Buy-back Rates for Grid-connected Photovoltaic Power Systems - Situation and Analysis in Iea Member Countries

The buy-back rate offered by utilities for electrical energy produced by gridconnected photovoltaic power systems has recently been considered as an important parameter among different approaches for the deployment of such systems. This contribution summarises the different buy-back rate models as observed in the participating IEA member countries. The existing buy-back rate schemes for grid-connected photovoltaic power systems are classified in comparison with the energy price from conventional energy systems. The study focuses on the models that are presently in operation, on their characteristics and on the results achieved so far. The success of the different models as measured by an increased deployment of PV systems is analysed and critical factors are identified.