Campaigns

Newcastle's Going Solar

NOW CLOSED

Newcastle's Going Solar is Australia's largest community based bulk purchase of photovoltaic (electric) solar systems.

Newcastle's Going Solar Project- Now Closed

Over 550kW (1/2 a Megawatt) of installed Renewable Energy Capacity is on its way!

An enormously successful project in the community, we have been able to provide supporters in the Newcastle/Hunter area with affordable Solar Photovoltaic systems for their home. Our project effectively halved the end price for a 1kW system for people in the Hunter, and has resulted in a significant increase in the installed capacity of distributed renewable energy. As of April '09 CAN's project is equivalent to approximately 10% of total grid-connected Solar PV installations in NSW under the Federal Government's Solar Homes & Communities Plan. Given that this project has been designed & implemented by entirely volunteer efforts, it is a credit to Climate Action Newcastle.

Unfortunately for those people who were not involved in Rounds 1, 2 or 3 the project is now closed, and the Federal Government Rebates of $8000 (for a 1kW system) are due to cease on 30th June 2009. However, there are still some opportunities available through other suppliers. Whilst CAN does not endorse or recommend these companies or products, it may be worth checking out:

* NuEnergy www.nuenergy.com.au or 1300 768 225(advertised as FREE + meter installation cost of approx $450)
* YES Solar www.YESsolar.net.au (advertised price of $990 for a 0.99kW system + extra charge for regional areas)
* SolarSave www.solarsave.com.au or (02) 4920 1347 (advertised price of $1950 for 1kW system all inclusive on website)
* Braemac Energy www.braemacenergy.com.au (advertised price of $1995 on website for a 1kW system)
* Aussie Solar www.aussiesolar.com.au ($2710 advertised price on website for 1kW system)
* Solar Online (Warners Bay) www.solaronline.com.au or (02) 4954 3310 (advertised price of$1,400 to $3000 for a 1kW system after rebates on website)
* Energy Matters (www.energymatters.com.au)
* Sydney Energy Cooperative (www.energycop.com.au)
* Solar Newcastle (Wickham) www.solarnewcastle.com.au

Sydney Energy Cooperative

Sydney Energy were our successful Round 1 & 3 suppliers. If you wish to participate in the Newcastle's Going Solar forums follow this link - http://www.energycoop.com.au/content/forum

_________________________________________________

General Solar Information & Useful Links

Solar PV Systems Explained (pdf document) - http://www.bcse.org.au/docs/STA/Standards/Solar%20Electricity%20from%20the%20sun.pdf
Frequently asked Questions (Clean Energy Council website) - http://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/faqs/solarpvrp.php
Federal Government Rebate Information - http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/index.html

IN THE NEWS

NBN TV News Story - Newcastle's Going Solar - 24.02.09 - http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2009/02/24/together-today-the-solar-wa...

The Star Article - Hunter's Clean Electricity 11.03.09 http://newcastle.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunters-clean-electricity/1454140.aspx

See the attachments below

8 attachments

Fuel Watch: What are they thinking?

Campaigns

Our politicians are showing the shallowness of their policies by scrambling for cheap points over petrol prices that they all know they cannot control.

If they go weak at the knees over a few cents at the bowser how are they ever going to implement a carbon price?

This video from Clark and Dawe tells the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSjq3TvuMw8

Support the Climate Protection Bill

Campaigns

Climate groups across the country have come together to form the Climate Protection Bill. We sent postcards supporting the Bill to Canberra in September.

The Bill comprehensively addresses the causes of Australia’s spiralling greenhouse gas emissions, and proposes workable solutions to stem these emissions, protecting the future for our children, the world's most vulnerable communities and our fragile planet.

CAN fully endorses the Climate Protection Bill. It is a powerful tool for community members, unifies the concerns of Australians across the country, and gives each of us a set of demands to take to our politicians.

Because of the support of climate action groups and many other community-based climate groups, the Climate Protection Bill has travelled deep into the halls of Parliament. Tony Windsor (Independent, New England), at the request of his constituents, is currently drafting a version of the Climate Protection Bill into a Private Members' Bill. We anticipate it could be introduced into Federal Parliament for debate in September or October this year.

You can see the complete bill, or an overview of the bill.