
Yes we do, and we'll be running a campaign with this new partner in the very near future - if you'd like to find out a bit more about this earlier than the general public please do send us a message and we'll provide a little more detail.