Neighbourhoods and community organisations are rallying together to cut the cost of buying and installing solar panels. In today’s environmental paradigm, teaming up is paying off.
It’s hard being green and money is tight these days. People want to do what they can to lower their carbon footprint, save energy, lessen dependence on fossil fuels, but often the solutions are cost-prohibitive.
A standard one kilowatt solar photovoltaic grid connect system can cost over $12,000. If a household earns under $100,000 a year they can still get the renewable energy government rebate, but even then it costs around $4,500 to go solar. Then there’s the paperwork, application forms – frankly, it can be a drag.
But by banding together with friends and like-minded souls within a local area to form what’s known as a solar buyers group, residents can dictate the terms of purchasing solar, and have the buying power to strike a better deal for everyone.
By ordering in bulk, and taking advantage of existing rebates, members of a solar buyers group can install a solar photovoltaic system in their homes for far below market prices.
Energy Matters, one of Australia’s foremost renewable energy retailers, is leading the charge in catering to buyers groups by processing rebates for interested parties.
Markus Lambert, Marketing Manager for Energy Matters, says solar buyers’ group model is making its way across the country as a revolutionary way to increase residential solar power in Australia.
“Our philosophy is to pass bulk purchase power onto the end consumer to make solar power more affordable, Mr Lambert says. “When people work together to purchase PV arrays in lots of 50 or more it allows for savings of up to $1500 for a 1KW system.”
“This is particularly good for rural communities. Because freight is in bulk, an installation team can cover an entire town or suburb all at once, rather than one system at a time. It’s win/win, both for the supplier and the purchaser.”
Mr Lambert is encouraging more communities to form buyers groups to take advantage of government rebates now, before they are rolled back.
“We have a buyers group in Adelaide proceeding currently, with final expectations in the range of 100 systems, and another started in Bendigo,” he says.
The latest town to sign up to the Energy Matters deal is the small seaside town of Mallacoota, in eastern Victoria. Over 50 households have committed to buying solar PV systems after a presentation by Energy Matters representatives.
“I don’t know the exact number of occupied houses in the town, but we’re thinking it could be a record for Australia. This is just the first round, there are more people interested in the offer. 50 homes out of 1000 is a five percent share of solar power in one town. It’s very exciting.”
Contact:
Jeremy Rich , Managing Director | Energy Matters ,
Phone: 03 9697 1900 | Mobile: 0417 371 807 |
Email: jeremy.rich@energymatters.com.au
