Solar Power

Now is a great time to invest in Solar Power, as currently the rebates are high, and the Victorian Premium Feed-in Tariff (which help improve the return on your investment) is still available, but only for a limited time.

A grid connect solar power system generates electricity from the sun. If you are using power at the time, this energy will flow into your home and allow you to use free power. If you are not using it at the time, it will flow into the electricity grid, and you will receive a 3 to 4 fold credit for this excess power generation.

Solar Power is one of the only products you can buy which will pay for itself by saving you money on (rising) electricity bills. And there are 2 incentives to help you out as well:

Solar Credits

This federal government scheme provides you with an upfront discount on the purchase price of your system, by providing you with 5 times the number of REC’s (Renewable Energy Certificates) than what were previously available, on the first 1.5kW installed. These ‘carbon credits’ are currently worth around $40 each (prices fluctuate), and on a 1.5kW system (9 panels), you get 133 REC’s, meaning you save almost $6000 on the purchase price.

The 5 times multiplier will gradually be reduced, so next year you will only get 4 times as many, the year after 3 times as many, etc. And also the value the REC’s hold can drop, meaning the discount to you also reduces. So now is a good time to buy, while the REC’s value is strong.

Victoria’s Premium Feed-in Tariff

The Victorian Government last year introduced a 60cent NET feed-in tariff for generators of solar electricity. What this means is that when you have solar on your roof, any power you don’t use will earn you at least 60 cents per kWh (kilowatt hour), compared with the roughly 20 cents per kWh you pay to buy it. So if you can minimize your energy use during the day, you eand up saving more money than if you use it directly during the day.

The Premium feed-in tariff is limited to 100,000 kW of systems in Victoria. If you are registered before this limit is reached (expected to be some time this year), you will get the 60 cent rate for 15 years. If you don’t register, you may only get a 1:1 feed-in tariff

“Quality 1.5kW Systems from $3,647”
For more information download our current solar pricing or contact your local Mojarra consultant.

Energy & Water Saving Products

To see the extensive range of Energy and Water Saving Products available under the Program, and view the special program prices log into the enter-shop.com.au SUSTAINABLE SUBURBS project portal.

Products available include:

• Energy efficient hot water systems 
  • Solar Hot Water systems can provide cost effective and energy efficient water heating for your home.
    A solar hot water system can:
    • Provide up to 90% of your household’s hot water requirements without emitting green-house gases
    • Save you up to $700 per year off your power bill
    • Reduce your households carbon footprint by up to four tonnes of CO2 per year (Source: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts)

• Water Tanks
  •    Winter is the time to install you rainwater tank, so it fills in time for summer.  Great deals available on a range of shapes, sizes and colors.  We will visit your home to provide the best solution for you.
• Grey Water systems
  •    Reusing the water from your laundry and shower is simple and bucket-free, when you install a grey water system.  Keep your garden alive without even thinking about it.
• Insulation
  • Although there are currently no rebates available for insulation, the investment is well worthwhile to save on your heating and cooling costs.  We have a range of solutions for ceiling, walls and under-floor.
• Gadgets
  • From standby-power-saving remote control devices to lightglobes, downpipe plugs to window glazing, you’ll be amazed how many new products can help you cut your energy and water use, without spending much at all.

Energy Efficient White Goods

• Choose from a discount range of the most Energy Efficient appliances available on the Australian market:
  • fridges,
  • washing machines and
  • split systems heating and cooling
  • TV’s
  • electric bikes to cut your transport emissions.

Sustainable Suburbs residents will receive a free voucher valued at $30 if they mention the Sustainable Suburbs Program when ordering.

To see the large range of energy efficient electrical and whitegoods visit Melbourne Applicances Direct

Free Lightglobe and Showerhead Exchange

For a free home visit to replace any incandescent lightglobes and any old inefficient showerheads, click here and complete the registration