It’s still the dawn of the solar power revolution in Australia, but the competition between providers is certainly building – and with it, some questionable marketing strategies says Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester.
"Competition is good – it keeps us all on our toes," says Mr. Sylvester. "But something that is causing us concern and should be causing consumers and the government concern too is the inclusion of inefficient, energy sucking appliances as bonuses to entice people to buy a solar power system."
Mr. Sylvester cites the example of large plasma screens being used as incentives.
"A 42 inch plasma television will likely use between 280 and 300 watts. That means upwards of 20 percent of an average 1.5kW home solar power system will be used just to provide power to this appliance while it is on and bear in mind that a solar power system doesn’t work 24 hours a day."
"Plasma televisions are sometimes referred to as space heaters due to their inefficiency. Additionally, the power consumption of these appliances means the bonus can be a liability over the long term through increased electricity use."
Mr. Sylvester feels the government needs to clamp down on these sorts of bonuses.
"It’s my opinion these energy sucking appliances are being funded in part by the wider community. Government schemes that provide rebates for solar power are in place as a strategy to reduce carbon emissions. If a household takes up one of these offers and the bonus TV chews more electricity than their current set; that can translate to a substantial carbon emission reduction loss."
"Government should be stepping in to ensure they get the most for their, and our, dollar under rebate and incentives schemes. When we are talking to people about selecting a solar power system, we emphasise energy efficiency as a way for them to make the most from their system and feed in tariff programs – and that should be a standard practice throughout the Australian solar energy industry."
Energy Matters offers a consumer guide to solar power from their web site at www.energymatters.com.au to help raise awareness of some of the tricks and traps to avoid when buying a solar power system.
