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1.5kW Solar Panel System from Origin Energy - $100 off at $2,890

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1.5kW Solar Panel System from Origin Energy - $100 off at $2,890
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LCoronavirusVaccine on 15/03/2011 - 11:54 files.ozbargain.com.au (471 clicks)
Last edited 19/03/2011 - 18:04 by 1 other user
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mod - note that the OP hasn't declared that this is a referral code. The OP will get $50 a customer

Get $100 off the 1.5kW solar electricity system by Origin Energy.
Originally $2,990 now $2,890.

While there are many other small operators who can do 1.5kW system for sub-$2500, I decided to pay a a couple hundred more to get it through Origin Energy because Origin Energy said they will honour the 25yr warranty. Origin Energy is a AU$13billion company so I am counting on they won't go bust any time too soon compared to the dodgey operators who won't be around in a year or two after the solar rebate scheme stops.

On their 1.5kW system they use panels from either Suntech, Solarfun or Canadian Solar.

Their service is pretty good, I placed the order and received a call within the next day to arrange an installation date within 2 weeks. The guys did a clean job but my house is an easy one to do with good access and only one-storey. I received Suntech panels which I am happy as it's the one of the biggest solar panel manufacturer around - the CEO is from University of NSW but the manufacturing is done in China.

Electrical & Electronics Electricity Solar Panel

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  • h4lcyon on 15/03/2011 - 12:00

    My comments are here, in short I would pay the extra $400 for the Sharp system mostly because of the inverter.

    The payment terms on these deals are good.

  • Snotty on 15/03/2011 - 12:00
    +2

    at less than 4% discount is it a bargain?

    • UFO on 15/03/2011 - 13:54

      thats what I was thinking when I saw heading. Not being ungrateful… but 4% off is hardly a 'bargain'.

      • GreenHornet on 16/03/2011 - 12:56

        Speaking personally; I think that anything less than an advertised price constitutes a bargain!
        So to me, yes this would be a bargain :)

    • wisc on 17/03/2011 - 12:31

      still OK if your gonna get it anyway… I like there payment plans, though the systems that origin sells don't appear to be the best according to whirlpool…

  • clem0ximus on 15/03/2011 - 12:13

    Whats the rebate for QLD'ers for solar energy anyway?

  • aurotaro on 15/03/2011 - 12:18
    +6

    got my solar panel with Origin just before the initial rebate ended. Reason I chose them was for the 25 year warranty which I'm sure they would honour.

    Note you have to pay another $200-400 for fixing the inverter from your local qualified electrician.

    My word, was 60c/kWhr good or what. First 3 months from November to January earned me $376.00

    My quarterly electricity bill was $312. Paid off + Credit = #winning winning winning winning

    • Cluster on 15/03/2011 - 13:28
      +1

      Paid off + credit = bi-winning? :-)

    • GaelicAU on 15/03/2011 - 13:57

      We didnt have to pay addition for the electrician to install the inverter but it does state that this may happen in the contract.

      We did need to pay Western Power to install a 'Smart Meter' though which cost approx $200 AFAIR and was put onto our next WP bill.

      In WA, we get 40c per KWhr and the scheme is valid for 10 years, though there is no guarantee it will stay the same for the duration. (http://www.energymatters.com.au/government-rebates/feedintar…)

  • shanren on 15/03/2011 - 12:27

    What invertor do you get, Kylelin?

    • CoronavirusVaccine on 16/03/2011 - 10:15

      Got one from Aero-Sharp. Saw some reviews from Whirlpool with negative feedback about noise - although not critical definitely not ideal. At my place it produced a low-volume humming noise similar to that of a laptop fan. At our house it's located on the garage wall and is far from where we live so noise will never be a problem for us.

      So for people with internal/indoor switchboard (the inverter has to be located very close to the switchboard by regulation) or have it close to living area then definitely worthwhile to take this into consideration. Saw on the internet somewhere there are some inverters with fanless design and just rely purely on heatsink.

      I definitely think it's worthwhile to consider paying $300 more to get the Sharp setup, just for the extra peace of mind. I took the cheaper one as I am trying my luck but definitely was tempted to get Sharp.

  • afu on 15/03/2011 - 13:11

    aurotaro is yours 1.5Kw? What you mean by $200-400 for fixing the inverter. Is that for change the meter? which electricity retailer you with? Energy Australia or AGL or Origin ..

  • Cluster on 15/03/2011 - 13:20

    Unleash Solar will install a 1.5kw system for $1799

    http://www.unleashsolar.com.au/

  • altomic on 15/03/2011 - 13:30

    unfortunately I have an asbestos roof so it is a no-go zone for installers.

  • GaelicAU on 15/03/2011 - 13:36
    +3

    Everyone has their own experiences but here is mine.

    I orded my Solar System from OriginEnergy when the price first dropped to sub $3000 (approx 12 months ago). After many cancellations, I was still waiting six months later for installation.

    Origin were giving me now help when calling them saying it was up to the local installer. After 7 months, and much passing of the buck (the installer also refused to accept responsibility saying they were 'busy'). It is only after I called 7.5 months later at 7am to leave a voice mail saying that if I did not receive a call back within 24 hours stating a date and time withing the next 7 days that the system would be installed, I was taking my case to the Ombudsmen.

    I got a call 2 hours later and someone was at my front door at 7am the next morning putting the system in.

    It should also be stated that from day one, Origin debited the monthly amount each and every month from the day I signed the contract.

    I also recevied a letter about 3 months into the contract to say they no longer had SHARP systems and which of a choice of other non-familiar-brands i would like. I refused to sign up for another brand.

    It should also be noted that after 2 months of the installation, the inverter started playing up. As days passed, the codes it was displaying became more and more random when one day, the thing basically would not turn on.

    I called the installer twice (O Donnell Griffin) who never returned my calls. I called Origin who no-surprisingly hand balled me to SHARP. I called SHARP and they said they would call back. They never did. I called again. Same deal. Third time I was tried to be told I would be called back, I asked to speak to a manager. (This was 2.5 weeks after my inital call to them). The now offended male I spoke with became a bit aggressive and talked over me whenever I tried to speak. I told him in no uncertain terms that by the time this phone call ended, if I did not have a time and date when they would be up to fix the issue, (yes you know its coming), I would be writing to the Ombudsmen. I was put on hold for 5 minutes, given a time and date (2 days later) and the installer came and put in a brand new SHARP inverter.

    A few important points.
    * We like 15kms out of the Perth metro.
    * We live in a single story house.
    * Easy access to the property.
    * Easy access to the switch board.
    * Wood framed house so easy to run cables etc.

    Okay - thats it. I hope no one else goes through what we had to, but expereinces, good and bad, need to be told.

    • zobragin on 15/03/2011 - 14:03

      Sounds like Origin gave u had a crummy solar contractor.

      For me it took 3 months to install.
      I got the japanese SHARP panels + inverter and 24 month interest free payback for $2,990.

      My contractor was PSG and their service was quite good. They are quite flexible and you can tell them how and where u want the panels installed. Any problems, they return ur calls. Very professional company.

      I guess it all depends on your location to what quality of service and panels u get.

  • mrkyle on 15/03/2011 - 15:43

    @mtaing
    when did you get it.. the sharp ones are 3400$ now

    • Steptoe on 15/03/2011 - 16:18

      $3290 with discount.

  • fuktater on 15/03/2011 - 16:33
    +1

    As a electrician and solar system installer, and someone who has had dealings with these systems as well as Origin, I would urge you to proceed with caution.
    I encounter MANY dissatisfied customers of Origin who have waited many weeks sometimes MONTHS to have their inverter issues/faults attended to by an agent.

    You are dealing with Australia's largest electricity retailer firstly.
    They then contact Sharp.
    They then contact a service agent.
    The service agent then comes to you.

    I'm sure if you do a bit of research you will also see the many threads on the issues people are having with these inverters.

    While you are waiting to have a faulty inverter or panel fixed, Origin is not deducting/refunding any money you have paid/owe!!!

    They are a ELECTRICITY RETAILER first and foremost.

    • UFO on 15/03/2011 - 17:36

      hmmm…. i dont think this guy is kidding.
      im in the market for a PV system but all I hear about is thats its more headache than its worth, which is sad because I reckon solar should/could be a huge industry for australia if the poli's just took a chance on it and did the right thing (instead of worrying about polls and lobbying).

      a google search on "origin energy problem solar" doesnt provide very promising results. x2 for above caution.

  • wfdTamar on 15/03/2011 - 17:30

    It seems with any government subsidised scheme (the batts one) all sorts of shady characters come out of the woodwork to make a motsa out of it. I just wonder if the taxpayer part paying for average to wealthier people to install these is sensible? Wouldn't taxpayer dough be better used either to install it in public buildings or those that could never hope to install it?

    The batts one was typical - it doesn't cost all that much for the average home anyway it should never have been subsidised.

    • UFO on 15/03/2011 - 17:39

      batts = good idea, bad implementation.

      the rest is just Abbott milking it as long as he could. not looking to start a political debate, just saying that insulation makes good sense and cents…. shame the cowboys stuffed it up.

      • altomic on 18/03/2011 - 10:58

        solar panel program- you must be a certified registered electrician to fit them.
        batts program - you're breathing? good, here's money to put batts in a roof.

    • fuktater on 15/03/2011 - 17:49

      My post wasn't to start a debate on the merits of the program ( the same could also be said for the taxpayer part paying for the average to wealthier people to buy a Holden, Ford, Mitsubishi or Toyota ), but rather to inform people that you are dealing with a VERY large organisation in Origin and if there are any faults/problems, they will not be resolved swiftly and easily!

      If you engage a small company you can call that company that sold/installed the system and speak directly to them. With Origin/a large company, there are channels and procedures to follow.

      Also. Origin in the case of solar are just sales reps. They then sub-contract out to a company(ies) to install the systems. These companies may also sub-contract to other companies if the work load is sufficient.
      Do you feel that the same pride, respect and service will be provided than if you were to employ the services of a accredited installer ( and hopefully at the same time a licensed electrician as these are ELECTRICAL systems we are dealing with here! i.e. will you take your car to bricklayer for a service because he has someone "sign off" on his work on your car? )

      These are electrical items. The inverters contain electronics. They will have faults. They will fail.
      Do you want your $$$$$$$ doing nothing for you why you wait to have the problem inspected and solved?

  • wfdTamar on 15/03/2011 - 17:55

    The big company vs. small is swings and roundabouts. A big company can swallow the cost of a fix to a bodged install easier than a small one so might be more inclined to do it (I said might, they might also say sod you Jack). A small company can fold overnight (mind you, so can big ones) particularly in this kind of dodgy fly by night industry.

  • zobragin on 15/03/2011 - 18:05

    @ mrkyle…..I got mine installed by Origin in Jan 2011. The contractors at PSG (Gold Coast) were really responsive when it comes to faults. They kept ringing me thinking i had a fault to arrange a time to come fix it. I told them i don't have a fault, the installer wrote down the fault code on some documents for me in case i needed it and they must've mistaken it to be a fault.

    I was able to choose which panels I wanted - Suntech, Canadian solar or Sharp.

    I chose Sharp of course. They even let u choose whetheruI wanted the 7 panel or 8 panel version.
    I chose the 7 panel of course, coz we had a small roof.

    It was a really good experience.

    Again, I think its luck of the draw which contractors are available in your area which Origin can pick from.

  • madturbo123 on 15/03/2011 - 22:19

    If I want 3kw do I need to get a 3kw unit and inverter or can I go 2 x origin 1.5kw units???

    • anthony on 16/03/2011 - 00:30

      If you are looking at doing 2 1.5kw systems for the price saving then you will probably be better off with a 3kw system.

      For the first 1.5kw you buy you receive 5 times the renewable energy credits which you would normally receive, after the first 1.5kw you receive the normal amount of renewable energy credits. This is why there are so many cheap 1.5kw systems and anything after 1.5kw is very expensive.

      After you buy 1 1.5kw system you will not get the 5 times renewable energy credits on the next 1.5kw system making it much more expensive than the first 1.5kw system.

  • madturbo123 on 16/03/2011 - 06:45

    Oh cheers mate

  • adam on 19/03/2011 - 15:43

    I ordered one and used your referral code… but you shouldn't have posted a referral code here… given that you get $50 for each referral.

  • Twisty on 30/03/2011 - 15:59

    @ mtaing

    I am located on the Gold Coast and looking at getting the Origin Sharp 1.5kw system too but the best I have been quoted is $3240.00

    How you get $2999 and can I get a copy of the quote so I can ask for the same too?

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