By Evolution Solar Sunshine Coast

There are over 50 000 people with 44c network agreements in Queensland that are yet to install solar power. Make sure to get in soon and not leave it too late or you may miss out on a great investment. Here are a few facts you should know.

The 9th of July 2012 was the cut off date when all applications had to be handed in to Energex or Ergon around Queensland for approval of a solar system to be installed and receive the $0.44c feed-in tariff. Once approved, this meant that applicants would have almost twelve months to buy and install a solar system and then they would be guaranteed to receive $0.44c per kilowatt hour exported to the grid. Power produced goes into the household first and then only excess power is exported to the grid.

There were over 90 000 network agreement applications submitted to Energex before the cut off date. A great number of those applicants have installed solar power already and are enjoying the benefits of producing their own electricity. However, there are still over 50 000 people with network agreements out there that have not yet installed solar power and are in danger of losing out.

To avoiding missing out on your 44c agreement, please ensure you have done the following;

1. All systems approved must be FULLY INSTALLED by 30th June 2013.

2. Ensure the agreement you received has been signed and returned to Energex or Ergon.

3. If you are unsure whether you received, returned or signed an agreement, call Energex or Ergon and confirm or get a duplicate agreement sent out to you to sign.

4. If you move house, your 44c agreement is then void and will revert to the current 8c feed-in tariff. Any change of name on the electricity account will result in the network agreement being void and reverting back to the current rate of 8c for the feed-in tariff.

In February 2013, Energex will be sending out emails to those 50 000+ applicants reminding them that the cut off date is approaching. Please be aware that installations can take anywhere between 1-6 weeks depending on the market, stock availability, weather conditions and many more influencing factors. It is therefore not recommended that applicants leave installation till the last minute as they are likely to miss out. It is legislated that the 44c feed-in tariff will continue until 2028 for those people who have secured it. Those who have the ability should take full advantage of the investment opportunity and install solar power in Queensland as soon as possible.