Key changes to the FIT and microFIT Programmes include:
- As a first step, the FIT and microFIT program rules will provide for the awarding of 50 MW of microFIT and 200 MW of small FIT contracts as soon as possible. (applications in the queue will be processed and released soon)
- FIT applications will now be accepted only during an application window, rather than on an ongoing basis. (a more planned application approach -likely to help the OPA assess applications based on grid capacity and their ability to process the applications)
- Small project FIT applicants will now need to submit application security if they wish to apply or re-apply under the new program rules. (likely to reduce the number of speculative applications)
- Applications will be prioritized with points awarded based on applicant type, municipal support, Aboriginal support, project readiness and electricity system benefit. (allowing for greater community involvement in the development process)
- Solar rooftop projects must reach commercial operation within 18 months of receiving a contract, compared with three years previously. (if you get an application you need to build - this way the price you have to pay for the system reflects the price you'll receive for the electricity sales. Also, if you have grid capacity allocated to you then build now or give the capacity to someone else)
- Ground-mounted solar projects need to be located on lands that are not used for residential purposes and also cannot be adjacent to lands that are used for residential purposes. (proximity and land use decisions)
- Ground-mounted solar projects are permitted on commercial and industrial lands as long as it is the secondary use of the property. However, if the project is the only use of the property, it will be ineligible. (ground-mounted solar is the the main use of the land but ancillary. This will encourage more solar to be put on roof tops)
- In addition, ground-mounted solar projects can be located only on property that does not contain any Class 1, 2 or 3 soils, organic or specialty crop soils, regardless of zoning, or any mixed soils that contain Class 1, 2 or 3 soils. (protection of highly valuable lands)
- For projects other than rooftop solar that receive prioritization points related to the type of applicant, there are new restrictions on changes that would reduce the equity held by a community, Aboriginal group or health or education entity below the level that enabled the project to qualify for such prioritization points during the entire term. For rooftop solar projects that receive prioritization points related to the type of applicant, such restrictions apply from the contract date until five years after the commercial operation date. (ensuring significant community investment {and community benefit} and reducing the risk that "token" community investment will be used for the project only to be transferred to the main developer after project approval)
These points above are derived from the Minister's Directive released on 4 April 2012. This directive has many very important details and people should read this directive very carefully.
