Are support mechanisms for solar PV power considered in isolation?

In other words, support mechanisms for solar PV power cannot be considered in isolation because integration of solar and other types of renewables into a given power system and electricity market creates additional challenges that may affect a developer, if the level of penetration of intermittent renewable power grows to high levels.

Are financial incentives still required for solar PV projects?

While the cost per kWh of solar PV power has come down dramatically and continues to fall, in most cases direct or indirect financial incentives are still required in order to increase the commercial attractiveness of solar PV projects so that there is sufficient investment in new projects to meet national goals for renewable energy production.

Are solar PV plants exempt from regulatory support?

Renewable facilities may be exempt by the regulatory support framework. In some cases, the owner of the local distribution network may be different than the owner of the transmission network and different fees may be payable to each owner. The size of the solar PV plant can dictate whether fees are payable to one or both owners.

What are the planning requirements for a rooftop solar PV system?

Planning requirements for large-scale rooftop solar PV systems differ from those for ground-mounted systems. For small systems, there is often very little permitting required, other than perhaps residential construction.

Are solar PV installations eligible for government rebates?

Once accredited with the Clean Energy Council, solar PV installations are eligible for government rebates such as Small-scale Technology Certificates and feed-in tarifs.

How can solar PV be adapted to off-grid applications?

Thanks to its modular and distributed nature, solar PV can be adapted to a wide range of off-grid applications and to local conditions, ranging from lanterns to household systems to village-powering mini-grids.