We are no longer accepting new customers onto the E.ON Solarnet Scheme.
We are working hard to get a new initiative called Feed-in-Tariffs (FiTs) ready for our customers - which will offer even more benefits for generating your own electricity!
We will launch the new Feed-in-Tariffs on 1st April 2010, so please contact us from this date if you wish to apply.
In the meantime, we have provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions to answer any immediate queries you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feed-in-Tariffs (FiTs) are a new measure introduced by the government which are designed to encourage and support the uptake of small scale low carbon generation.
What is a Feed-in-Tariff (FiT)?
Who is eligible?
Do I need a new electricity meter?
How much will I receive?
Where do I get the FiT from?
I already have a Microgeneration unit installed; will I still receive FiT payments?
What is a Feed-in-Tariff?
FiTs have been designed to make low carbon generation more financially viable by securing eligible generators with a long-term fixed price for the electricity they produce. This is achieved by offering quarterly FiT payments to eligible generators via the provision of two tariffs; a Generation Tariff and an Export Tariff:
FiTs have been designed to make low carbon generation more financially viable by securing eligible generators with a long-term fixed price for the electricity they produce. This is achieved by offering quarterly FiT payments to eligible generators via the provision of two tariffs; a Generation Tariff and an Export Tariff:
- Generation Tariff: A guaranteed rate for each unit of electricity produced by the FiT Generator.
This unit rate will vary by technology type & scale (Please see “how much will I receive” for further information on Government’s published rates).
- Export Tariff: A fixed rate for each unit of surplus electricity produced by the FiT Generator and exported onto the National Grid.
This unit rate is fixed across all generation types and scales.
This means you will receive payments for every unit of electricity your generation unit produces even if you use the electricity yourself! In addition, you will also receive a payment for each unit of excess electricity that is exported back to the grid. Because electricity generated can be used on site, you will reduce the amount of electricity that you will need to purchase from your energy supplier.
These tariffs will be paid over a period of 10-25 years, depending upon generation type.
Large electricity suppliers (those that supply at least 50,000 domestic customers) are mandated to offer FiTs from 1 April 2010.
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Who is eligible?
Generation stations commissioned after 15 July 2009, with an installed capacity of 5MW or less will be eligible for FiT. This includes the following technologies:
- Wind
- Solar PV
- Hydro
- Anaerobic Digestion
- MicroCHP ≤ 2 kW
If your system was installed prior to 15 July 2009 (when government published the FiT consultation) you must be registered under the Renewables Obligation (RO) to receive the lower rate FiT. For more information on registering for the RO, please contact Ofgem on 020 7901 7310 or visit: www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk.
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Do I need a new electricity meter?
A generation meter is required to measure the amount of electricity your technology is producing. This meter will typically have been installed at the same time as your generation unit.
An export meter may be required to measure the amount of electricity being sent back to the grid. If an export meter is required, your electricity supplier can arrange for one to be fitted when the FiT scheme has launched. E.ON will not process any meter changes ahead of the scheme launch on 1 April 2010.
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How much will I receive?
Generation Payment rates will vary by technology and scale. The initial published tariff rates are:
Generation Payment
Table of generation tariffs for the first year of FiTs
Technology |
Scale |
Initial Tariff Rate
(p/kWh) |
Tariff Lifetime
(years) |
Anaerobic Digestion |
<500kW |
11.5 |
20 |
Anaerobic Digestion |
>500kW |
9 |
20 |
Hydro |
<15kW |
19.9 |
20 |
Hydro |
>15-100kW |
17.8 |
20 |
Hydro |
>100kW - 2MW |
11 |
20 |
Hydro |
>2MW-5MW |
4.5 |
20 |
Micro CHP Trial |
<2kW |
10 |
10 |
Solar PV |
<4kW (newbuild) |
36.1 |
25 |
Solar PV |
<4KW (retrofit) |
41.3 |
25 |
Solar PV |
>4-10kW |
36.1 |
25 |
Solar PV |
>10-100kW |
31.4 |
25 |
Solar PV |
>100kW-5MW |
29.3 |
25 |
Solar PV |
Standalone System |
29.3 |
25 |
Wind |
<1.5kW |
34.5 |
20 |
Wind |
>1.5-15kW |
26.7 |
20 |
Wind |
>15-100kW |
24.1 |
20 |
Wind |
>100-500kW |
18.8 |
20 |
Wind |
>500kW-1.5MW |
9.4 |
20 |
Wind |
>1.5MW-5MW |
4.5 |
20 |
Existing Microgenerators transferred from the RO |
9 |
to 2027 |
Source: DECC – Government Response to the Consultation on Renewable Electricity Financial Incentives)
Export Tariff
The export tariff is set at a fixed rate of 3p per each unit exported back to the grid. This unit rate will be fixed, so therefore will not differ by technology or scale, although government has reserved the right to change export rates should they consider it appropriate.
The generation and export tariff unit rates are index linked- this means that they may move in line with inflation (on an annual review basis).
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Where do I get the FiT from?
You should contact your electricity supplier to claim the FiT from 1 April 2010. If required, they can arrange for appropriate meters to be fitted and will process your application for the scheme.
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I already have a Microgeneration unit installed; will I still receive FiT payments?
If your Microgeneration unit was installed after 15 July 2009 you will still be eligible to claim FiTs – please contact your supplier after 1 April 2010 to apply.
If your Microgeneration unit was installed prior to 15 July 2009, you must be accredited under the Renewables Obligation (RO) to qualify for the FiT, by way of the Ofgem Renewables and CHP register. This register is administered and managed by Ofgem, E.ON cannot process this appicaton on your behalf. To apply please go to www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk or call 020 7901 7310.
It is important that you apply for RO accreditation prior to 31 March 2010 to be eligible for the lower rate FiT. If your Microgeneration unit was commissioned prior to 15 July and you do not have RO accreditation you will not qualify for any payments under the FiT scheme.
Please contact your electricity supplier from 1 April 2010 to request an application to the FiT scheme.
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