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Renewable energy systems provider NU Energy is offering free solar panel installation to Australian homes.
The solar energy package is available for eligible homes in all states, with the exception of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, to any householder who is approved by the Federal Government to receive the current $8000 solar system rebate.
Essentially, the householder agrees that the rebate will be paid to NU Energy.
"We are proud to be a leading Australian solar company able to provide everyday people with the ability to reduce the impact of long-term increases in power prices and to minimise their carbon footprint," said NU Energy Chief Executive Officer Simon Schauble.
An increasing number of Australians are making the switch to renewable energy and are generating their own power through solar panels and other renewable energy technologies to reduce their energy consumption and power bills.
It is estimated that the NU Energy solar panels can save the average Australian household up to $180 on their annual electricity bill.
To sign up, a $2,500 deposit is required, which will be fully refunded after the system is installed and the Federal Government Rebate is paid. After installation, customers must also connect to the grid with a smart meter through their energy retailer or distributor, for an average cost of $450.
For full details and terms and conditions see www.nuenergy.com.au, and to read more about the Federal Government rebate see www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/index.html
Comments
sorry, only just saw this question! I'm currently with Energy Australia.
This looks really interesting! Can ask who is your current supplier franmolloy?
This seems a pretty genuine offer and I think it's worth people checking it out themselves - call Nu Energy and your own energy supplier.
The Federal rebate of $8000 will be withdrawn after June 30 this year, I believe, and there's no indication yet what (if anything) will take its place.
I phoned the electricity company I'm signed up with to discover that they will supply and connect the smart meter for free - and will even sign me up for a 'power save' plan where off-peak rates apply to all the electricity i use (typically after 8pm) rather than just the hot water.
The trickiest part (for me anyway) will be stumping up $2500 up front. Nu Energy promises a full refund if the rebate is not approved, however - or if the additional install costs are higher than quoted.
The additional install costs could be $0 if you have a single story tin-roof house near the CBD, but there's an extra charge of $ 120 for a tiled roof, $200 for a double story house and a variable rising rate if you are over 80km from the GPO of a state capital.
Hopefully the first year in savings on your power bill will more than pay for the additional costs.
Seems like they only install the solar panels and inverter, but do not connect the system into the mains power supply - a crucial (and costly) aspect. It is then the responsibility of the homeowner is to find someone suitably qualified to make the connection and to arrange the appropriate forms themselves with their retailer and then submit a completed installation report - all very expensive, time consuming and often frustrating and very confusing for someone not familiar with how the rebate program works.