The $8,000 Federal Solar System rebate is ending TODAY

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The $8,000 Federal Solar System rebate is ending TODAY
Topic Started: Jun 9 2009, 01:44 PM (139 Views)
ABCDiamond	Jun 9 2009, 01:44 PM Post #1
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	The $8,000 Federal Solar System rebate is ending TODAY This scheme is now ending early than originally stated, on 9th June 2009. This was due to to end on June 30th 2009, but it appears that funding has now run out, the last applications will be those received TODAY, 9th June 2009.



ohippy	Jun 17 2009, 12:41 AM Post #2
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	I got my app in :thumbsup: now I just need to work out whether to go ahead or not :confused:



ABCDiamond	Jun 17 2009, 08:06 AM Post #3
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	ohippy Jun 17 2009, 12:41 AM I got my app in :thumbsup: now I just need to work out whether to go ahead or not :confused: What is the net cost to you after the rebate ? I assume you got the application in on time, ie: 9th June.



ohippy	Jun 17 2009, 09:17 AM Post #4
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	:yes: did it just before I left. I have a guy from solarshop around next week but over the phone he mentioned $2990 after rebate. Need to do some more research



ABCDiamond	Jun 17 2009, 10:15 AM Post #5
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	How much are your electric bills ? I am just working some costings to see how viable this all is from a pure $ point of view. Sitting here doing this I am watching my electric consumption, and I am currently using 1.78kw, but not sure why, as all I have on is the computer, other than all the other odds and ends on standby... My overall average is normally about 0.95kw, averaged over a year. In theory a 1kw system could therefore save me all the electric consumption costs, leaving just the standing charge of $20 pq. This usage has me puzzled, it has just jumped to 2.14kw !! I wonder if anyone has left hair curlers or straighteners on somewhere.......... I am off to look....



ABCDiamond	Jun 17 2009, 10:22 AM Post #6
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	Bugger ! I am not having a good day...... the usage obviously changes when the fridges cut in and out ! I am not thinking today. I was doing some electrical work on the car earlier, and the doors locked. I was locked out, and the remote didn't unlock it ! I tried to get in via the boot, but no go... 10 minutes later, after scratching my head many times, I had a brainwave.... I used the key....... :whistle: Ignore me for the next couple of days, I am not sure I am on the ball at the moment !! :ooer:



ohippy	Jun 17 2009, 11:46 PM Post #7
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	:lol: My last bill was for $234 !! It seems to rise every time as OH always falls asleep with the tv on, lights all over the place etc etc. I spend my whole life going round turning everything off :she:



ABCDiamond	Jun 18 2009, 08:09 AM Post #8
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	My last bill was $426.57 $ 18.78 Standing charge $ 13.00 GreenPower $ 62.29 Hot water and Pool Pumps. 637 kWh at 9.78 cents $332.50 Main House Consumption. 2041 kWh at 16.29 cents An all electric house, no Gas. We are a bit over the top though with some things, and if we all watched one TV, instead of one each, we could probably trim the usage substantially. But I refuse to watch 'Home and Away' !!!



ohippy	Jun 18 2009, 11:11 AM Post #9
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	maybe we aren't such high users after all !!



ohippy	Jun 23 2009, 05:24 PM Post #10
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	My average daily consumption is 22 units with an avg daily cost of $3.54 A 1.1kw system would cost us $3500 after the rebate, $4500 for a 1.2kw system and $6500 for a 1.44kw system so, by my calculations, I am thoroughly confused by the whole thing and no idea if it's a good idea or not :crazy:



ABCDiamond	Jun 23 2009, 06:24 PM Post #11
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	Have a read of this... http://www.solarpay.com.au/solar-bonus-cost-savings.html Some bits of the page are: Quote: What Solar Bonus Cost Savings Can You Expect? You can expect a 1kW system to produce 2,000 kWh per year (on the Sunshine Coast). The theoretical maximum saving is $704. That is if you receive 44 cents for every kWh that the system produces (Origin pays 50 cents). In practical terms that is unachievable as you will always have some electrical appliance running (the fridge at the very least). Also look at: http://www.voltmaster.com.au/Solar_Bonus_Cost_Savings.aspx From what I read, you may cut your electric bills by between $100 and $500 per year, at current rates, with a 1kw system.



ABCDiamond	Jun 23 2009, 06:27 PM Post #12
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	The above savings quoted from companies selling the systems... Another quote from a council in NSW says: Quote: “The roof-mounted panels harness the sun’s energy, which is converted into electricity. A basic one-kilowatt solar panel system will produce around $200 of clean, green energy per year." http://www.lakemac.com.au/page.aspx?pid=62&vid=1&nid=750&npt=details



ohippy	Jun 24 2009, 09:21 AM Post #13
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	guy here was talking about $50 a bill which is $300 a year so about the same. Not a lot, but what I need to think about is the savings I'd make when the bills increase by 25% next month and 25% after that. At the mo no biggie but could have potential for much greater savings as the bills continue to rise. We have no choice over electricty suppliers in WA which I don't like so they can charge what they like. Today I have an independent energy assessor coming out as part of a new government scheme which I'm trialling for green loans so will see what they say.



ABCDiamond	Jun 24 2009, 02:38 PM Post #14
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	I assume that you get bills every 2 months then ? Mine are quarterly. I agree with the future thinking, and have just worked out a costing, based on your current bills of about $200 pm. If you can save about 24% of your bill cost, ie: about $288 for the year or ($48 every 2 months), and assuming a 5% rise in electric costs every year for 15 years, you will have saved about $6,200 in electricity costs, and paid about about $5,850 (assuming borrowing the $3,500 over a 15 year term as a most expensive scenario) Therefore being about $350 ahead. Then saving about $600 in the next year, then $630, $660 etc for future years. Totalling about $7,500 savings over the next 10 years. If it only saved 16% of your consumption, it would appear to break even after 25 years, using my calculations. Or at 33% you are looking at 10 years. Then, when it comes time to replace that aged system, who knows what the technology will be ? While typing this up I just heard that they have launched a wave turbine on the Brisbane River today, to create electricity from the waves... and, almost exactly 5 years ago... on 25/06/2004 this was on the ABC Quote: Subject: Renewable Energy – Water Currents I saw a piece on TV very very recently (last 2 weeks?) An aussie bloke with scale model of wave energy generating machine he'd been developing. Tests were run and I 'think' he was going on to build the thing and put if off the coast near Port Kembla? Anyway it's not about river tidal energy stuff but it is what I think is referred to in the first post to this thread. Someone may be able to add more. Actually, that'd be a great idea for the Brisbane River. The river has become very silty (water used to be clear 70+ years ago) due mainly to increased tidal flow, resulting from channels that have been dug in the river mouth to allow for shipping. Tidal generators would not only generate power, but also reduce the flow strength, thus improving the water quality and clarity of the river and Moreton Bay It was mentioned in 2002 ... http://www.stroudgate.net/bab/articles/091.html



ohippy	Jun 24 2009, 09:18 PM Post #15
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	That is also assuming that you stay in the same house for that period of time :crazy: I guess at the mo I can afford the outlay but I have no idea if, down the line, i'd be able to afford the bills and regret missing out on the $8k rebate. Enviro lady didn't come down in the end today (didn't want to drive in the rain :crazy: ) so now have to wait until Monday to find out her thoughts Edited by ohippy, Jun 24 2009, 09:20 PM.



Anne	Jun 26 2009, 07:45 PM Post #16
Wonderful Winsome Wench Posts: 7,011 Group: Admin Member #53 Joined: September 6, 2005 Residency Status: Australian Citizen Current Residence (State or County): Wellard Village, WA	ohippy Jun 17 2009, 11:46 PM :lol: My last bill was for $234 !! It seems to rise every time as OH always falls asleep with the tv on, lights all over the place etc etc. I spend my whole life going round turning everything off :she: That makes me feel a little better, cos our last bill was $180 and I went mad with the boys when it came through. It was $30 more than the previous bill. I've actually been blaming Terry for being home all the time and daring to have the heating or tv on. How's your gas bill? I've just paid ours at $96.50.



ABCDiamond	Jun 27 2009, 01:17 PM Post #17
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	Anne4Terry Jun 26 2009, 07:45 PM How's your gas bill? I've just paid ours at $96.50. Mentioning the Gas bill is a good point in doing comparisons, we don't have gas, all Electric. Therefore mine would be higher than someone who also has a gas Bill.



ohippy	Jun 27 2009, 03:24 PM Post #18
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	last gas bill was about $60, we pay a dd of $36 a month and never pay more



ohippy	Oct 15 2009, 03:27 PM Post #19
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	This is back on the table again and my HEAD HURTS with it all. :banghead-ground: I got a letter from the Government giving the approval of the $8,000 grant for solar yesterday and I have until 6 July 2010 to have the system installed. I've had companies on the phone requesting an appointment but you have to sign up at the time or the offer is gone, I've googled companies who all want to come out and quote and I don't know which way to turn. We don't have any money at all at the mo and the rising interest rates is worrying, school fee letter in yesterday with a big rise too but is this something that I can afford NOT to do. I've heard that the new rebate is nowhere near as good. :confused:



ABCDiamond	Oct 15 2009, 07:15 PM Post #20
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	Are you also eligible for the $10,000 Green loan, interest free ? http://www.environment.gov.au/greenloans/



Bridiej	Oct 15 2009, 08:34 PM Post #21
Chattermonster Extraordinaire! Posts: 5,291 Group: Diamond Member Member #24 Joined: February 17, 2005	Ohippy: Are you talking solar hot water heating or solar power? If it's solar hot water then I'd recommend the Solahart - we had Edwards at our other house and the electric booster burnt out and it was just out of warranty.... Solahart are meant to be better quality and also have longer warranties I believe.



ohippy	Oct 16 2009, 11:07 AM Post #22
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	solar power not water as the $8k rebate is just for the power I believe. I believe I am eligible for the green loan as I applied for the trial and was accepted but the lady cancelled two appointments and then the trial finished.



ohippy	Oct 16 2009, 11:20 AM Post #23
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	.. however, just rung and have an assessment booked for the 24th !! Fab idea, thanks !



Bridiej	Oct 16 2009, 05:16 PM Post #24
Chattermonster Extraordinaire! Posts: 5,291 Group: Diamond Member Member #24 Joined: February 17, 2005	nice one :thumbsup: if you go ahead would be interested in how much it saves you on electricity costs...



Hevs	Oct 16 2009, 05:41 PM Post #25
Miraculous Mamma Mod Posts: 6,096 Group: Admin Member #3 Joined: July 8, 2004	Just to confirm...the solar POWER rebate has ended (unless you applied before June 9th) but the solar HOT WATER rebate is still current?



ABCDiamond	Oct 16 2009, 07:01 PM Post #26
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	Hevs Oct 16 2009, 05:41 PM Just to confirm...the solar POWER rebate has ended (unless you applied before June 9th) but the solar HOT WATER rebate is still current? The Solar Power Rebate has now been replaced by the Solar Credits Scheme, effective from 10th June 2009. A comparison example of the two schemes would be: 1 KW system: example refund Old Scheme: $8,000 New Scheme: $4,900 1.5 KW system: example refund Old Scheme: $8,000 New Scheme: $7,595



ohippy	Oct 24 2009, 07:24 PM Post #27
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	Had the assessment today - guy recommended solar hot water before solar electricity as more savings would be made, however, there is a company who is putting in a 1.1kw electric system for $0 with the $8k rebate so I'm going to look into that as it seems a good deal :D He also mentioned a pool pump powered by solar ... has anyone heard of this or use one ?



ABCDiamond	Oct 25 2009, 08:59 AM Post #28
Posts: 3,052 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: January 22, 2004 Residency Status: Permanent Resident Current Residence (State or County): 4165, SE Queensland	Solar Pool Pump I hadn't heard of this, but it does look interesting. Pity I have only just replaced my pool pump, otherwise I may have considered this one. Here is an example of info on it http://www.mrsolar.com.au/pumps.htm#pool Solar Power $0 for a 1.1kw system ? Go for it... I would do the same, who are they ? maybe I will :) Solar Hot Water Solar hot water is definately more cost effective, unless you can can the above FREE system. I would do both



ohippy	Oct 25 2009, 11:02 AM Post #29
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	That was what the guy said, get the $0 electric system and put your money into the water system linked to current system so we have a gas boost. He's a designer by trade so is going to work out for us what size pump we need to turn over the amount of water we have in the time you'd get from a solar pump. All looks very interesting.



ohippy	Oct 25 2009, 11:09 AM Post #30
Original Opulent Optimist Posts: 6,542 Group: Sapphire Member Member #301 Joined: May 7, 2006	BTW, I can't recall the exact name of the co offering $0, something like Advance I think. Will let you know when the guy contacts me.



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