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Free 1kW solar PV system installed by NUEnergy ($2500 refundable deposit required)

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Free 1kW solar PV system installed by NUEnergy ($2500 refundable deposit required)
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LYarkin on 20/04/2009 - 10:23 nuenergy.com.au (3687 clicks)
Last edited 20/04/2009 - 11:18

NUEnergy is offering a fully installed and supplied 1 kilowatt photovoltaic system (panels + inverter). Normally this would cost over $2000 after rebates. You do have to provide a $2500 deposit which is fully refundable for a standard house.

You must be within 80km of a GPO and eligible for the government rebate (household taxable income less than $100k). You also need to arrange to get a smart meter installed through your electricity supplier so that you can sell back to the grid.

Not sure how long it will last but the rebate is only available until 30 June. I signed up over the phone yesterday and they are sending out their application form and pre-filled rebate form with stamped envelopes.

Home & Garden Electricity Green Solar

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closed Comments

  • froodo on 20/04/2009 - 10:24

    Looks good on the face of it….

  • CynC on 20/04/2009 - 10:39
    +2

    "Customer is responsible for installation of smart meter and connection to the grid through their energy retailer at approximately $450."

    Just to note that you will be out of pocket some.

  • Click_It on 20/04/2009 - 10:42
    +1

    Looks potentially good. I did notice this in the fine print:

    "Customer is responsible for installation of smart meter and connection to the grid through their energy retailer at approximately $450."

    Also I wonder how long until the $2500 is rebated, green companies tend to be very slow on the government rebates as it is, wouldn't surprise me if they hold onto this for 12 months and pocket a little interest before returning it. But could be wrong there.

    EDIT: CynC beat me to it :)

    • theguru1 on 20/04/2009 - 10:56

      “Customer is responsible for installation of smart meter and connection to the grid through their energy retailer at approximately $450.”

      This is fairly standard, although a metter upgrade can be around the $150 mark for a digital metter. Not sure that a smart metter is always required, just the ability to read both incoming and outgoing flows.

  • Click_It on 20/04/2009 - 10:53

    Although I should say I'm considering this. 1kW isn't much really but expanding it later (say to 2kW) should be cheaper than buying a full 2kW system later.

    But to keep it real, the $450 should be mentioned above in the deal.

  • Moondog on 20/04/2009 - 10:57

    1kw is bugger all, you would need to see if it can be expanded to what you want. Still the price is right!

  • zhenjie on 20/04/2009 - 10:58

    "Available to customers with a taxable household income of $100,000 or less……." blah!

    Not bad otherwise

  • Jabba the Hutt on 20/04/2009 - 11:02

    What's the typical cost of such a system?

    How it works seems to be that you make your $2500 "deposit" while signing over any right you have to the $8000 government rebate, so at the end NUE just returns your $2500 (as though you'd never paid them anything) and pockets the government's $8000. So whether it's a good deal or not seems to depend on whether these systems normally cost more than $8000 not inclusive of the smart meter and connection to the grid.

  • Jabba the Hutt on 20/04/2009 - 11:21

    After further reading it seems they also pocket "renewable energy certificates" which for a 1kW system are supposedly worth about $900-1000. The owner of the system is also apparently able to sell these (though it's not immediately clear how). So the rebate's worth closer to $9000.

  • Yarkin on 20/04/2009 - 11:43

    Sorry guys, the second half of the post was cut off by the "less than" symbol.

    Yeah, the $100,000 income limit is unfortunate, and excludes your average two income household.

    I've had a look at other companies that do similar systems and it appears to put you out of pocket by $2000 or more. The friend who told me about this offer said that NUEnergy had made a large order of panels which they ended up not being able to use. I haven't seen anything to back that up though.
    Apparently the rebate approval takes about 6 weeks to come through, which is why it's wise to act soon, before the scheme ends.

    It's also worth noting that the feed-in tariffs are going to be increased dramatically in the near future (already have been in some states). So I guess I'll be able to sell my power for ~40c per kWh while I'm at work and the sun is out, then buy for 14c/kWh at night!

  • ash on 20/04/2009 - 11:56

    There is a similar company in Brisbane [freesolar](http://www.freesolar.com.au "freesolar") (service SE QLD only) that is running a similar scheme for over a year now. $1500 refundable deposit, however their application ends 20 April.

    I have applied with them and got the government approval 2 months ago.. just waiting for them to come and install the panels. In QLD you sell any unused power back to the grid at $0.4x, remember bulk of the electricity will be generated during day time , when most of the people are out working and not much is used apart from running the fridge.

    There should be another government rebate after the current one expires….. not sure if it is going to be more or less though.

  • ESEMCE on 20/04/2009 - 12:33
    +1

    Beware of most state feed-in tarrifs.. they use a net-feed-in.. ie the difference between the total power you use vs the total power you generate.. which is likely to be bugger all or even negative!
    Only ACT has a gross feed-in tarrif (ie you get the tarrif on all the electricity you generate).

    In this deal, you don't even get the tarrif by the looks so in most states it's probably an OK deal.

    • wobble on 20/04/2009 - 13:45

      Yeah, but isn't the balance what you really pay anyway. Either you get get the total power and they charge your for your total consumption is the same as them taking the balance and charging you the balance?

      • ESEMCE on 20/04/2009 - 15:21

        No.. with a gross feed in tariff you get paid for every Watt you produce.. and you get paid higher than the retail cost..
        ie I produce 1000Wh but use 2000Wh.. I get paid for producing 1000Wh and the payment probably covers the cost of my 2000Wh usage.

        with net feed in tariff you get paid the difference between what you use and what you generate.. with a 1kW system, you're likely to use more than you generate so you're unlikely to get paid anything at all!
        so in the same example, I generate 1000Wh and use 2000Wh. I don't get paid anything cause I used more than 1000Wh and I have to pay for the 2000Wh I used.

        There's a massive difference between the 2 systems!

        • Yarkin on 20/04/2009 - 15:39

          Anyone not using much power in the daytime will still benefit by selling most of their power back to the grid at the higher feed-in rate.
          A gross feed-in tariff system would be better as it wouldn't discriminate against people who are at home and consume power during daylight hours.
          There is a petition for a gross tariff system at http://www.feedintariff.com.au/

          • ESEMCE on 21/04/2009 - 07:36

            @Yarkin: Usage is usage..
            Since all power generated by solar will be produced during the day when you're at work and therefore not using much power (just the fridge and maybe dishwasher or washing machine) and unless you install a very expensive battery storage system, you will use power off the grid for very close to 100% of what you use and put back into the grid very close to 100% of what you generate.

            Since usage is based on what you pull off the grid, your net usage will still be close to your 2000wh from my example.

        • BenK-Oz on 20/04/2009 - 16:12

          you would only pay for 1000W in second your example, because you would have generated the first 1000W for free!

          • ESEMCE on 21/04/2009 - 07:36

            @BenK-Oz: See my above reply as to why you're wrong.

            • SlickMick on 01/06/2009 - 16:21

              @ESEMCE: You have it confused. What you describe is a net payment system. A gross payment system would definitely be far better, but that's because in reality you do use a considerable amount of power during the day.

              In a net payment system, you are only paid for what you don't use. Thus if your fridge and whatever else uses electricity during day uses 400wH, you are only paid for the 600wH you actually put into grid and not the 400wH you consumed.
              (Of course you then also pay for the other 1600wH you used from the grid at night.)

              A gross payment system would pay you for the entire 1000wH you generated, even though you consumed 400wH yourself and never actually contributed that to the grid.

              A gross payment system doesn't really make good business sense, it's only done as an incentive because solar power isn't cost-effective at this stage. (I still signed the partition of course!)

  • ozwolfbane on 20/04/2009 - 12:42

    What is the catch ????

    • nix1016 on 20/04/2009 - 13:06

      This offer is only available in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart & Brisbane….

      • Icedvovo on 21/04/2009 - 08:06

        This is true. Bummer. :(

  • ozwolfbane on 20/04/2009 - 13:19

    anything dodgy about this ? as I am ready to sign up :)

  • wobble on 20/04/2009 - 13:44

    Looks like everyone is on holidays from that company. Their emails come back with "Away" messages and their phone numbers call out.

    oh well. I guess they don't want our business.

    Is there a public holiday in Tasmania?

  • auMouth on 20/04/2009 - 14:35

    http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/index… …

    "PLEASE NOTE:
    Due to the large volume of applications the Solar Homes and Communities Plan is receiving, the six week timeframe for processing applications and installation reports, as outlined in the program guidelines, is currently not being achieved. Applications and installation reports are taking up to eight weeks to process. The Department has engaged additional staff to help manage the increased demand and we are working to reduce application processing times as quickly as we can. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate the continuing patience people are showing."

  • BenK-Oz on 20/04/2009 - 15:51

    check our clearsolar.com.au
    they have a good rebate on , although this deal looks better!

    • SlickMick on 01/06/2009 - 16:33

      Just a few points I noted re clearsolar:

      Their standard inverter is PVE1200 non-weatherproof. They charge an extra $250 if you want it installed outdoors.

      They charge an extra $750 for the sb1100 (see below).

      You have to pay $2500 up front, and they rebate $2250, plus $250 if you recommend somebody (not sure of conditions.)

      • BenK-Oz on 01/06/2009 - 17:03

        yeah i ended up going with this deal from nue energy
        that is my post below ;)

        • Orgazmo on 01/06/2009 - 17:33

          hows things so far?

          • BenK-Oz on 01/06/2009 - 20:02

            @Orgazmo: still in application phase waiting for government approval

  • BenK-Oz on 20/04/2009 - 16:29

    rang them up.
    the inverter is a sb1100 for those who care, german made (pretty good from what i can tell)
    the panels are mono crystalline (sp?) , 25 year warranty - looks good.
    There is a ~$120 excess if you have a tiled roof (for the rails to attach the panels)
    the digital meter upgrade mentioned will cost between $160-$450
    all up looks like a good deal!

  • Krazyy on 20/04/2009 - 16:55

    I just dont like the sound of them, kinda dodgy…

    They basically told me in a nutshell once the gov has approved it (takes upto 8 weeks) it will take 6 months to have the installation begin….

    • oleglap on 20/04/2009 - 19:54

      After what happened to Kleenmaid, I would be extra careful before hading over the deposit! Are there companies that can come out, install it, get paid and then I claim the rebate directly from the government?

    • Icedvovo on 21/04/2009 - 08:17

      Mmmmkay, so where does you $2500 live during that time? In their high-risk, short-term, high-interest account, or a nice secure trust fund or escrow? Bit scary, that bit.

  • Click_It on 20/04/2009 - 17:21

    Well I reckon I'm going to do it. Will call tomorrow.
    Upto $450 (could be less) is acceptable to me. My roof doesn't get full sun through the winter months but it should still drop the power bill through the warmer months and the break even point isn't 10-15yrs like most other solar deals are. For the ideal positioned house this should pay itself off 3-4 yrs.

    • ash on 20/04/2009 - 17:57
      +2

      you should also take the cost of replacing the inverter in to consideration if you are looking at a 10-15 year period for breaking even. I was told they usually needs replacement after around 10 year period (the inverters listed on their website only has 5 year warranty) and I remember the inverters cost quite a bit ($1000 or more but correct me if i am wrong)

  • Click_It on 20/04/2009 - 19:09

    Good point ash, I hadn't considered that, well not inside 10 years anyway. Would suck if the inverter died short of the 10 year mark. That said I'm unlikely to still be here in 10 yrs so I can say with a smile that's someone elses problem :)

  • zebadi on 20/04/2009 - 21:34
    +2

    Not long ago Queensland Government underwrote the bulk purchase of 1KW systems for a 1000 homes. The tender for supply was awarded to http://www.eco-kinetics.com/ who supplied me with a 1KW system for $185. The whole process took around 9 months. I guess without a state government underwrite scheme I would have also been asked for $2500 deposit so that I don't suddenly change my mind or Federal Gov change the rules like they've already done with the $100k limit.

    The system is a Sunny Boy 1100 inverter and 6 Mono Crystalline panels which has been working a treat for the last 3 months. Average daily output is around 4kWh most of which goes into the grid unless aircon is on. I think the official figure for how much a 1KW system will generate per year in Queensland is 1700KWH.

    The inverter costs about $1000 and can't be upgraded, but then a 2KW inverter is double the cost anyway.

    I'm with Origin who as far as I'm aware doesn’t pass on the cost from Energex of upgrading to a digital meter onto the customer. Well, I haven't been billed for one or even warned about a cost. But this might be because Origin took over retail from Energex.

    For those on over $100k per year the government is changing the PV rebate system and from July effectively making it entirely based on RECS and not income related. From what I understand the number of RECS will be multiplied by 5, so a 1KW system will get a RECS based discount of around $5000 and not the $8000 + $1000 RECS. Not so good for folks under $100k but a bit better for those over $100k.
    http://www.climatechange.gov.au/renewabletarget/publications…

    Hope this all makes sense, it’s a bit of a brain dump ;-)

    • ash on 21/04/2009 - 00:50

      Yeap I got on that band-wagon so to speak but I went with www.freesolar.com.au it was at no cost to me apart from the $1500 refundable deposit. Have you had yours already installed? I am still waiting for mine…

  • RNDM on 20/04/2009 - 22:53

    RECS probably cover some of the cost too.

  • gstfree on 20/04/2009 - 23:00

    Good deal in the absence of any hidden charges.
    However, the inverter differs from one to another.
    crap inverters will produce huge noise.
    Also, I am not sure whether the solar pannal could be expanded in the future or not. i.e. upgrade to 2KW.

    • BenK-Oz on 21/04/2009 - 09:07

      with the default inverter you can only get another 2 panels added.
      you can pay to have the inverter upgraded to a 2kw inverter, so you can add more panels later though.

  • coolsteps on 20/04/2009 - 23:16

    i cant really reccommmend freesolar. it took many months to finally get my panels intalled in March and im still waiting for my hot water system installed and for them to fax the docs to energex so that my meter can be changed. They rarely answer phone calls and emails. their phone was enaged or off the hook all day today. i m still waiting for many return calls and emails i sent. The lady at energex said they have been having many issues with them. if i dont get a straight answer from them tommorrow im going to cancel the hot water order and demand my deposit refunded and they fax energex the form as im loosing money everyday otherwise ill be making a complaint to the energy obudsman. buyer please beware of any offer that seems too good to be true.

    • ash on 21/04/2009 - 13:45

      hi coolsteps,

      thanks for the feedback. So its not just me that's been waiting for a long time. Lucky i shopped around and didn't go with them for the hot water system.

      There are plenty out there, just ring around and ask, make sure to do a bit of bargaining as well. In the end I went with envirosavers who came to changed light bulbs to energy efficient ones for free. They sent me an letter in the mail later about their solar hot water system offers… They were very fast to organised a free quote straight away. The week after I decided to go ahead, the hot water system was up and running. I got the heat pump solution, thought it was a neater solution without having to drill more panels to the roof.

      I think they are doing a $1000 system (after government and Brisbane city council rebates) http://www.envirosolar.com.au/

      good luck

  • theguru1 on 21/04/2009 - 08:55

    Make sure you pay by credit card.

  • lindatruongs on 22/04/2009 - 16:58
    -1

    http://www.freesolar.com.au/home.html
    looks good as they refund the deposit when they get paid by the government.

    I however have got some friends in the industry that are willing to do the whole package $1000 with smart meter and Energy Australia fees.

    You will be responsible to maintain the solar cells for 10 years minimum. They will get your RECs and you are bound to the policy, so make sure that your cells/inverter also have a warranty, otherwise you will be penalised…

    For example - Installed panel, dies within the 6th year and you only have 5 year warranty, then you will have to fork out $10000 for new cells… No rebate on second ones. BEWARE!

  • Orgazmo on 13/05/2009 - 18:10

    im thinking of doing this with my credit card

    I called up and spoke to a girl that sound about 10 years old who even did the trademark school girl giggle at the end of the call.

    It sounds pretty cheap other than paying for the feed back meter setup

    Im just worried in years to come there might be big costs and it might take ages to get installed, they told me 4-7 months

    • BenK-Oz on 14/05/2009 - 12:02

      yeah it takes 6weeks+ just to get the government pre-approval i've heard.
      I think the deal is you would get the panels covered on your house insurance, as the system is worth $10,000ish
      From what i can tell there are no ongoing maintenance costs, the big issue is if the inverter dies after 5 years, but just like a fridge or air conditioner, how are you supposed to know?

  • POWERevolution on 09/06/2009 - 15:13

    Just want people to aware of this…The government has just announced the end of the SHCP rebate.

    _To be eligible for assessment under the SHCP guidelines, completed applications must be sent to the Solar Homes and Communities Plan Manager by midnight on Tuesday 9 June 2009. _
    http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/index…

  • BenK-Oz on 27/07/2009 - 15:44

    Has anyone got an installation date yet?

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