A feed-in tariff (FIT, FiT, standard offer contract,[1] advanced renewable tariff,[2] or renewable energy payments[3]) is a policy mechanism designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers.[1][4] This means promising renewable energy producers an above-market price[5] and providing price certainty and long-term contracts that help finance renewable energy investments.[4][6] Typically, FITs award different prices to different sources of renewable energy in order to encourage the development of one technology over another. For example, technologies such as wind power and solar PV[7] are awarded a higher price per kWh than tidal power. FITs often include a "digression": a gradual decrease of the price or tariff in order to follow[4]:25 and encourage technological cost reductions.[1]:100[8]

Description

FITs typically include three key provisions:[9][1]

  • guaranteed grid access
  • long-term contracts
  • cost-based purchase prices

Under a FIT, eligible renewable electricity generators are paid a cost-based price for the renewable electricity they supply to the grid. This enables diverse technologies (wind, solar, biogas, etc.) to be developed and provides investors a reasonable return. This principle was explained in Germany's 2000 Renewable Energy Sources Act:

The tariff may differ by technology, location, size, and region and is typically designed to decline over time to track and encourage technological change.[1][4] FITs typically offer a guaranteed purchase agreement for long periods (15–25 years) and give incentives to producers to maximize output and efficiency.[1][11][12]

In 2008, a detailed analysis by the European Commission concluded that "well-adapted feed-in tariff regimes are generally the most efficient and effective support schemes for promoting renewable electricity."[13] This conclusion was supported by other analyses, including by the International Energy Agency,[14][15] the European Federation for Renewable Energy,[16] and by the Deutsche Bank.[17] As of 2019, over 50 countries had enacted FIT policies.[18]

In environmental economics, a FIT can be differentiated based on marginal cost. In this policy structure, the tariff price ranges from just above the spot rate to the price required to reach the government's optimal production level. Firms with lower marginal costs are offered lower prices, while those with higher marginal costs are subjected to higher tariff prices. This policy aims to decrease the profitability of certain production sites and promote a more widespread distribution of generators. However, it may result in less cost-effective production of renewable electricity as the most efficient sites might be underutilized.[19]

The second objective of the differentiated tariff policy is to decrease the overall cost of the program. Under a uniform tariff system, all producers receive the same price, which can exceed the price necessary to incentivize production, resulting in surplus revenue and profit. A differentiated tariff seeks to provide each producer with the necessary incentives to maintain production, aiming to achieve the optimal market quantity of renewable energy production.[20]

In the context of globalization, FITs pose challenges from a trade perspective, as their implementation in one country can impact the industries and policies of others. Ideally, these policy instruments would fall under a globally-coordinated body overseeing their implementation and regulation, which could be facilitated through the World Trade Organization.[21]

Compensation

Understanding Feed-in Tariff and Power Purchase Agreement meter connections

There are three methods of compensation.

  • Feed-in tariff – compensation is above retail and, as the percentage of adopters increases, the FIT is reduced to the retail rate.
  • Net metering – allows producers to consume electricity from the grid, e.g., when the wind stops. Credits typically roll over to future periods. Payments (to the utility or the consumer) depend on net consumption.
  • Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) – pays for the generation of electricity and is normally below the retail rate. Although, in the case of solar, it can be higher in some countries because solar would be generated in times of peak demand.