8
102 solar pv
ABB Low Voltage Contractor 0312
The UK Government have introduced a new
initiative aimed at encouraging the nationwide
adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Called the Feed-in Tariff, this initiative will see
owners of renewable energy equipment being
paid not only for the energy they use but also the
amount of surplus energy they supply to the UK
National Grid.
Inspired by similar schemes already operating in
continental Europe, the UK Feed-in Tariff initiative
is aimed at residential, commercial and industrial
users of renewable energy sources. A table of the
technologies covered are listed below.
Technology
Tariff amount (pence per kWh) for installation fitted periods:
April 2010 - March 2011
April 2011 - March 2012
April 2012 - March 2013
Solar photovoltaic <4 kW (new)
36.1
36.1
36.1
Solar photovoltaic <4 kW (retrofit)
41.3
41.3
41.3
Solar photovoltaic >4 - 10kW
36.1
36.1
33.0
Solar photovoltaic >10 - 100 kW
31.4
31.4
28.7
Solar photovoltaic >100 - 5MW
29.3
29.3
26.8
How does the Feed-in Tariff Work?
The Feed-in Tariff is based on the amount of energy produced by a
renewable energy source, plus where surplus energy is produced, a
bonus to cover energy exported to the National Grid. By effectively paying
producers more for the energy they don’t use, the system is also aimed at
encouraging energy efficiency.
To cover periods when the renewable energy source may be not produc-
ing sufficient electricity to cover demand, additional energy may be im-
ported from the National Grid, with the user paying their electricity supplier
for the amount consumed.
DC Side
Solar PV
products for renewable energy
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Inverter
Switch diconnectors
Enclosures
Miniature circuit breakers
Surge suppressors
Solar generator