PVTIME – Recently, On by EnergyAustralia is offering eligible New South Wales homeowners a solar and battery system with no upfront costs – with the help of an interest-free loan from fintech lender Plenti and the New South Wales Government’s Empowering Homes Program. And thanks to hardware supply and installation from UPowr.
It promises to make access to solar and batteries easy and affordable says Mark Brownfield, EnergyAustralia’s Chief Customer Officer.
“When it comes to getting solar and batteries it can be hard to know where to start. It can be complicated and confusing – not to mention expensive. With our Solar Plus Plan we’ll do the hard work for you, taking care of the system selection and arranging for the installation,” said Mark.
“But the really exciting bit is that you’ll pay nothing upfront. You pay off your solar and battery system over seven years, simply by paying your energy bill. We’ll make the loan repayments on your behalf from what you pay for your electricity. It’s a game changer,” he said.
Customers agree, with Mark saying their trial of a similar no up-front cost solar and battery deal was keenly embraced. This encouraged EnergyAustralia to roll out this offer to people in select postcodes in the Endeavour and Essential Energy distribution areas, with a view to expanding this into other parts of NSW in the new year.
“We tested a similar deal to a small number of people to see if we were on the right track. We were – they loved it, saying it felt like it was too good to be true. They were looking for a catch, but there wasn’t one.”
Customers taking up the offer get a high-quality system that’s right for their home. It includes a 5.85kW tier one solar system, an inverter and 10.1kWh battery – valued at over $13,000. On by EnergyAustralia arranges for the installation.
EnergyAustralia uses smart software to balance the customer’s electricity supply from the grid, solar and battery. The battery will form part of EnergyAustralia’s Virtual Power Plant – a network of batteries helping to support the grid.
“Homeowners continue to use their electricity and be charged for it like they were before. They pay a competitive rate that is lower than today’s standard default rate and this rate applies regardless of whether their electricity comes from the grid, solar or battery. Plus, the rate is locked in for the seven years.
“Then once the seven years is up that’s it – they own the solar and battery system outright.
“This is a great thing, especially for families with kids home-schooling and adults working from home, consuming lots of electricity. And it’s a great feeling to know you’re helping the environment by powering your home with the sun.”
