New scheme allows Canberra households to buy-in to community-owned solar

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has unveiled a scheme to allow residents to take part in large-scale solar power generation.

The scheme will enable households who can not install solar panels, to buy-in to community-owned solar.

Environment Minister Simon Corbell says there will be a feed-in tariff for those participating in the project.

"Around one in 10 Canberra households already have roof-top solar," he said.

"However this new initiative will be accessible to renters and people living in flats and apartments who previously missed out on the benefits of solar."

The Government's Canberra Community Solar initiative will cost up to 20 cents per kilowatt hour for a 20 year period.

The capacity release will be capped at one megawatt, which is equivalent to around 500 typical roof-top installations.

On Wednesday the Government introduced legislation to increase the proportion of Canberra's electricity provided by renewable energy.

The Government aims to have 90 per cent of Canberra's energy being generated by wind farms and solar energy by 2020.

But Mr Corbell has defended the cost of the Government's renewable energy policies, saying it will be neutral for most ACT households.

He says the extra cost to households will peak at about $4 a week.

"But that is almost completely offset by a saving of around $4 a week for households that participate in our energy savings schemes which are being rolled-out right now by companies like ActewAGL," Mr Corbell said.

"What this highlights for most Canberrans making the switch, is that renewables are affordable, and for most households they won't notice any increase in their energy bills."