Helping Build a Renewable Energy Community

‘Helping Build a Renewable Energy Community’

PO BOX 1002, Upwey, Vic, 3158

IS SOLAR STILL WORTHWHILE?

Yes, solar is definitely still worthwhile. This is because solar reduces the amount of power you have to buy from your retailer. Power prices will continue to rise. Therefore the savings from solar will grow.

REBATES AND FEED IN TARIFFS

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) provides a scheme by which up front discounts apply when installing solar systems. The Victorian government Feed-in tariff’ will increase to a minimum of 11.3 cents per kWh on July 1, 2017. Battery storage will soon enable solar households to store excess solar power for use during off peak periods rather than export it into the grid.

CHOOSING A SOLAR PV COMPANY

If you want to install solar panels it is difficult to know who to get quotes from. While we do not recommend companies there are some (listed below) that seem to meet most of the following criteria.

[1] Do they use quality (tier 1) equipment?

[2] Have they been in the business long enough to have the knowledge and experience required to advise customers properly?

[3] Will they give customers an accurate assessment of the suitability of their roof?

[4] Do they use experienced and CEC (Clean Energy Council) or ASC (Australian Solar Council) accredited installers?

[5] Do they assistand advise customers with the after installation work such as meter reconfiguration? .

[6] Is the equipment warranty given by the manufacturer or do they quote an independent ‘insurance’ company warranty?

[7] Can they give you a written projection of what impact a given size solar system on your roof will have on your power bill?

[8] Can they give you a written projection of your payback period and return on investment?

[a] The ‘Environment Shop’, Northcote ,PH: 9480 1825 (

[b] ‘Going Solar’, Carlton PH: 9348 1000 (

[c] Ian Conibeer, Energy Connections, Pakenham, PH: 5941 4240 ()

[d] Euan Angus Solar Templestowe, PH: 0455 370 240,

[e] Hayes Power, Beaconsfield, 0418 174 522

[f] Rene Huijbregts, VR Electrical, Belgrave Heights, 0402 332 008, ,

CHOOSING A SOLAR HOT WATER INSTALLER

Solar hot water is more efficient than solar power and might save you more money if your household uses a lot of hot water. If comparing the two, be aware that when you get a quote on a solar hot water system it does not include installation. This is mainly because installation costs vary considerably from house to house. However, installation will probably be at least $1500.

Because of this you need to get at least 2 installation quotes. Both quotes should be from a ‘Green plumber’ because they have done the extra training required to install Solar Hot Water systems and because experience installing SHW systems is very important. 2 local companies which can provide quotes are:

[1] ‘Sun Force Solar’. Contact Matthew Partridge. PH: 59405344 & M= 0400 580 849

[2] Aquablock. Contact Warren Perret, PH: 9752 2209 & M= 0412 384 747

Going Solar and the Environment Shop (listed above) also sell solar hot water systems..

Heat Pumps

Electric heat pumps are an energy efficient alternative to a SHW system if you have shading issues.

Reverse Cycle Air conditioners

Because these are a heat pump they are an efficient way of heating and cooling.

More Information

Renew magazine and the websites of the Alternative Technology Association, Beyond Zero Emissions and Moreland Energy Foundation are all good sources of information on energy efficiency, solar power, heat pumps and reverse cycle air conditioners.