Newcastle's Going Solar

Campaigns

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

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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