02/04/12

After the success of the Local Power Buying Group #1-#6 projects, Local Power Buying Group #7 is open!

Unlike previous buying groups where we have had to limit orders, we are pleased to announce that the current steady flow of orders will allow us to receive orders on a continual basis. This we hope will allow people more flexibility in timing their online order.

NB the pricing below may not be the latest as our supplier is holding a special, while stocks last.  Please contact us for the latest special pricing.

Greater choice of inverters

Local Power has always had the philosophy of offering the best quality equipment at the best price.   In the last couple of Buying Groups we have offered SMA inverters (for the smaller systems) and Xantrex inverters for systems 2kW and above, along with of course Sharp panels.

We are pleased to now offer SMA inverters as an option for all sized systems.  SMA is the largest inverter manufacturer in the world and their inverters are made in Germany, ensuring high quality and excellent warranty service, although they do cost a bit more.  You can read more about SMA here http://www.sma-australia.com.au

Also in some circumstance, where roofs have partial shade issues, or where people want comprehensive Internet monitoring we also offer Solar Edge.  Solar Edge is a per panel DC-DC opitimisation technology, which is almost like having a small inverter on each panel.  This maximises system efficiency by reducing the impact of partial shading.  You can read more about Solar Edge here http://www.solaredge.com/

 
PV Solar Pricing

The yellow column below is the fully installed cost*, for a standard install of a PV solar system of various sizes, and includes the cost of the panels, inverter, all other required components and installation by a Clean Energy Council accredited installer and Local Power fee. It is the "total payment" out of pocket, i.e. after the Solar Credits incentive has been received by Local Power as part payment for your system and is based on the REC (STC) price being $26. 

The following pricing only apply for people who are eligible for the Solar Credits incentive.  For example if purchasing the 1.5kW system, the maximum cost* you pay for a standard install will be $3428 (yellow column) with the REC (STC) price at $26.  NB as of 2/4/2012 the STC price is $27.

If you already have a PV system installed (and have previously accessed SHCP rebate or Solar Credits) and would like to buy a complete additional system, or are a previous Local Power Buying Group member and have inverter capacity for more panels and would like to upgrade, please click here.

3kW and 5kW of panel capacity is included as standard on Xantrex inverters in our 2kW and 4kW systems respectively.  This allows for easier later expansion by the addition of more panels, subject to available roof space. 
NB Our 1.5kW SMA inverter systems can only be later expanded to 1.7kW, subject to roof space.

The discount from regular commercial pricing has been obtained without sacrificing quality.  It comes from:

• bulk buying components including quality Sharp 185W panels from the world's leading manufacturer, with a 25 year performance warranty
• making installations more efficient by grouping them on a suburb by suburb basis
• reducing the need for sales and marketing expenses
• Local Power taking on administration, initial site inspections, component distribution etc. in bulk.

Local Power does not know what future REC (STC) prices will be.   Local Power is attempting to lock in the REC (STC) price for members after the inspection (step 5 below).  The current REC (STC) price is $27 but during 2011 it has been as low as $17 and as high as $35.  You can see a graph of some recent REC/STC prices here.  You can read more about the cost impact of REC/STC prices on the calculator page.

 * the pricing above is inc-GST and assumes:

• each participating home is within the Brisbane metropolitan area (as defined by Local Power)
• you are eligible for Solar Credits (i.e. you have not accepted nor received pre-approval for a PVRP/SHCP rebate at your premises)
• you ask Local Power to create your Solar Credits on your behalf as part payment (Local Power does not know what future REC (STC) prices will be.)
• the Federal Government does not change the 3x RECs multiplier applying to 1.5kW systems before system installation
• the "REC (STC) price" on this page is the published spot "REC (STC) assignment price" payable by REC brokers for the right to create RECs (STCs) from your system.  For an example of the current REC (STC) price which brokers are paying please click here
• standard roof size and orientation (unshaded, north facing tin roof. see below for extra costs for tile roof)
• standard roof pitch (10-28 degrees) with panels mounted flush against the roof
• the roof is ready to install the panels on and is not an unfinished construction or renovation
• standard complexity of installation (as determined by the installer - including home made of regular building materials, single or double storey)
• no wiring or switchboard upgrade needed (however does include installation of "meter links" which is a new energex requirement since 1/7/2010). adequate room in meter box and switchboard, normal cabling distance to meter box, etc.
• you are ready to have the PV system installed as soon as Local Power gets the components

The pricing includes the Local Power admin fee to handle the site inspection, all the administration required for the incentive paperwork (Solar Credits), network connection agreement with Energex, and costs to run the buying group (auspice fees, handling installation logistics, storage, insurance, website, phone etc.).  The Local Power admin fee is $660 for 1.5kW & 1.7kW, $880 for 2kW, $1100 for 3kW, $1650 for 4kW and $1925 for 5kW (all inc-GST).  Local Power is carrying the Solar Credits costs until those funds arrive as part payment for your system after installation.
 

Here are some more technical details of each system, including additional costs for a tile roof:

^ energy production estimate assumes totally unshaded north facing roof with standard pitch.
** electricity savings are estimates only based on 22.759c/kWh (Queensland tariff 11) and not exporting any solar energy to the grid.  The Solar Bonus Scheme (Feed in Tariff paying at least 44c/kWh - click here for details) for any energy exported to the grid results in credits on your electricity bill and adds to the above savings.  e.g. if you export 50% of the energy from a 1.5kW system at 44c/kWh, the electricity savings will increase from $492 to $721/year.  Please see the electricity savings calculator by clicking here.  Both of these savings will help pay for your system over time, in many cases income tax free. 

Some systems have a larger inverter installed which will make it easier and cheaper to add more panels later.  Some inverters also have an optional 10 year extended warranty. 

You can read more about the cost impact of the various options and REC prices on the calculator page.
You can read some of the frequently asked questions on the FAQ page.

Solar Credits scheme

Once you are ready to order, please follow Steps 1-4 below.

How to participate in the Local Power buying group:
(click here for a print friendly version of the steps and checklist)

Step 1:  Work through the Local Power buying group checklist to determine if your house is suitable for PV Solar, you are eligible for Solar Credits, and you agree with the Energex connection and Local Power buying group terms and conditions.  Click here to read the checklist.

Step 2:  Order Securely Online here  (or if you are a previous Local Power member with additional inverter capacity wanting a panel upgrade you can still Order Upgrade Online here )

Step 3:  Please pay your "deposit payment" as soon as possible (direct Internet transfer preferred or send a cheque in step 4).  Orders are only considered valid if all steps (1 to 4) have been completed including the deposit being received.  Internet transfer details can be found on the remittance page.  Click here for Internet payment options.

Step 4:  Please print and send your signed agreement (within 3 days) of the Local Power buying group terms and conditions (click here for a print friendly version) and supporting documentation.  This includes copies of the following:
  - most recent rates notice showing owner details
  - front and back of most recent electricity bill confirming the NMI code
Include your cheque if you haven't paid your deposit by direct internet transfer.  Postal and cheque details can be found on the remittance page (Click here).  (If you are an existing Buying Group member and are doing an upgrade at your existing PV premises, there is no need to send through your rates and electricity bill again)

Step 5:  Local Power will conduct a site inspection and email you the confirmed pricing (including any additional costs identified as a result of the inspection).  Local Power is attempting to lock in the REC (STC) price for members after the inspection.  This inspection step reduces unnecessary site visits at installation time, reducing costs overall. 

If the pricing is higher than the yellow pricing above, due to the REC (STC) prices dropping lower or your home does not qualify as a standard installation and you aren't willing to pay any additional costs due to the lower REC (STC) price or for a non-standard installation, Local Power will refund your deposit payment less an $88 inspection fee.  Once you confirm the pricing is acceptable the full deposit payment becomes non-refundable as Local Power needs to pay a deposit to the suppliers to secure the components at a good price.

Step 6:  Local Power will order the components for the buying group. 

Step 7:  Local Power will submit on your behalf, based on the information you provide and in conjunction with the installer, the Energex Application to Network Connect an Inverter Energy System (including Solar PV) form. (There is no need for you to complete this form)

Step 8:  You will receive in the mail from Energex a "network agreement".  Please carefully follow the instructions on the cover letter to avoid delays in your installation and having your new Energex meter installed. (There is no need for you to complete this form until Energex send it to you)

Step 9:  Once the components arrive, Local Power will contact you to book the day for the installation.

Step 10:  Payment of the "balance payment" (the remainder of the total payment) is due in the week prior to the day of installation.  If the "balance payment" is not forthcoming, the entire deposit payment will be forfeited. 

Step 11:  Your PV Solar system is installed.  Local Power will prepare on your behalf, based on the information you provide and in conjunction with the installer, the Solar Credits (REC/STC assignment) paperwork for you to sign.  This will be emailed to you.  Please print, sign and post (or scan and email) back to Local Power within 3 days to ensure you will get your expected REC/STC price.

Step 12:  Energex will install a suitable meter to measure how much electricity you will be sending (exporting) to the grid (usually within 10 working days).  Meanwhile you start to enjoy renewable energy, with a reduced greenhouse gas footprint, for many years to come! (due to the large demand for solar, Energex are taking a few weeks to install meters. Local Power will track your meter installation until it is complete)

Step 13:  Local Power will receive the Solar Credits (STCs) funds from the REC broker as part payment for your system.  If you have ordered an additional system or a panel upgrade you will receive the REC/STC funds directly from the REC broker.