Fears proposal to charge households with solar panels to export electricity will kill demand for solar energy

An energy expert has hit out at a new proposal to charge solar panel users for exporting their excess electricity, labelling it a "sun tax" and arguing it will cost solar households more than is being estimated by the independent statutory body pushing the changes. Key points: For years, solar panel owners have been able to sell their surplus energy back into the electricity grid through feed-in tariffs The AEMC is proposing a new system that would allow electricity networks to charge owners to export their electricity One expert argues the proposal would discourage homeowners from installing solar, rather than encouraging them to invest in battery storage The Australian Energy Market Commission, which sets the rules around the energy market, has proposed a shake-up of the system that would allow electricity networks to charge solar panel owners for sending excess energy back to the network, among other measures, to address growing network problems. "We've modelled different charges from $10 to $100, depending upon the size of your solar system," Australian Energy Market Commission chief executive Benn Barr said. "We estimate that if the AEMC's proposals are implemented, they will reduce the income that most typical households get from exporting solar by 80 per cent," said the centre's director, Professor Bruce Mountain, who conducted exclusive research on the proposal for 7.30.