Missing solar in their new property

When Greg and Lyn shifted into a new home in the sunny town of Hervey Bay, Queensland, they had two concerns on their minds – their high energy bills, and the state of the environment.

The house they had just moved from used solar for their hot water. So, after shifting into a home that was back ‘on the grid’, it didn’t take them long to realise how much solar had been saving them.

What’s more, environmentally-minded Greg and Lyn couldn’t help but think about the impact their energy use was having on the planet. 

They knew that with solar they could once more bring down costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

Game on: going solar once again

After a chance meeting with Elevate Energy’s Alison Charpentier at a solar energy exhibition, Greg and Lyn knew it was time to start their next solar journey.

Deciding on a system that would meet their needs was the first step.

After a chat and thorough audit of their property, energy usage and future needs, Alison recommended a solar system that would suit them – the Suntech 300 watt and the Sungrow Inverter. She explained why this product was the right choice and how it compared to others on reliability, quality and value for money.

A helping hand at every stage

It was clear from the outset that Alison was going to see Greg and Lyn through the whole process, with expert advice and support every step of the way.

Alison also informed them that they were eligible for a government incentive. And with her help, they applied for and received almost $4K towards their system.

On installation day, Alison’s professional installers were incredibly helpful and happy to answer all Greg and Lyn’s questions. Then, once the system was up and ready to go, Alison helped Greg set up the Sungrow mobile phone app so that he could check their energy levels and usage at any time.

As Lyn puts it, “Alison was fantastic, she did it all.”

To this day, Alison keeps in touch with Greg and Lyn to make sure their system is performing as it should.  

It’s all about adapting

With the help of their Sungrow app, Greg and Lyn monitor their system’s peak performance times, and use it to plan their day.

“We love the control the app gives us. When you see how much energy you’re generating versus how much you’re using, you start to think differently,” Greg says.

“By making small changes, we can make sure we never have an energy deficit. For instance, we’ve adapted our routine to shower and wash up when the sun is up and our system is in peak performance.

“It’s a small change that has a big impact – not just on our wallets, but the planet as well,” he says.

An investment that gives back

Before going solar, the couple’s quarterly energy costs were a mighty $347 – which was coming directly out of their superfund.

But now? Remarkably, they haven’t paid a cent since their system was installed. They never use more energy than they generate. And they’re completely ‘off the grid’.

What’s more, thanks to both the Queensland Government Asset Ownership Dividend and Electricity Rebate ($60 and $28.95 per month, respectively), Greg and Lyn are actually owed $350 from the government.

A nice place to be in, if you ask Greg and Lyn!

Reflecting on their investment, Greg said, “It’s worth the money – it’s a beauty. The solar panel isn’t costing us anything now. It works and keeps working… I don’t even know it’s there!”

The post Greg & Lyn escape the volatile energy market – and take charge of their bills appeared first on Elevate Solar.

Ingrid knew there had to be a better way

Ingrid Swain’s situation would be familiar to many Queensland parents.

Living in a four-bedroom house with her husband and 13-year-old son, Ingrid’s energy bills were adding up. Keeping life comfortable in the summer heat included operating their pool pump for eight hours a day – and running their much-needed aircon continuously.

What’s more, with a growing teenager in the house, Ingrid knew those energy bills were only going to keep rising – thanks to the sheer number of technological devices he would be needing.

Ingrid decided there had to be a better way. And she knew that now was the time to act.

“I wanted to get our bills lower so I started to think that maybe solar would be a smart option for us. I had seen advertising in our area and was curious to find out more,” Ingrid said.

Selecting the right solar provider

As a starting point, Ingrid reached out to two different solar companies for quotes. She knew she wanted to go with a trusted company and she had a rough budget in mind.

“The first provider’s quote came within our budget, but I didn’t feel they understood our needs. They proposed a small system and I doubted it would cope with our family’s increasing energy use,” recalled Ingrid.  

Next, she spoke to Alison from Elevate Solar and Energy Solutions.

“Alison really listened, assessed our usage and projected what we would need into the future. She was fantastic. I felt really confident that she understood our situation.”

And when Alison offered a bigger system for the same price as the smaller one proposed by the other provider, Ingrid was delighted. The system was also from a more reputable brand.

“The whole experience filled me with confidence in working with Elevate. I really valued that Alison took the time to explain the technology to us and how it would work – so clearly and patiently. Deciding to go with Elevate was a no-brainer,” she said.

Going the extra mile

Once Ingrid signed the paperwork, Alison and the Elevate team continued to work hard for Ingrid.

“Alison informed me I was eligible for a substantial government solar grant. She filled out all the application forms and took care of everything. I was blown away with how simple it all was. The incentive covered some $6,200 of our system’s costs.”

What’s more, leading up to installation day, the Elevate team was in constant communication with Ingrid.

“I knew exactly when the installation team would arrive and what to expect on the big day,” said Ingrid.  

Installation day

Over two days, the Elevate team installed 10.2kW worth of Suntech panels on Ingrid’s roof, comprised of 34 panels.

She also had an 8.2kW Fronius inverter installed.

“The installation team was so professional and a pleasure to have at our home. There was no mess or fuss.”  

The team also helped Ingrid set up an app on her phone to see how much energy their panels were generating and track the excess energy going into the gird.

“They thought of everything and took care of every element of the installation,” she said.

Help and aftercare service only a call away

Ingrid says her system has been running beautifully from day one.

However, she also knew that the Elevate team was only ever a phone call away if she encountered any issues – as she had several calls from them checking in that the system was working well.

And just as well too. Over one year down the track, Ingrid encountered issues after connecting their house to the NBN network. She struggled to connect her new modem to the inverter, so she gave Alison and her team a call.

“Alison came over straight away. She reset our inverter so that it could talk to the new modem, and everything worked again. I’m sure no other solar company provides this level of service,” says Ingrid.

The freedom to live comfortably

Since having the solar system, Ingrid and her family installed a second air conditioning system in their home. And despite this large jump in energy usage, their bills are at an all-time low – going from $1,100 a quarter down to an impressive $200.

“I’m so pleased we had solar installed. We now have the freedom to get the appliances we need to live comfortably, without worrying about our energy bills. “And I’m so grateful to Elevate. I would recommend them to anyone considering solar. You’ll be very well looked after,” says Ingrid.

The post A growing family doesn’t have to mean growing bills: meet Ingrid appeared first on Elevate Solar.

But before you sign on that dotted line, be sure you’re partnering with the right provider. Unfortunately, the solar sector is rife with companies that are more interested in lining their back pockets than reducing your energy bills.

And for us, there’s nothing more upsetting than seeing good people being taken for a ride.

That’s why we’ve put together these 9 tips – on what to check, question and avoid when choosing a solar provider.

1. Heed the high-pressure sales tactics

Choosing solar is a big decision – emotionally and financially.  

So, if a salesperson is putting on the pressure or throwing enticing incentives your way, you need to question their credibility and the ethos of the company they represent.

A salesperson who doesn’t respect you now, before they land the sale, is unlikely to look after you once the deal is done. And that means you could be left in the lurch if you encounter any problems down the track.

Remember that smooth-talking salespeople often deliberately fluff over important details. So be sure to ask for written terms of the offer so that you can sift through it all – at your own pace.

2. Sniff out the sneaky clauses  

The average person isn’t able to easily pinpoint loopholes in a contract – and dodgy solar companies know this. That’s why they litter their agreements with sneaky clauses that increase their profits and remove their liability – at your expense.  

So, take the time to read through the T&Cs carefully to avoid any nasty surprises later. Some key clauses to keep an eye out for include:

• ‘A liability maximum of $100… not liable for any future damages’:This clause says your provider will only pay up to $100 worth of installation damages. But in reality, this will only cover a couple of broken tiles. This clause also means they won’t cover any future damages resulting from poor installation.
• ‘The right to substitute your product for an ‘equal’ product due to availability’:Who decides what’s equal? That’s right – your solar energy provider, who may be very keen to save a buck or two.
• ‘Engaging the Installation Contractor as your agent’ – hence passing liability. It’s standard in the solar industry for providers to subcontract the installation to third parties. However, it’s not okay for these providers to pass all liability onto them. If something goes wrong with your installation, make sure you know who is accountable for what.

3. Inspect the installer’s credentials 

Some solar companies will save themselves money by subcontracting ‘cheap’ companies and shonky people to install your system. And when they do, it often results in faulty and unsafe fittings.

So, unless you want a backpacker installing your system (an all-too-common scenario in Queensland), ask your solar provider to supply a copy of the installer’s certifications.

You should also verify their credentials yourself by searching the installer’s name on the CEC website.

4. Seek out the ‘shoe’ that fits

Your household has unique energy requirements – and therefore, unique criteria when it comes to choosing the right-sized system.

Despite this, many solar energy providers continue to sell generic packages. And that means you could end up with a system that’s either too big or too small, which can be an expensive mistake for years to come.

The lesson? Pay attention to how much time your provider spends getting to know you, assessing your energy use and budget. This might include auditing your appliances, reviewing your bills, and asking questions about your future energy needs.

Ultimately, your provider should be able to explain exactly why they are recommending a particular system for your home – in clear, simple language.

5. Stay vigilant of the ‘interest free’ loan

While an interest-free loan may seem enticing at first, beware the old adage, ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’.

In the solar industry, interest-free loans simply mean more expensive packages. For example, you may be told you’re getting a $5K product + installation. When in reality, the package is actually worth $4K and the loan provider has added $1K into the deal for themselves.

Our advice? If you’re considering any kind of payment plan, make sure the loan fees are separated from the overall cost of the system. What’s more, in Australia we’re lucky to have a number of credible green energy financers, so you can avoid these loan liars altogether.

6. Chase away the cheapies   

You get what you pay for. Somehow, we know this when it comes to purchasing other big-ticket items, like cars. But the allure of a cheap solar system can sometimes get the better of our common sense.

Much like a cheap car, a cheap solar system will cost you more in the long run.

To keep costs low, these cheap systems are made up of low-quality components. And, unsurprisingly, these poorly made parts are often accompanied by dodgy warranties. So, when the system inevitably breaks down, guess who will be left covering the repair costs? You.

What’s more, low-end systems don’t run as efficiently as those that are made by a reputable manufacturer. This means your energy outputs will be low, and you’ll continue to pay high electricity bills.

7. Pass over the overpriced

At the other end of the scale, don’t automatically assume that the most expensive option is the best. Often, larger companies charge inflated prices to cover their overheads and marketing.

To avoid this situation, ask for a breakdown of the total cost – with separate line items for components and installation.

8. Avoid the aftercare conundrum

Choosing a solar provider is not just about what they can do for you today. You also want to know that they’ll look after you tomorrow – and long into the future.

So, before you sign anything:

• Ask your solar energy company what kind of support they provide after installation day. Specifically, find out how you can access support and who will be handling your requests.
• Be sure your provider is an Australian company (so that you can get immediate help when you need it).
• Find out if your system’s various components are made by a manufacturer with a local presence. If you ever need to claim on your warranty, you don’t want to find yourself on a frustrating overseas call.

9. Read their reviews

There’s nothing more reassuring than a host of positive customer reviews to put yours doubts to bed.

So sit down, grab a cuppa and start sifting through those Google and Facebook reviews.

Plus, trustworthy solar energy companies tend to share their good news stories, so check out their website for any in-depth case studies or testimonials.

While this advice might make going solar seem daunting – with the right solar partner by your side, it is possible to enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience, from start to finish.

If you’re unsure on the next steps, why not give us a call? At Elevate, we give you the clear, simple advice you’re looking for. No tech talk. No pushy sales tactics. Just good human beings who genuinely care.Get in touch today on 1300 122 022.

The post Choosing a solar provider: 9 tips to avoid dodgy dealers and iffy installers appeared first on Elevate Solar.

Why? Because she believes everyone deserves to live comfortably in their own homes, without having to worry about the size of their next energy bill.

So grab a cuppa and relax as we chat to Alison on all things solar – from how she’s shaking up the industry, to the value and importance of gender diversity in this male-dominated sector. 

Q: How did Elevate come to life?

A: My career in the energy space began when I was working for a Queensland-based solar business. 

Sadly though, I lost faith in that business very quickly due to their high-pressure sales tactics and lack of after-sales support. Especially given that their customers were mainly retirees, the company’s ethics did not sit well with me.

Coming from a working-class background, I have great empathy for those in need and a genuine desire to help people.  

So, in 2018, I set out to create a better model; one that stayed true to my values of integrity and transparency. And that’s how Elevate Solar was born. 

My vision from the outset was clear: to provide no-nonsense, holistic energy solutions to Australian homes and workplaces. 

Q: What sets Elevate apart from others in the solar & energy efficiency space? 

A: It’s rare to find an energy solutions company that can look after their customers so completely. Especially with the level of care and service we provide at every stage.

When the business first began, we focused only on solar. But I quickly realised that people need a more holistic solution to truly take charge of their energy bills. So we expanded our services accordingly. 

Our process is simple. We undertake energy audits (in both homes and workplaces) and tell our customers the top three ways they can reduce their bills. These recommendations range from switching to more efficient lightbulbs to installing solar solutions. 

It’s important to us that we cater to all budgets – and to put the client at the centre of everything we do. Our motto is: No sneaky sales tactics. No BS. Just expert advice from good human beings who genuinely care.

Q: What attracted you to the energy industry?

A: Growing up with a hippy mum, I have always been immersed in sustainable living. 

However, my passion for sustainability and renewable energy was truly sparked 10 years ago when I worked in the organic food industry. In this role, I was surrounded by community-minded people who wanted to create change. This inspired me – and helped me define where I wanted my career to head.

Renewable energy it was.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: My job is all about contributing to my local community and helping families and businesses save money. And I get to do it while helping to save the planet too.

What more could you ask for in a career?

I especially love helping families and businesses go solar. But naturally there are some stories that stick out for me – ones that remind me that we really are making a difference.

For example, we were recently contacted by a single mother of four, who amazingly also takes in foster children. This was especially inspiring to us since she has experienced so much hardship herself (as a survivor of both domestic violence and brain cancer).

When she reached out to us, her power bills were $1,800 a quarter, and constantly rising. This was far too difficult for her to afford on a carer’s payment – so she had no choice but to turn off her utilities whenever possible.    

Determined to find her a solar system within her budget, we installed a 13.3 KM set-up. We also replaced her old, energy-guzzling water system with a more efficient, timer-run alternative.

The result? Her energy bills reduced to $200 a quarter. This was life changing for her – as it meant she was finally able to afford a car. She also told me she no longer dreaded receiving her electricity bills!

It’s stories like these that make me excited about my work every day.

Q: What have been the biggest challenges for you as a woman working in a male-dominated industry? 

A: My biggest challenge as a woman in this industry is that I am sometimes not taken seriously. 

Most people I’ve worked with – both clients and staff – are genuine and respectful. Unfortunately though, I do stillget the odd person who questions my credibility and competence simply because I’m a woman.   

I now have a fantastic team of installers whose values are aligned with mine. But I did undertake somewhat of a weeding process to get to this point.   

Just recently, my installers were all interviewed for our new website and I was heartened to read their responses about why they love their jobs. From receiving pay that’s highly competitive for our industry, to valuing the respectful relationship we have.   

I believe this mutual respect has been crucial to creating my dream team. 

Q: What do you think would encourage more women to enter the clean energy sector? 

A: Firstly, I think we need more female leaders and mentors in this industry for the junior women to look up to. You can’t be what you can’t see.

Men overwhelmingly make up the majority of solar installers – and that’s a big issue. I would love to see more women follow this career path. And one day, I hope to work with a team of female installers.

Secondly, we need to make this industry safe for all; and foster a culture where diversity is celebrated and acceptance is embraced.

Q: What advice do you have for women looking to enter the clean energy sector? 

A: I hate to be a Nike cliché, but… Just do it. 

We’re all more capable than we think we are. And women in particular struggle with ‘imposter syndrome’. So be bold and believe in yourself. 

On a practical level, I recommend connecting with other women in the sector. I’m so grateful for the talented women on my team, and I’m always on the lookout for more! My business is growing all the time – so I’d love to give other women the opportunity to start or progress their career in this space.

Q: Why is it so important for women to enter the industry?

A: More gender diversity brings more perspectives. I think we can really shake up this male-dominated industry.

Studies have shown the tremendous value of diversity in senior leadership teams and on boards. Current research shows that when companies appoint a female CEO, their market value increases by 5%. 

It’s clear that getting more women into the industry stands to greatly benefit the sector as a whole.

This post has been adapted from a feature on Alison that original ran on the CEC website.

The post 5 minutes with Alison Charpentier appeared first on Elevate Solar.

So how do we make it through the sweltering days and chilly frost without our energy costs getting out of hand?

In a nutshell, there are two main options to reducing those bills:

1. Reduce your current energy usage
2. Power your home with a solar energy system

Let’s look at how each might work for you and your family.

1. Reducing your current energy use

Don’t fall victim to the myth that the only way to reduce energy bills is to stop using electricity.

There are many small adjustments you can make in and around your home that won’t impact or compromise your lifestyle at all.

Importantly however, energy usage (and savings) are unique to each home. That’s why it’s best to have your home audited. The good news? Reputable energy and solar companies often perform these audits for free.

In the meantime, here are some things to be mindful of.  

The efficiency of your appliances

Every appliance and system in your home uses energy. The amount they use, however, depends on their make and model.

The best way to judge if an appliance is energy efficient is by their star rating. The higher, the better. Also look at their kWh usage. A lower rate means your appliance will be more affordable to run.

Your home’s resistance to temperature changes

You can slow down the transfer of hot and cold air into and out of your home by insulating it.

You can also help keep your home at a desirable temperature by eliminating draughts. How? By sealing gaps and cracks under doors, windows and skirting boards. Finally, the west side of your home takes in a lot of heat in summer – and lets it out in winter. Adding block-out curtains or tinting to windows can help avoid this issue.

Other small changes you can make around your home

You know what they say: From little things, big things grow.

This Aussie proverb holds true when it comes to power. Small changes do add up to big savings. Things like:

• Turning off appliances at the power point (rather than leaving them on standby)
• Taking shorter showers
• Moving the location of your appliances (e.g. don’t keep fridges in the sun)

The best bit is, these small changes often go unnoticed to you, but they make a big difference to your back pocket.

2. How can solar power help with energy efficiency?

Solar systems harness the energy of the sun and use it to power households.

Using solar energy drastically saves on a household’s electricity costs. So, dependent on a few factors like your usage and system size, solar panels typically provide a 2-4 year payback period.

This is a remarkable return on investment – far better than you would see on your savings if they were left sitting in the bank. So it makes the initial outlay for a solar system incredibly worthwhile.

What’s more, being located in the Sunshine State means we receive significantly more sunlight than other areas. So if you’re using a solar panel in Brisbane, it will likely generate more power than in Hobart, for example. Why not use this energy to our advantage?

What are the benefits of solar?

Solar power comes with many benefits, including:

• Savings on your energy bills: With a solar system on your roof, you can save up to 90% on your electricity bills!
• Protection from market fluctuations: When you go solar, you’re no longer vulnerable to the volatile electricity market and ever-increasing prices.
• Affordability and extensive finance options: With solar rebates and incentives from the government, ethical finance options and excess electricity sale options, solar makes good financial sense.

How can solar help with my energy efficiency?

Solar energy works best when the sun’s out. So it figures that the best time to use it as an energy source is during the day. To keep your household energy costs affordable, you can choose to run your appliances between the peak sunlight hours of 9am-2pm.

You’ll also be able to use timers on your hot water system and pool pump to run them during the peak production times.

What solar system is best for my residential home in Queensland?

Every household is as unique as its occupants. So when it comes to solar systems, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

In fact, under- or over-capitalising can cost you in the long run. That’s why it’s important to choose a system that’s the right size for your home.

How do you go about doing this? The first step is to get an audit done to assess how much energy your home uses.

Thankfully, reputable energy and solar companies will often assess your energy usage and provide you with a quote for no cost.

How much will a solar system cost me?

Prices can vary significantly as every set-up is unique to the home it’s installed on – and that particular household’s needs.

There are also a wide range of installers and solar brands on the market, which will in turn affect your costs. It’s important to note that not all products and installation outcomes are created equal. Do your due diligence and scope the market beforehand. Use your intuition – if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. The same goes for exorbitant prices… question what you’re paying for.

As a rule of thumb, a mid-range quality set-up should cost you a little under $1,000 per kW. Prices will go upwards from here for more prestigious products or more complex energy needs.

There are also grants, rebates and incentives to make the purchase more affordable. A good solar company will help you navigate these.

Are you ready to cut your energy bills?

So you’ve decided it’s time to do something about your energy bills… what are your next steps?

Regardless of whether you decide to go down the path of energy efficiency, solar, or both, an energy audit on your home is the first port of call.

If you’re interested in organising a home audit – or simply want to find out more about what we’ve covered in this article – get in contact with a member of our friendly team by calling 07 4128 1613.

The post How to pay less for electricity in Queensland – without compromising your family’s lifestyle appeared first on Elevate Solar.