Cut your power bill with solar | Gympie Property | Real Estate News for Gympie, Australia

AAP

SCANNING the streamlined solar panels on the roof of his shed, Mary Valley resident Brian Davis looks forward to receiving his next power bill.

He expects to have halved his electricity costs since installing a 1 kilowatt system under the Mary Valley solar bulk buy scheme launched late last year.

The scheme was the result of a collaboration between Sunshine-Coast based sustainable energy company Auzion and Mary Valley Inc, the representative group connecting the communities of the Mary Valley.

As a result of the local promotion, more than 15 Mary Valley residents like Mr Davis have joined the ranks of green energy users.

These users purchased their systems under the previous federal government scheme which limited eligible residents by their household income threshold of up to $100,000.

This week the government will sign off on new legislation which removes the threshold but reduces the rebate on renewable energy certificates.

Regardless, Auzion managing director Mark Leckenby expects solar power to get cheaper and more accessible as Australians realise the need to be smarter with their energy usage.

For Kenilworth couple Margaret and Tony White, the opportunity to help save their planet was as important as the projected cost savings from their new solar power system.

They installed a solar hot water system some 16 years ago.

When they saw the opportunity to join last year's Mary Valley solar bulk buy scheme, it gave them the motivation to make a decision they had contemplated for a while.

Both the Whites and Mr Davis were lucky to have north-facing roofs for installation, but Auzion can also supply free-standing frames to allow installation of panels at ground level with the right orientation.

Auzion is supporting homeowners who missed out on the federal government's solar rebate, by stepping in with their own grant which means customers won't pay more.

Mr Leckenby said while the industry and homeowners were surprised by Tuesday's announcement that the government was transferring to the new Solar Credit Scheme immediately instead of on June 30 as expected, Auzion was committed to ensuring those who wanted to adopt solar power could.

Mr Leckenby said until June 30, Auzion was offering its own rebate of $2000 on a fully installed 1.4KW system.

When added to the Solar Credit Scheme (following the passage of the legislation) this will mean the cost to householders would be just $3995.

“All people will pay upfront is $195, with an option to pay the balance via a five-year interest-free loan, with repayments lower than the energy savings people will get because of the system,” Mr Leckenby said.

“Our AUZiMAX will enable people to maximise their energy efficiency and potentially double the savings they can get from their solar systems.”

The AUZiMAX is an optional add-on to the system that will cost just $295. It will be unveiled at the World Environment Day Festival at the University of the Sunshine Coast, on June 28.