Feed-in tariffs (FITs)
Australia
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT FIT is on hold as of 14 July, 2011.
New South Wales
Cancelled on April 28, 2011. The alternative is the Solar Credits scheme.
Source: Solar Bonus Scheme for NSW
Northern Territory - Alice Springs
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| Any size | AU$0.5208/kWh (capped at $5/day) | Time of residence |
Source: Alice Solar City
Northern Territory - other
| Type | Incentive | Term |
| Domestic | AU$0.1977/kWh | Time of residence |
| Commercial | AU$0.23/kWh | Time of residence |
| Commercial time of use customers | ||
| Peak (6am - 6pm) | AU$0.2943/kWh | Time of residence |
| Off-peak (6pm - 6am) | AU$0.1657/kWh | Time of residence |
Source: PowerWater PV systems
Queensland
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <5kW | AU$0.44/kWh | Until 2028 |
South Australia
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <30kW | AU$0.16/kWh* | Until 30 September 2016 |
* A maximum of 45 kWh can be exported to the grid each day.
Victoria
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 5-100kW | Retail rate for excess power generated | Until 1 November 2024 |
Western Australia
Discontinued on June 9, 2009. The alternative is the Solar Credits Scheme.
Source: Australian Government Solar Homes and Communities Plan
Canada
Electrical power generation in Canada is under provincial jurisdiction, thus Canada's provinces each have different incentive schemes. Additionally, some provinces without FITs offer either a Net Billing or Net Metering Program. There are two main differences between Net Billing and Net Metering. Net Billing requires more advanced, higher cost metering and it is capable of differentiating between on-peak and off-peak usage. Net Metering is simpler, with less disincentives to feed into the grid.
Click here for more information about Net Metering versus Net Billing.
Alberta
British Columbia
British Columbia has no FIT, but the Standing Offer Program instead. This is a Net Metering Program using a "BC Clean" energy source verified by BC Hydro.
Source: BC Hydro Net Metering Program
Manitoba
Manitoba has no feed-in tariffs, but a Net Metering Program through Manitoba Hydro for systems under 10MW.
Source: Manitoba Hydro
New Brunswick
Net Metering Program through NB Power, but only one solar project thus far.
Source: NB Power
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland has no FIT, but a Net Metering Program under development.
Source: Pollution Probe
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories have no FIT and no Net Billing or Net Metering Program available.
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia FITs do not cover solar energy production. Net Metering is available with NS Power.
Source: NS Power
Nunavut
Nunavut has no FIT and no Net Metering or Net Billing Program.
Ontario
| Rooftop | Ground-mounted | Term | ||
| Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | |
| <10kW | CA$0.549/kWh | <10kW | CA$0.445/kWh | 20 years |
| 10-100kW | CA$0.548/kWh | 10-500kW | CA$0.388/kWh | 20 years |
| 100-500kW | CA$0.539/kWh | 500kW-5MW | CA$0.350/kWh | 20 years |
| 500kW+ | CA$0.487/kWh | 5MW+ | CA$0.347/kWh | 20 years |
| Aboriginal Price Adder 15-50% | CA$0.0075/kWh |
| Aboriginal Price Adder >50% | CA$0.015/kWh |
| Community Project Price Adder 15-50% | CA$0.005/kWh |
| Community Project Price Adder >50% | CA$0.010/kWh |
Ontario also requires that 60% of the project must utilise domestic content. The qualifying percentages for designated activities is as follows:
| Domestic Content Requirements - Crystalline Silicon Solar PV Projects <10kW | |
| Designated Activity | Qualifying Percentage |
| Silicon that has been used as input to solar photovoltaic cells manufactured in an Ontario refinery | 10% |
| Silicon ingots and wafer, where silicon ingots have been cast in Ontario and wafers have been cut from the casting by a saw in Ontario | 12% |
| The crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic cells, where their active photovoltaic layer(s) have been formed in Ontario | 10% |
| Solar photovoltaic modules (i.e. panels), where the electrical connections between the solar cells have been made in Ontario, and the solar photovoltaic module materials have been encapsulated in Ontario | 13% |
| Inverter, where the assembly, final wiring and testing has been done in Ontario | 9% |
| Mounting systems, where the structural components of the fixed or moving mounting systems, have been entirely machined or formed or cast in Ontario. The metal for the structural components may not have been pre-machined outside Ontario other than peeling/roughing of the part for quality control purposes when it left the smelter or forge. The machining and assembly of the mounting system must entirely take place in Ontario (i.e. bending, welding, piercing, and bolting) | 9% |
| Wiring and electrical hardware that is not part of other designated activities (i.e., items 1, 2, 3, and 5 of this table), sourced from an Ontario supplier | 10% |
| All on- and off-site labour and services; for greater certainty, this designated activity applies in respect of all contract facilities | 27% |
| Domestic Content Requirements - Crystalline Silicon Solar PV Projects >10kW | |
| Designated Activity | Qualifying Percentage |
| Silicon that has been used as input to solar photovoltaic cells manufactured in an Ontario refinery | 11% |
| Silicon ingots and wafer, where silicon ingots have been cast in Ontario and wafers have been cut from the casting by a saw in Ontario | 13% |
| The crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic cells, where their active photovoltaic layer(s) have been formed in Ontario | 11% |
| Solar photovoltaic modules (i.e. panels), where the electrical connections between the solar cells have been made in Ontario, and the solar photovoltaic module materials have been encapsulated in Ontario | 15% |
| Inverter, where the assembly, final wiring and testing has been done in Ontario | 8% |
| Mounting systems, where the structural components of the fixed or moving mounting systems, have been entirely machined or formed or cast in Ontario. The metal for the structural components may not have been pre-machined outside Ontario other than peeling/roughing of the part for quality control purposes when it left the smelter or forge. The machining and assembly of the mounting system must entirely take place in Ontario (i.e. bending, welding, piercing, and bolting) | 11% |
| Wiring and electrical hardware that is not part of other designated activities (i.e., items 1, 2, 3, and 5 of this table), sourced from an Ontario supplier | 9% |
| Construction costs and on-site labour, where labour is performed substantially by residents of Ontario | 18% |
| Consulting services performed substantially by residents of Ontario | 4% |
| Domestic Content Requirements - Thin Film Solar PV Projects <10kW | |
| Designated Activity | Qualifying Percentage |
| Cells where the active photovoltaic layer(s) have been fabricated in Ontario. Where the manufacture of the module is inseparable from the manufacture of the cells, there shall be no separate requirement for the module | 35% |
| Module (i.e. Panel), where the electrical connections were formed and materials encapsulated in Ontario | 10% |
| Inverter, where the assembly, final wiring and testing have been done in Ontario | 8% |
| Mounting systems, where structural components are made in Ontario | 10% |
| Wiring and electrical hardware sourced from an Ontario supplier | 9% |
| All on- and off-site labour and services. For greater certainty, this Designated Activity shall apply in respect of all Contract Facilities. | 28% |
| Domestic Content Requirements - Thin Film Solar PV Projects >10kW | |
| Designated Activity | Qualifying Percentage |
| Cells where the active photovoltaic layer(s) have been fabricated in Ontario. Where the manufacture of the module is inseparable from the manufacture of the cells, there shall be no separate requirement for the module | 35% |
| Module (i.e. Panel), where the electrical connections were formed and materials encapsulated in Ontario | 10% |
| Inverter, where the assembly, final wiring and testing have been done in Ontario | 8% |
| Mounting systems, where structural components are made in Ontario | 10% |
| Wiring and electrical hardware sourced from an Ontario supplier | 9% |
| Construction costs and on-site labour, where labour is performed substantially by residents of Ontario | 24% |
| Consulting services performed substantially by residents of Ontario | 4% |
| Domestic Content Requirements - Concentrated Solar PV (CPV) Projects <10kW | |
| Designated Activity | Qualifying Percentage |
| The active photovoltaic layer(s) were fabricated (by methods including molecular beam epitaxy, vapour deposition, evaporation or sputtering) in Ontario | 14% |
| The primary optics were fabricated (by methods including injection moulding and embossing) in Ontario, and any shaping of the glass (or other mirror substrate) and mirror coating was performed in Ontario | 9% |
| Any air-cooled heat sinks must be entirely machined or formed or cast in Ontario, and liquid-cooled heat sinks must be assembled and tested in Ontario | 4% |
| The wiring and assembly of the concentrated solar (PV) cells, optics, module parts, heat sinks and cooling systems takes place in Ontario | 21% |
| The structural components of the fixed or moving mounting systems have been entirely machined or formed or cast in Ontario | 17% |
| Inverter, where the assembly, final wiring and testing have been done in Ontario | 11% |
| Wiring and electrical hardware that is not part of other Designated Activities that has been sourced from an Ontario Supplier | 5% |
| All on- and off- site labour and services performed by individuals Resident in Ontario; for greater certainty, this Designated Activity shall apply in respect of all Contract Facilities | 19% |
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island has no FITs, but a Net Metering Program through Maritime Electric.
Source: Maritime Electric
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan does not have a FIT and the Net Metering Program has been suspended as of April 1, 2011.
Source: Saskatchewan Research Council
Yukon
Yukon currently has no FIT and a proposal is under way to implement a Net Metering Program.
Source: Government of Yukon
Italy
The Italian feed-in tariff scheme degresses each month (refer to sources).
| Rooftop/BIPV | Ground-mounted | Term | ||
| Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | |
| 1-3kW | 0.274€/kWh | 1-3kW | 0.240€/kWh | 20 years |
| 3-20kW | 0.247€/kWh | 3-20kW | 0.219€/kWh | 20 years |
| 20-200kW | 0.233€/kWh | 20-200kW | 0.206€/kWh | 20 years |
| 200kW-1MW | 0.224€/kWh | 200kW-1MW | 0.172€/kWh | 20 years |
| 1MW-5MW | 0.182€/kWh | 1MW-5MW | 0.156€/kWh | 20 years |
| 5MW+ | 0.171€/kWh | 5MW+ | 0.148€/kWh | 20 years |
The feed-in premiums in the table are further increased by the following increments:
- 5% for ground-mounted PV plants located in industrial or commercial areas, waste treatment areas, exhausted quarries or polluted areas.
- 5% for small PV plants managed by municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
- 0.05€/kWh for rooftop PV plants replacing asbestos.
- 10% to PV plants whose cost of construction, excluding labor costs, is composed at 60% or more of components manufactured within the European Union.
Integrated PV plants using innovative technologies
Higher feed-in premiums are granted to PV plants using innovative technologies. Such PV plants shall be built on rooftops using innovative modules and components specifically developed to substitute architectural elements of buildings. The applicable FITs are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <20kW | 0.418€/kWh | 20 years |
| 20-200kW | 0.380€/kWh | 20 years |
| 200kW+ | 0.352€/kWh | 20 years |
Large PV plants
"Large PV plants" are defined as all those that do not fall in any of the categories of "small plants", which include the following:
- PV plants integrated on rooftops not exceeding 1MWp
- Ground-mounted PV plants not exceeding 200kWp using the net-metering system
- PV plants realised on buildings or areas owned by the public administration
The Italian government has allocated the following budget for large PV plants:
| Jun 2011-Dec 2011 | Jan 2012-Jun 2012 | Jul 2012-Dec 2012 | TOTAL | |
| Premium Budget | 300m€ | 150m€ | 130m€ | 580m€ |
| Indivative Cumulative Nominal Power | 1,200MW | 770MW | 720MW | 2,690MW |
NOTE: From March 29, 2012, installations larger than 1MW on agricultural land will not be eligible for the FIT.
Sources: McDermott Will & Emery Legal Analysis of Italian FIT
pv magazine article on Italian FIT
pv magazine article on Italian FIT register
pv magazine article on Italian agricultural systems
Malaysia
The Malysian FIT will have a degression of 8% per year.
| Rooftop | BIPV | Ground-mounted | Term | |||
| Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | |
| <4kW | RM1.49/kWh | <4kW | RM1.48/kWh | <4kW | RM1.23/kWh | 21 years |
| 4-24kW | RM1.46/kWh | 4-24kW | RM1.45/kWh | 4-24kW | RM1.2/kWh | 21 years |
| 24-72kW | RM1.44/kWh | 24-72kW | RM1.43/kWh | 24-72kW | RM1.18/kWh | 21 years |
| 72kW-1MW | RM1.4/kWh | 72kW-1MW | RM1.39/kWh | 72kW-1MW | RM1.14/kWh | 21 years |
| 1-10MW | RM1.21/kWh | 1-10MW | RM1.2/kWh | 1-10MW | RM0.95/kWh | 21 years |
| 10-30MW | RM1.11/kWh | 10-30MW | RM1.1/kWh | 10-30MW | RM0.85/kWh | 21 years |
| Bonus for local modules | RM0.03/kWh |
| Bonus for local inverters | RM0.01/kWh |
Sources: Malaysian Renewable Energy Bill 2010
Malaysian FIT Government Assessment
Paul Gipe analysis of Malaysian FIT
pv magazine article on Malaysian FIT
Malta
| Size | Incentive | Term | |
| Main Island | <3kW | 0.25€/kWh | 8 years |
| 3-100kW | 0.20€/kWh | 8 years | |
| 100kW+ | Case-by-case | 8 years | |
| Gozo | <3kW | 0.28€/kWh | 8 years |
| 3-100kW | 0.20€/kWh | 8 years | |
| 100kW+ | Case-by-case | 8 years |
South Korea
South Korea's FIT system expired in 2011. It has now implemented a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) scheme, which requires at least 2% of each energy company's supply to come from renewable resources in 2012. This will be ramped up each year according to the below table. The Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) and its six subsidiaries look set to acquire most of their quotas from biomass and waste, as it looks to be the most cost-effective in the short term.
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| 2.5% | 3.0% | 3.5% | 4.5% | 5.0% | 6.0% | 7.0% | 8.0% | 9.0% | 10.0% |
Spain
The new Spanish government, under Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, has suspended all incentives for photovoltaic systems in response to the current financial situation. They have not made clear when, if ever, any incentives will be reinstated. They did make clear that this will not retroactively affect installations which previously secured feed-in tariffs. Prior to suspension, the planned tariffs were as follows:
| Rooftop/BIPV | Ground-mounted | Term | ||
| Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | |
| <20kW | 0.283€/kWh | Any size | 0.121716€/kWh | 25 years |
| >20kW | 0.15675€/kWh | 25 years |
The Spanish tariff is also limited in how many hours per year it will be paid under Royal Decreto (RD) 14/2010. Until 31 December 2013, the number will be fixed across the country, but from 2014, the country will be divided into five climactic zones (shown in image below) with corresponding limits as follows:
| Until 31 Dec, 2013 | Fixed Installation | Installation with 1-axis tracking | Installation with 2-axis tracking |
| 1250 | 1644 | 1707 | |
| From 2014 onward | |||
| Zone I | 1232 | 1602 | 1664 |
| Zone II | 1362 | 1770 | 1838 |
| Zone III | 1492 | 1940 | 2015 |
| Zone IV | 1632 | 2122 | 2204 |
| Zone V | 1753 | 2279 | 2367 |
Thailand
The Thailand FIT is unlike other FITs in that the tariffs are 'adders' and are paid on top of the retail price for electricity.
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <10MW | 6.50฿/kWh | 10 years |
| Bonuses | Incentive |
| Bonus for offsetting diesel | 1.50฿/kWh |
| Fuel Volatility Adder | 0.93฿/kWh |
| Bulk Supply Tariff (PV) | 2.60฿/kWh |
| Bonus in 3 southern provinces (Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat) | 1.50฿/kWh |
Ukraine
The Ukrainian feed-in tariff is paid more during peak hours, which is favourable for PV. Additionally, to prevent exchange risk, the Ukrainian FIT provides a minimum tariff (i.e. a safety net) based on the exchange rate of the Ukrainian Hryvna to the Euro on 1st January, 2009. As of January 1, 2012, the Green Tariff Law will also require that 30% of the value of the materials, works and services used in construction must come from Ukraine. As of January 1, 2014, this increases to 50%.
| Time | Rooftop | BIPV | Ground-mounted | Term | |||
| Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | ||
| On-peak | <100kW | ₴4.63/kWh | <100kW | ₴4.63/kWh | Any size | ₴0.5846/kWh | Until 2030 |
| Off-peak | <100kW | ₴2.572/kWh | <100kW | ₴2.572/kWh | Any size | ₴0.5846/kWh | Until 2030 |
| On-peak | >100kW | ₴4.841/kWh | Until 2030 | ||||
| Off-peak | >100kW | ₴2.689/kWh | Until 2030 |
United States
There are number of Federal Tax Exemptions and Incentives available to photovoltaic installations. The details of these in full can be found on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Alabama
For smaller systems (0.5-200kW), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has the Generation Partners Program. US$1,000 is paid to offset the initial cost of installation and there is also a premium paid on energy produced. The premium is paid on top of the retail electricity rate, however the TVA retains all rights to any tradable Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags or other associated benefits. Details are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-200kW | US$0.12/kWh | 10 years |
For larger systems (200kW-20MW), the TVA has the Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program. These are long-term price contracts with varying prices dependent on the time of power delivery. This is more lucrative for PV due to most of the energy being fed in during on-peak hours. As with their Generation Partners Program, they retain the right to any Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags that result. For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.16/kWh on hot, high-demand afternoons in July and August and a minimum of $0.035/kWh in early morning hours in the fall and spring.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Tennessee Valley Authority Green Power Switch Generation Partners
Tennessee Valley Authority Renewable Standard Offer
Alaska
Alaska has a number of grants and rebates available. There is a performance-based incentive which requires voluntary contributions by purchasers for renewable energy, which leaves uncertainty as to what a producer will get paid for renewable energy. Net metering is also available for systems of 25kW or less. For more information, see the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Arizona
Arizona has quite a few incentives, the most significant of which is the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit. It reduces a corporation's/individual's tax in relation to the amount of energy produced. A system must be over 5MW to be eligible. Tax is reduced over a 10-year period as follows:
| Period | Tax Reduction | Term |
| Year 1 | US$0.04/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 2 | US$0.04/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 3 | US$0.035/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 4 | US$0.035/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 5 | US$0.03/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 6 | US$0.03/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 7 | US$0.02/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 8 | US$0.02/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 9 | US$0.01/kWh | 10 years |
| Year 10 | US$0.01/kWh | 10 years |
Arkansas
Arkansas has a number of Rebate Programs. For more information, see the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency website.
California
California has a multitude of incentives available, including a very flexible FIT for projects up to 3MW in size. The FIT requires the energy producer to sign a contract for either 10, 15, 20 or 25 years with a utility. The amount paid for energy is calculated from current market price. Below are estimates of current prices. For more details, refer to the sources.
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <3MW | US$0.07688/kWh | 10 years |
| <3MW | US$0.08353/kWh | 15 years |
| <3MW | US$0.08956/kWh | 20 years |
| <3MW | US$0.09274/kWh | 25 years |
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
California Public Utilities Commission
California - Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto enacted a FIT beginning in April, 2012. The recipient of the tariff has the option of a 10, 15 or 20 year contract.
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| >100kW | US$0.12360/kWh | 10 years |
| >100kW | US$0.13216/kWh | 15 years |
| >100kW | US$0.14003/kWh | 20 years |
Source: City of Palo Alto
California - San Marin County
San Marin County has a slightly more generous FIT than the statewide FIT. The contract term can be 10, 15 or 20 years at the seller's discretion. Note that the standard in Northern California is for installers to quote in AC wattage as per the California Energy Commission. To convert this to Performance Test Conditions (PTC) DC wattage (nationwide standard outside of Northern California), divide it by the inverter efficiency (e.g. 95%=0.95).
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <1MW | US$0.12335/kWh | 10 years |
| <1MW | US$0.12850/kWh | 15 years |
| <1MW | US$0.13365/kWh | 20 years |
Source: Marin Clean Energy
Colorado
Most incentives are in the form of grants specific to each County. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Connecticut
Connecticut is in the process of implementing a Zero-emissions Renewable Energy Credit (ZREC) scheme, which will cover PV installations. ZREC projects may not be larger than 1MW in size. A ZREC will be awarded for each megawatt hour of energy produced, with a maximum payment of US$350 per ZREC (US$0.35/kWh).
Currently, Connecticut Light & Power is accepting bids for their medium (100-250kW) and large (250kW-1MW) categories, with a maximum bid of US$350 per ZREC (US$0.35/kWh). Once these quotas are filled, small ZREC projects (<100kW) will be eligible to enroll and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
The United Illuminating Company is also accepting bids for their medium (100-250kW) and large (250kW-1MW) categories. Once these quotas are filled, small ZREC projects (<100kW) will be eligible to enroll and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis, receiving 110% of the average bid for the medium range projects.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
The United Illuminating Company
Delaware
Delaware has a system of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which require electricity suppliers to purchase a certain percentage of the electricity sold in the state from renewable sources. The percentage increases each year and is working toward a 2026 figure of 3.5% PV. In August 2010, SRECs averaged US$310/MWh (US$0.31/kWh) on the PJM-EIS Generation Attributes Tracking System (GATS).
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Delaware Public Service Commission
Florida
The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) pays a premium of US$0.05/kWh of power generated by PV whether the energy was used by the customer or fed into the grid.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Florida - Gainesville
| Rooftop/BIPV | Ground-mounted | Term | ||
| Size | Incentive | Size | Incentive | |
| <10kW | US$0.24/kWh | <10kW | US$0.24/kWh | 20 years |
| 10-300kW | US$0.22/kWh | 10-25kW | US$0.22/kWh | 20 years |
| 25kW-1MW | US$0.19/kWh | 20 years |
This FIT program is currently fully subscribed. It will open to new applications in January 2013.
Source: GRU Energy
Georgia
Georgia has a small (US$2.5m/year) Clean Energy Tax Credit which equals 35% of the cost of the system (including installation cost). For smaller systems(0.5-200kW), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has the Generation Partners Program. US$1,000 is paid to offset the initial cost of installation and there is also a premium paid on energy produced. The premium is paid on top of the retail electricity rate, however the TVA retains all rights to any tradable Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags or other associated benefits. Details are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-200kW | US$0.12/kWh | 10 years |
For larger systems (200kW-20MW), the TVA has the Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program. These are long-term price contracts with varying prices dependent on the time of power delivery. This is more lucrative for PV due to most of the energy being fed in during on-peak hours. As with their Generation Partners Program, they retain the right to any Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags that result. For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.16/kWh on hot, high-demand afternoons in July and August and a minimum of $0.035/kWh in early morning hours in the fall and spring.
Georgia Power also offers the Solar Buyback Program. The contract is for 5 years and pays US$0.17/kWh. There is a maximum system size of 10 kW for residential systems and 100 kW for commercial systems.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Hawaii
In addition to a 35 percent Solar and Wind Energy Credit Corporate Tax Credit for solar PV systems, Hawaii also has an island-wide FIT.
Hawaii - Main Island and Maui
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <20kW | US$0.218/kWh | 20 years |
| 20-250kW | US$0.189/kWh | 20 years |
| 250kW-2.72MW | US$0.197/kWh | 20 years |
Hawaii - Oahu
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <20kW | US$0.218/kWh | 20 years |
| 20-500kW | US$0.189/kWh | 20 years |
| 500kW-5MW | US$0.197/kWh | 20 years |
Hawaii - Lanai & Molokai
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <20kW | US$0.218/kWh | 20 years |
| 20-100kW | US$0.189/kWh | 20 years |
Idaho
Educational institutions have access to the Solar For Schools program. All other dwellings can access various incentives, which can be found at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Illinois
The Illinois Solar Energy Association offers the Renewable Energy Credit Aggregation Program (RECAP) which is currently trading Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) at US$200/MWh (US$0.20/kWh). The 2012 quota is filled, and applications for the 2013 quota will open in late 2012.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Indiana
In addition to rebates and grants available, both the Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPLC) and NIPSCO offer FITs:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <10kW (NIPSCO) | US$0.30/kWh | Up to 15 years |
| 10kW-2MW (NIPSCO) | US$0.26/kWh | Up to 15 years |
| 2MW-10MW (IPLC) | US$0.20/kWh | 10 years |
Iowa
The Farmers Electric Cooperative (FEC) in Kalona purchases PV-generated energy for US$0.20/kWh for systems between 0.5kW and 10kW.
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-10kW | US$0.20/kWh | 10 years |
Kansas
Kansas has no FIT, but a number of tax exemptions for PV. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Kentucky
For smaller systems(0.5-200kW), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has the Generation Partners Program. US$1,000 is paid to offset the initial cost of installation and there is also a premium paid on energy produced. The premium is paid on top of the retail electricity rate, however the TVA retains all rights to any tradable Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags or other associated benefits. Details are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-200kW | US$0.12/kWh | 10 years |
For larger systems (200kW-20MW), the TVA has the Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program. These are long-term price contracts with varying prices dependent on the time of power delivery. This is more lucrative for PV due to most of the energy being fed in during on-peak hours. As with their Generation Partners Program, they retain the right to any Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags that result. For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.16/kWh on hot, high-demand afternoons in July and August and a minimum of $0.035/kWh in early morning hours in the fall and spring.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Louisiana
Louisiana has no FIT, but a number of tax exemptions for PV. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Maine
Maine has a modest FIT currently as a pilot program (with only six approved projects so far, none of which encompassed PV). It also offers a number of incentives. Refer to sources for more information.
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <1MW DC | US$0.10/kWh | Until 31 Dec, 2015 |
| 1-10MW DC | Bid process | Until 31 Dec, 2015 |
Maryland
Maryland has Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) as opposed to FITs. As of April 2012, they were trading at approximately US$230-US$280/MWh (US$0.23-US$0.28/kWh), according to data reported by PJM Generation Attributes Tracking System (GATS). They very rarely exceed US$400/MWh (US$0.40/kWh) due to compliance with the Maryland RPS.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) has a system of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Their minimum price is US$300/MWh (US$0.30/kWh). In 2012 they are trading at US$550/MWh (US$0.55/kWh) and cannot be reduced by more than ten percent in any one year.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Michigan
Michigan has a FIT of US$0.229/kWh for non-residential customers for systems between 1 and 150kW. Residential customers receive a FIT of US$0.259/kWh for systems between 1 and 20kW. The most recent round of submissions finished on January 12, 2012, but more are planned. Phase 6 of the program is now closed and it will reopen on June 4, 2012.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Minnesota
Minnesota has a number of generous rebates for installation of PV systems. Austin Utilities also offers a rebate of US$1/W of installed solar power as a one-time payment. This can be up to a maximum of US$10,000 (i.e. 10kW).
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Mississippi
For smaller systems (0.5-200kW), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has the Generation Partners Program. US$1,000 is paid to offset the initial cost of installation and there is also a premium paid on energy produced. The premium is paid on top of the retail electricity rate, however the TVA retains all rights to any tradable Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags or other associated benefits. Details are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-200kW | US$0.12/kWh | 10 years |
For larger systems (200kW-20MW), the TVA has the Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program. These are long-term price contracts with varying prices dependent on the time of power delivery. This is more lucrative for PV due to most of the energy being fed in during on-peak hours. As with their Generation Partners Program, they retain the right to any Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags that result. For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.16/kWh on hot, high-demand afternoons in July and August and a minimum of $0.035/kWh in early morning hours in the fall and spring.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Tennessee Valley Authority Green Power Switch Generation Partners
Tennessee Valley Authority Renewable Standard Offer
Missouri
Missouri has a modest Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) scheme, which pays US$50/MWh (US$0.05/kWh) in 2012. For systems up to 10kW, this is paid as an up-front lump sum for the estimated number of SRECs that will be produced in 10 years. For systems between 10kW and 100kW, a five-year contract is available, where a power producer is paid at the end of each year for the amount of SRECs they generated.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Montana
Montana has no FIT, but a number of grants and tax exemptions. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Nebraska
Nebraska only offers loans through the State Loan Program. For more details, see the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Nevada
Nevada Tracks Renewable Energy Credits (NVTRECs) are only available to systems larger than 150kW. A PV system receives 2.4 Portfolio Energy Credits (PCs) for every kWh generated and if it is a distributed generation system, it receives 2.45 PCs/kWh. Each PC is valid for four years from the date of issue and is valued at US$0.055. Thus, PV systems receive a minimum of $US0.132/kWh.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Nevada Tracks Renewable Energy Credits
Nevada State Legislature - RECs Overview
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no FIT, but a couple of tax exemptions. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
New Jersey
New Jersey's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has set up a trading system of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). Solar facilities are qualified to generate SRECs for 15 years and each SREC is valid for three years (can be used by an electricity supplier for compliance in the year it is issued or one of the subsequent two compliance years). In the latter half of 2010, the weighted average price of Energy Year (EY) 2011 SRECs was approximately US$600/MWh (US$0.60/kWh). The price of the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP) is essentially a ceiling on the value of SRECs and it is currently scheduled as follows:
| Reporting Year | SACP (US$/MWh) | Term |
| 2008-2009 | US$711 | 15 years |
| 2009-2010 | US$693 | 15 years |
| 2010-2011 | US$675 | 15 years |
| 2011-2012 | US$658 | 15 years |
| 2012-2013 | US$641 | 15 years |
| 2013-2014 | US$625 | 15 years |
| 2014-2015 | US$609 | 15 years |
| 2015-2016 | US$594 | 15 years |
New Mexico
New Mexico has Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and a number of companies offer higher payments for solar power. Through comparing prices, the most highly-paid options are listed:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-10kW | US$0.10/kWh (Xcel Energy) | 12 years |
| 10kW-100kW | US$0.12/kWh (El Paso Electric Company) | 12 years |
| 100kW-1MW | US$0.02/kWh (PNM) | 20 years |
| 1-8MW | Fully subscribed (PNM) | 20 years |
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
PNM Solar Energy Customer Program
New York
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers 50% of installed costs and up to US$3m per applicant for projects over 50kW.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
North Carolina
North Carolina has a number of power companies with various Renewable Energy Credit (REC) trading schemes and incentives for solar power. Progress Energy Carolinas (PEC) and NC Green Power (NCGP) offer fixed payments for PV energy fed into the grid. The figures are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <5kW | US$0.10/kWh (NCGP) | 5 years |
| 5-11.5kW | Bid process (NCGP) | 5 years |
| 11.5-525kW | US$0.15/kWh (PEC) | 20+ years |
For smaller systems (0.5-200kW), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has the Generation Partners Program. US$1,000 is paid to offset the initial cost of installation and there is also a premium paid on energy produced. The premium is paid on top of the retail electricity rate, however the TVA retains all rights to any tradable Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags or other associated benefits. Details are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-200kW | US$0.12/kWh | 10 years |
For larger systems (200kW-20MW), the TVA has the Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program. These are long-term price contracts with varying prices dependent on the time of power delivery. This is more lucrative for PV due to most of the energy being fed in during on-peak hours. As with their Generation Partners Program, they retain the right to any Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags that result. For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.16/kWh on hot, high-demand afternoons in July and August and a minimum of $0.035/kWh in early morning hours in the fall and spring.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Tennessee Valley Authority Green Power Switch Generation Partners
Tennessee Valley Authority Renewable Standard Offer
North Dakota
North Dakota has no FIT, but a number of incentives. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Ohio
Ohio has a Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) scheme. The Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP) essentially acts as a cap for the price of SRECs. In the 2012-2013 year, it is set at US$350/MWh (US$0.35/kWh) and will be reduced by US$50 every two years thereafter to a minimum of US$50/MWh (US$0.05/kWh) in 2024. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) granted a force majeure determination in 2010 for all four retail electric companies, relieving them of their obligation to pay SACP, as none of them were able to meet the 2009 Solar Carve Out requirements.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has no FIT, but a number of incentives. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Oregon
Oregon has legislated for a solar volumetric incentive rate pilot program. Under this program, systems are paid for the energy generated over a 15 year period, at a rate set at the time of enrollment. Systems under 100kW in size can participate in the net metering portion of the program. The actual rate paid to the customer-generator is the volumetric incentive rate minus the retail rate. Oregon's average retail rate in January 2011 was US$0.0804/kWh. The below table lists the volumetric incentive rates. Check the sources for which rate class corresponds to which counties.
| Rate Class | Electric Companies | <10kW | 10-100kW | Term |
| 1 | Pacific Power and PGE | US$0.411/kWh | US$0.285/kWh | 15 years |
| 2 | Pacific Power and PGE | US$0.346/kWh | US$0.25/kWh | 15 years |
| 3 | Pacific Power | US$0.346/kWh | US$0.25/kWh | 15 years |
| 4 | Pacific Power and Idaho Power | US$0.317/kWh | US$0.25/kWh | 15 years |
Systems from 100-500kW participate in competitive bidding for allocation of funding. This portion of the program will be closed when the 25MW cap is reached, or on March 31, 2015, whichever is earlier.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
US Energy Information Administration
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a Solar Alternative Energy Credit (SAEC) system. SAECs are analogous to other states' SRECs (i.e. they represent 1MWh of PV power generation). Any system is eligible and thus far in 2012, the market price has ranged from approximately US$120-US$170/MWh (US$0.12-US$0.17/kWh).
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a FIT with the following rates:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 10-150 kW | US$0.3335/kWh | 15 years |
| 151-500 kW | US$0.3160/kWh | 15 years |
| 501-5000 kW | US$0.2895/kWh | 15 years |
South Carolina
South Carolina has a number of power companies with various Renewable Energy Credit (REC) trading schemes and incentives for solar power. Progress Energy Carolinas (PEC) and Duke Energy (DE) offer payments for PV energy fed into the grid. The rates, which vary according to the market, are as follows in 2012:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| <11.5kW | US$0.05/kWh (DE) | 5 years |
| 11.5-525kW | US$0.15/kWh (PEC) | 20 years+ |
NOTE: The Progress Energy Carolinas program was fully subscribed in 2011. New applications have been accepted since January 2, 2012.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
South Dakota
South Dakota has no FIT, but a number of incentives. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Tennessee
For smaller systems (0.5-200kW), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has the Generation Partners Program. US$1,000 is paid to offset the initial cost of installation and there is also a premium paid on energy produced. The premium is paid on top of the retail electricity rate, however the TVA retains all rights to any tradable Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags or other associated benefits. Details are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-200kW | US$0.12/kWh | 10 years |
For larger systems (200kW-20MW), the TVA has the Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program. These are long-term price contracts with varying prices dependent on the time of power delivery. This is more lucrative for PV due to most of the energy being fed in during on-peak hours. As with their Generation Partners Program, they retain the right to any Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags that result. For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.16/kWh on hot, high-demand afternoons in July and August and a minimum of $0.035/kWh in early morning hours in the fall and spring.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Tennessee Valley Authority Green Power Switch Generation Partners
Tennessee Valley Authority Renewable Standard Offer
Texas
Austin Energy offers a number of rebates and loans along with their FIT. They accept systems up to 20kW in size and currently pay US$0.14/kWh generated. If at least 60% of the equipment in a system is manufactured or assembled in Austin Energy's service area, they pay US$0.175/kWh.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Utah
Utah has no FIT, but a number of incentives. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Vermont
Green Mountain Power credits customers with net-metered PV systems up to 250kW with US$0.06/kWh and customers retain ownership of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) associated with the energy generated. Alternatively, the Vermont Standard Offer for Qualifying SPEED Resources pays US$0.271/kWh with a guaranteed term of 25 years for systems up to 2.2MW in size.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Virginia
For smaller systems (0.5-200kW), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has the Generation Partners Program. US$1,000 is paid to offset the initial cost of installation and there is also a premium paid on energy produced. The premium is paid on top of the retail electricity rate, however the TVA retains all rights to any tradable Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags or other associated benefits. Details are as follows:
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 0.5-200kW | US$0.12/kWh | 10 years |
For larger systems (200kW-20MW), the TVA has the Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program. These are long-term price contracts with varying prices dependent on the time of power delivery. This is more lucrative for PV due to most of the energy being fed in during on-peak hours. As with their Generation Partners Program, they retain the right to any Renewable Energy Credits or Green Tags that result. For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.16/kWh on hot, high-demand afternoons in July and August and a minimum of $0.035/kWh in early morning hours in the fall and spring.
Sources: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Tennessee Valley Authority Green Power Switch Generation Partners
Tennessee Valley Authority Renewable Standard Offer
Washington
Washington has enacted a FIT which is focused on boosting local manufacturing. The incentives cannot exceed US$5,000 in one year. The tariff doubles for community solar projects that are either owned by local entities and placed on local government property or owned by utilities and funded voluntarily by ratepayers. They are as follows:
| Manufactured in Washington state | Size | Incentive | Term |
| Modules and inverter | <75kW | US$0.54/kWh | Until June 30, 2020 |
| Modules, not inverter | <75kW | US$0.36/kWh | Until June 30, 2020 |
| Inverter, not modules | <75kW | US$0.18/kWh | Until June 30, 2020 |
| Neither modules nor inverter | <75kW | US$0.15/kWh | Until June 30, 2020 |
West Virginia
West Virginia has no FIT, but a number of incentives. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has the Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) green power purchase program (Green Power Tomorrow). Under this program, the electricity produced from 1 to 10kW DC systems will be purchased by MGE at a rate of US$0.25/kWh. This rate will apply to all electricity produced by the system. As the program is limited to Green Power Tomorrow participants, customers will purchase electricity from the utility at the normal retail rate plus the green power premium (currently US$0.0125/kWh). Currently this program is fully subscribed because it reached it 1MW cap. Customers can be placed on a waiting list to apply in the case that the program is reopened in the future.
| Size | Incentive | Term |
| 1-10kW DC | US$0.25/kWh | 10 years |
River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) also offers a special rate for PV systems up to 4kW of US$0.30/kWh, under contract for 10 years.
Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Wyoming
Wyoming has no FIT, but a number of incentives. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have no FIT, but a number of incentives. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.


