SunEdison Energy Plan FAQ

a. Under the SunEdison Energy Plan, the customer is not required to purchase or own the system, but simply leases the equipment; using the low priced electricity generated to reduce mains electricity consumption and benefit from expected immediate energy bill savings (subject to meter changeover having taken place).

a. No upfront cost: This means you can keep your cash in your pocket. Some third party charges may apply, such as those charged by electricity companies to change your meter over.

b. Predictable, low solar electricity rates: Purchase electricity at a predictable low rate and protect yourself against steadily rising electricity prices from the big retailers. Rates are agreed upon for the 15 year contract term.

c. Immediate energy bill savings: Up to 20% saving* on your current electricity rates; so there’s no need to wait to start saving with solar.

d. SunEdison owns the system: Maintenance, repairs, monitoring and system performance are all the responsibility of SunEdison over the 15 year term. Essentially, it’s worry-free solar. Some exclusions, restrictions and conditions do apply, full details of which are set out in SunEdison’s Solar Rental Agreement.

e. Automatic performance guarantee: We are so confident in the quality and performance of our systems that if your system does not generate the energy we promise, we will compensate you automatically. No need to claim, no questions asked. Some exclusions, restrictions and conditions do apply, full details of which are set out in SunEdison’s Solar Rental Agreement.

f. Only SunEdison authorized local installers: We partner with only who we consider to be the most reputable licensed solar installers in Australia.

g. Trusted brand components: The components are all world-class leading brands, backed by SunEdison. SunEdision is currently the world’s largest renewable energy developer and has 50 years of scientific research and manufacturing expertise; with a presence in 25 countries across five continents.

h. Aesthetically pleasing: Whether your home has tin, tile, flat or pitched rooftops, we can design an attractive, affordable solar panel solution.

a. Because we finance, develop, install, own, operate and maintain the solar power system as a single provider, you benefit from predictable energy prices and lower your carbon emissions without paying high initial capital outlays. SunEdison is also currently the largest renewable energy developer in the world and has substantial purchasing power; which means we can negotiate pricing with suppliers to provide you with the best possible offer.

a. Yes, it is estimated that more than 65% of solar installations in the USA are solar lease products*.

a. Absolutely. SunEdison and Energy Matters – a SunEdison Company – have some of what we consider to be the best solar system deals under the sun. Try our free online solar quoting system and find out more about our range of systems. There are benefits associated with both cash purchases and the SunEdison Energy Plan. One of our solar consultants will help you choose the best way to go solar.

a. The main incentives still currently available in Australia are the small scale renewable certificates (STCs) that can reduce system cost by thousands of dollars. These reductions support SunEdison in providing you with lower lease repayments that couldn’t be otherwise possible. As the owner of the solar system it is SunEdison’s responsibility to create these STC and so you do not have to worry about paperwork or hassle.

a. The SunEdison Energy Plan is available in selected metropolitan areas including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. The SunEdison Energy Plan is also available in other regional cities. Call 1800 EMATTERS (1800 362 883) to learn more about availability in your area.

a. Call 1800 EMATTERS (1800 362 883) for a free solar assessment or try our free solar quoting system.

b. To assist our solar advisor in tailoring the best and most cost-effective solar power system for you, it would be a big help if you have your latest electricity bill on hand.

a. The SunEdison Energy Plan is for residential customers. SunEdison Commercial Lease and Power Purchase Agreement options may be available to your business. We recommend you contact our commercial team on 1800 EMATTERS (1800 362 883) for further information.

a. There is no up-front cost charged to you by SunEdison.

a. Yes. If you have money for a small down payment, it can help you to reduce your monthly repayments and increase the total savings over the term of the plan; while still benefiting from all the features of the plan such as the automatic performance guarantee and monitoring services.

a. The SunEdison Energy Plan was designed to offer immediate electricity bill savings, subject to any required meter changeover having happened at your premises. When requesting a quote from SunEdison, you will receive a written estimation of your net savings on the first year and over the term of your Solar Rental Agreement.

a. Electricity prices for households have increased sharply in recent years. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, electricity prices in Australia more than doubled during the last decade. It is possible that prices will continue to increase. By locking in predictable low solar electricity rates, you are helping to protect yourself against rising electricity prices.

In most cases yes. Recent significant reductions on PV modules prices and technology improvements has made this possible. Depending on your location, system size and expected performance, solar electricity rates under the SunEdison Energy Plan can be as low as 15 cents / kWh!

a. Depending on your location, expected performance and site specifics, the SunEdison Energy Plan can provide electricity starting from 15 cents/kWh! Try our free solar quoting system for an absolutely obligation-free tailored proposal and to check your eligibility.

a. Savings will vary depending on how much energy you use, the size of your solar power system, the amount of power your system generates and other factors. At the current time, we estimate that a typical homeowner will save up to 20% on their electricity rates with the SunEdison Energy Plan in their first year alone, with savings increasing annually if utility energy rates go up.

a. No. If a grid connect system is producing more power than is being consumed, the surplus is fed into the electricity grid. Your electricity retailer may offer you a credit on your electricity bill for the exported electricity. Generally the export (or feed in tariff) rates are lower than the cost of your solar power, effectively reducing the saving you can achieve from solar. You should contact your electricity retailer for up to date information on what you’ll receive for exported electricity. You can maximise your savings by using more of your solar energy during daylight hours.

a. To learn if you are eligible, call 1800 EMATTERS (1800 362 883)
or try our solar quoting system and choose the Solar Energy Plan option to check your preliminary eligibility for the SunEdison Energy Plan.

a. To assist our solar advisors in tailoring the best and most cost-effective solar power system for you, we recommend that you have your latest electricity bill on hand.

a. The SunEdison Energy Plan is designed to offer you electricity bill savings. The best way for us to design a system that will help you to reduce your energy bill is by considering your electricity consumption in previous months.

a. Yes, the SunEdison Energy Plan is also available for recently constructed properties.

a. In many cases it will be but our team will need to evaluate if the SunEdison Energy Plan is suitable for you. We may require some extra documentation to support your application.

a. SunEdison requires homeowners to have a good credit history and have a current electricity bill that is not in arrears. In addition, our credit team will assess your application to ensure your application meets all responsible lending & credit requirements and regulations.

a. The SunEdison Energy Plan is available to homeowners only at this stage.

a. You are required to have and maintain an internet connection to be eligible for the SunEdison Energy Plan. However alternative solutions, such as 3G internet connections, will be considered on request, but could incur additional costs.

a. Yes, but in most cases a copy of your rates notice will suffice.

a. Yes. An expert solar consultant will be with you every step of the way to answer questions and will keep you updated at every single step of the process.

a. The physical installation of your solar system on your roof is normally completed in less than one day. However, the time required to arrive at that point depends on a number of factors; including your electricity distributor’s specific requirements, the condition of the existing electricity infrastructure, the time of the year, weather and other factors.

b. We normally expect to have the system installed between 3 to 8 weeks from the point of signup. Your consultant will be able to communicate an expected time frame when you sign up for the SunEdison Energy Plan.

You will keep receiving your electricity bill but it should show lower consumption of grid sourced electricity. In addition you will receive a new bill for the SunEdison Energy Plan.

a. Yes. However, some retailers will require you to change electricity plan when installing solar. We strongly advise that you contact your electricity retailer for confirmation of the electricity consumption rates and feed in tariffs that will apply to you once you go solar.

b. We also encourage our customers to shop around electricity retailers for the best deals available.

a. Yes. Although some solar companies typically purchase low cost, standard quality components for use in their systems, we only use what we consider to be leading brand components that are clearly detailed in your Solar Rental Agreement and system design proposal.

a. The solar panels convert sunlight to direct electric current (DC). An inverter converts the DC current to alternating current (AC) that can be used in your home. The AC electricity is routed to your electrical switchboard for distribution throughout your house, or exported to the main electricity grid when you don’t consume electricity onsite.

a. Your solar consultant will help determine how many panels you need based on your electricity usage over the past year and the size of your roof.

b. The typical system in Australia has between 12 to 16 panels (or 3kW to 4kW of peak capacity)

a. To ensure your safety and that of power company workers, the inverters on the panels shut down automatically during a blackout. When power is restored to the grid, your system automatically resumes operation.

a. Yes, however production will be much lower than during clear days.

b. All SunEdison Energy Plan systems include an online monitoring system that should enable you to instantly check from your computer or phone how much your system is producing.

a. Shade reduces the amount of electricity your system can produce. Our solar design experts will work to place your panels where they can receive maximum sun exposure. It is possible, however, that a roof may be too shady to make solar feasible.

b. To accurately calculate shading effects on system performance, our installers will utilize specific shade analysis tools, like the Sun Eye or similar.

c. Every system installed under the SunEdison Energy Plan will include a written performance guarantee that will take possible shading effect into consideration.

a. Yes. Normally we will keep the panels separate and treat the added panels as a second solar system.

a. Planning and building requirements can vary from council to council and from State to State. It is your responsibility to find out what planning and building approvals are required for a solar system at your property.

a. Yes! We are so confident in the quality and performance of our systems that if our system does not generate the energy we promise we will compensate you, automatically, in accordance with the terms of your Solar Rental Agreement.

a. SunEdison’s advanced computer monitoring software scans data received from your solar installation, checking for satisfactory system performance. If system performance issues arise, your solar installer is asked to attend to any issues. You don’t need to claim for a shortfall in production. In accordance with your Solar Rental agreement, we will credit you automatically any difference between guaranteed production and actual production and this will be set off against future lease payments.

a. Unlike a traditional cash purchase, with the SunEdison Energy Plan we own, operate, maintain and repair the system during the term of the lease, in accordance with the terms of your Solar Rental Agreement.

a. SunEdison offers a single contact point for all repairs SunEdison owns the system and will be responsible for repairs and for ensuring system production, in accordance with the terms of your Solar Rental Agreement.

a. Unlike a cash purchase where insurance is not included, SunEdison insures the system against loss or damage. This insurance covers SunEdison’s interest in the system as owner of the system. It is the customer’s responsibility to speak to their insurer to notify them of the presence of the solar system on their property and to determine whether the customer should put extra insurance cover in place..

a. Yes, SunEdison warrants the equipment for the full term of the lease. SunEdison or its nominee will be your only point of contact for repairs during the term of the plan, to ensure your system delivers energy as promised under your Solar Rental Agreement.

a. The SunEdison’s solar monitoring solution enables you to view the energy produced by the solar power system.Under normal circumstances, advanced software algorithms constantly check for any shortfall in system production, to help us stand by our production promises.

a. Yes. You do have obligations under the Solar Rental Agreement. You must take all actions reasonably required to prevent buildings, structures, trees or other flora from overshadowing or otherwise blocking the access of sunlight to the system, including by enforcing any rights you may have under property and planning laws.

a. Most manufacturers offer 25 years performance guarantee on solar panels. The performance of each individual panel is measured at standard conditions (for example at ideal levels of solar irradiation, specific operation temperatures and weather conditions). Understanding if a specific panel is operating in real life conditions according to the guaranteed value is not a simple exercise. Under these guarantees, it is your responsibility to check your system performance and eventually lodge a claim. If weather conditions affect the performance, then the warranties may not cover the lower than expected performance.

b. The SunEdison Energy Plan offers a written performance guarantee that is easily measured, with the included monitoring system meaning you will know exactly how your system is performing at any point in time, in real life conditions.

a. We will provide you with web portal access and will be able to log in to monitor your solar panel system performance from any modern web device by simply inputting your user name and password.

b. Web portal access will be free for the term of the lease and no extra costs are involved in using the web portal.

a. No. We currently only accept monthly payments.

a. Depending on the SunEdison Energy Plan option you choose, an annual rate increment may apply. Your tailored proposal will clearly specify if the monthly payment will go up over time and by how much.

b. If electricity rates rise more than your monthly payments, your savings can effectively increase over time. However, your actual savings will also depend on your actual consumption patterns, which are likely to change over time.

a. We encourage our customers to compare the total amount paid over the term against an equivalent system paid up front, however we suggest considering some of the following element to allow for an ‘apples with apples’ comparison.

i. Repair and maintenance costs: If, for example, 12 years after we install the system, the inverter fails, we will repair it for free (subject to the terms of the Solar Rental Agreement). With a cash purchase if your system is outside of the warranty period, the cost to replace an inverter could be significant.

ii. Monitoring solution: SunEdison Energy Plan includes a robust monitoring solution; this is often an optional extra with cash purchases

iii. Automatic performance guarantee – the value and peace of mind of being protected.

iv. Insurance of the System: Included with the SunEdison Plan

v. The Opportunity cost of not having your cash available: With the SunEdison Energy Plan you benefit of being $0 out of pocket and use you cash elsewhere (new purchases, holidays, investments, etc).

a. If sell your home, you will have three different options available:

i. Transfer to buyer: You could chose to transfer the SunEdison Energy Plan to the buyer of your home, who can benefit from the cheap solar energy rates by taking on your obligations under the Solar Rental Agreement. For this option to apply, the home buyer must pass certain credit and other checks and the buyer must of course consent to the transfer.

ii. Prepay your system and transfer to buyer: You also have the option to prepay the lease payments that would otherwise be payable over the remainder of the Solar Rental Agreement term. The Solar Rental Agreement will still be transferred to the home buyer but as they will not be required to make any further lease payments, they will not need to pass the same level of checks as would apply with option i above. You might be able to include the value of the prepaid Solar Rental Payments in the sale amount that you are asking for your home but we would strongly recommend you seek independent advice from qualified real estate experts.

iii. Early termination and removal: You can terminate the SunEdison Energy Plan in accordance with your Solar Rental Agreement by paying an early termination amount which is determined at the time of termination.

a. If you require the temporary disassembly, movement or removal of the system (for example for the repair or replacement of the roof) then you will need to pay the amounts due as set out in your Solar Rental Agreement.

a. The costs associated with removal and reinstallation will be at your expense. You will need to pay SunEdison for all amounts (including equipment and labour) required by SunEdison to repair, replace, disassemble, move or remove the system.

a. If you are not in default under the Solar Rental Agreement you will have the option of either termination the Solar Rental Agreement and you can either require us to remove the system or enter into a new lease for the system on terms to be agreed at the time or enter into discussions with us to extend your existing agreement.

a. No, it is not possible to purchase the system at the end of the lease or at any time during the term of the Solar Rental Agreement.

b. However, a Early Prepayment Option is available, as set out in the Solar Rental Agreement

a. With the Early Prepayment Option, you can elect to prepay the Rental Payments for the remainder of the term at a discounted rate as indicated in the Solar Rental Agreement; meaning that you will not have any further payment obligations for the remainder of the term.

b. When opting for the Early Prepayment Option, the contracting party will still benefit from our automatic performance guarantee, monitoring services, system maintenance, insurance and repairs for the remainder of the term. Some exclusions, restrictions and conditions do apply, full details of which are set out in SunEdison’s Solar Rental Agreement.

a. Any upgrade or modification to the solar power system must be agreed by SunEdison and your Solar Rental Agreement amended accordingly.