- 40 to 55% Savings^ on Solar Power for Small Businesses and Farms -
- No Upfront Cost^ on Super Solar Systems (Hot Water and new 1.5kW Power) for Residents -
"Farming the Sun" is the third phase of the highly successful Solar New England Region Project and is being launched by The Honourable Tony Windsor, Member for New England, on Tuesday 10 December 2009.
Incredible upfront savings are being achieved through the NESS community enterprise structure, the buying of systems and equipment in bulk, clustering of installations and use of free marketing and promotion with the support of an extensive network of Project Partners and word of mouth.
Solar Power Systems are available from 20% below standard retail^ and solar hot water systems from 30% below standard retail^ with a range of further incentives and bonuses now available:
* For Small Business & Farms there is an urgent opportunity to access the 50% Investment Allowance (contracts must be entered before cut off date of 31 December 2009)
* NSW Solar Bonus Scheme paying for electricity generated starting 1 January 2010;
* Solar Credits on the first 1.5kW of new solar power installed;
* Rebates for converting from electric to solar hot water; and,
* Renewable Energy Certificates.
Home owners are now able to obtain a FREE Home Sustainability Assessment and interest free four-year $10,000 Green Loan now available from the Australia Government - which can be used to go solar now with no cash outlay up front.
The Public Launch of "Farming the Sun" will be at Armidale Town Hall, Rusden Street Armidale from 10.30am on Tuesday 10 November 2009.
This Launch Invitation is being promoted by the internet email only. Please pass it on to anyone else you feel would be interested.
Register your Interest and Apply NOW
To discuss this further or register your interest contact:
Liz Gardiner (02) 6778-7249 moc.liamtoh|1renidragzil#moc.liamtoh|1renidragzil
Adam Blakester (02) 6775 2501 0419 808 900 ten.yalpmgidarap|mada#ten.yalpmgidarap|mada
Apply for your Solar Power System here.
Book your FREE Home Sustainability Assessment here.
Apply for your Solar Hot Water System here.
40 to 55% Savings^ on Solar Power for Small Businesses and Farms
These massive up front savings are available to Small Businesses and Farms eligible for the Australian Government 50% tax deduction Investment Allowance and also benefiting from:
- All solar power systems under the "Farming the Sun" initiative being 20% below standard retail prices
- Ability to claim a refund for GST
- Eligibility for Solar Credits for new installations
- Renewable Energy Certificates
The combined value of all of these incentives and bonuses is a saving of 40-55% off the upfront cost, depending upon exact system specifications and effective rate of income tax being paid.
See below for full details of Terms, Conditions and Eligibility Criteria.
No Upfront Cost^ on Super Solar Systems (Hot Water and new 1.5kW Power) for Residents
By using the Australian Government $10,000 Green Loan (interest free for four years), eligible residents are able to get a Super Solar System for no upfront cost.
The Super Solar System includes:
- 1.5kW Solar Power System valued at $13,884 from as low as $7,182
- High Quality Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System valued at $7,455 from as low as $2,670
- Wattson Energy Monitoring and Analysis System
- Future Switch energy saving device
See below for full details of Terms, Conditions and Eligibility Criteria.
^Terms, Conditions & Eligibility Criteria
- These offers are available to New England small businesses, farms and residents within the Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha local government areas.
- Standard pricing includes installation locations within 15km of the town centres of Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha.
- Full Solar Hot Water Terms, Conditions & Eligibility Criteria
- Full Solar Power Terms, Conditions & Eligibility Criteria
- Independent financial and taxation advice should be obtained regarding eligibility and suitability of using the Australian Government Investment Allowance. Full details of the Investment Allowance can be found here.
About the "Farming the Sun" Initiative
The "Farming the Sun" initiative is the third wave of the Solar New England Region Project to achieve a vision of the New England becoming a 'solar Region'.
The solar project is organised using 'community enterprise' structure, that is defined by being:
- For 'purpose' rather than for 'profit' meaning that the money is for fair pay for goods and services;
- Undertaken by a partner network of community stakeholders to build social, economic and environmental value; and,
- Transparent and accountable, especially for the finances.
The community enterprise approach achieves a high level of affordability which is further enhanced by:
- “Bulk buying” of systems and equipment and “Clustering” installations; and,
- All marketing and promotion via the partner network and word of mouth.
The Solar New England Region Project is the first major initiative coming out of the New England Sustainability Strategy and aims to address the priority issue of creating a "New Energy Future" for the sustainability of the Region.
Members of the Partner Network are:
AusEnergy
Ausenergy is a small and independent Australian company that works to enable regions to boost their renewable energy output, whilst training local trades people and equipping them with the skills and technological framework to grow and maintain their local industry.
Profits are funnelled into ongoing research and development.
AusEnergy's role is to provide the technical coordination and administration of the solar power systems, organise local training and coordinate all installation work.
Endless Solar
Endless Solar is committed to delivering the best renewable energy technologies to help meet Australia's daily energy needs by providing a range of world-class and highly cost-effective solar hot water solutions that deliver major cuts in energy use and in greenhouse emissions!
Endless Solar's role is to administer the Solar Hot Water Systems, organise local training courses and actively seeks the co operation of the region's industry and tradespeople for all installation work.
New England Credit Union
The New England Credit Union (NECU) are the official Finance Partner and provide the Green Loan for new and existing members to purchase solar systems.
TAFE New England Institute
TAFE have provided facilities for the local solar installation training for local industry, tradespeople and apprentices to gain qualifications and progress towards becoming fully accredited solar system installers.
Southern New England Landcare
Southern New England Landcare (SNELCC) are a member of the New England Sustainability Strategy Executive (NESSiE) and Community Partner of the Solar Region Project. SNELCC are supporting the Project to increase rural participation.
G.J. Gardner Homes, New England
G.J. Gardner Homes has over 25,000 homes worth of experience with a reputation for building quality homes on time and on budget. Today, there are more than 85 G.J. Gardner Homes building franchises operating throughout Australia and New Zealand, Germany, South Africa and America, supported by 10 Master Franchises.
Talloires Declaration, UNE
The purpose of the Talloires Declaration Committee is to build capacity and commitment at UNE in order to enhance environmental literacy and to achieve greater environmental sustainability by implementing the Talloires Declaration.
The Talloires Declaration are supporting the promotion of the Solar New England Region Project through UNE and their broader professional networks.
ParadigmPlay
ParadigmPlay is a freelance social change consultancy network led by local resident Adam Blakester.
ParadigmPlay is responsible for regional coordination of the Project.
Pete Arkins Creative Media
Pete Arkins is a local digital media specialist who has created the branding and marketing campaign for the Solar Project.
