As part of this program we have negotiated a quality product at a value-for-money price from our solar panel provider, Braemac Energy.
Braemac Energy offer quality Solar Panels from Taiwan, manufactured by AUO. AUO is the largest manufacturer in Taiwan of LCD (TV displays) products, supplying to the likes of Sony, Panasonic, LG, Samsung, etc. AUO has gone green designing and manufacturing their own solar panels.
The inverter is designed and manufactured in New Zealand by a world leading power supply and solar inverter manufacturer.
Round 3 prices start from $2,990 for a 1.645kW system.
Product and pricing schedule for standard installations
The following table is a summary of the product and prices currently on offer.
| PV System | 1.56kW | 1.645kW | 2.115kW | 3.29kW | 4.23kW | 4.935kW | |
| Panels | Brand | AU Optics | AU Optics | AU Optics | AU Optics | AU Optics | AU Optics |
| Model number | PM250 M00-260W |
PM220 P00-345w |
PM220 P00-235w |
PM220 P00-345w |
PM220 P00-345w |
PM220 P00-345w |
|
| # panels | 6 | 7 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | |
| Product warranty (years) | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | |
| Performance warranty (years) | Up to 25 years 80% | Up to 25 years 80% | Up to 25 years 80% | Up to 25 years 80% | Up to 25 years 80% | Up to 25 years 80% | |
| Country of manufacture | Italy | Taiwan | Taiwan | Taiwan | Taiwan | Taiwan | |
| Inverter | Brand | PowerOne | EnaSolar | EnaSolar | EnaSolar | EnaSolar | EnaSolar |
| Model number | MICRO-0.3-I-OUTD | 1.5kWGT | 2kWGT | 3kWGT | 2 x 2kWGT | 2kWGT + 3kWGT | |
| Capacity (kW) | 300W | 1.5kW | 2.0kW | 3.0kW | 4.0kW | 5.0kW | |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | |
| Country of manufacture | New Zealand | New Zealand | New Zealand | New Zealand | New Zealand | New Zealand | |
| Total $ outlay by participants (including GST) for a standard installation* | $2,490 | $2,990 | $3,990 | $6,790 | $8,990 | $10,790 | |
*Note: these prices are based on a standard installation and will be confirmed following a site inspection by our solar panel provider. Please also note that these prices do not include the charge imposed by Powercor to connect the solar panels to the grid. Further details on this charge are provided in the FAQ section below.
Product Information Sheets
You can find more information on the technical details of the current solar panel system offered at the following links:
AUO PM220 Module Spec
EnaSolar—1-5kW-Grid-Tied-Solar-Inverter-v1-0
EnaSolar—2-0kW-Grid-Tied-Solar-Inverter-v2-2
EnaSolar—3-0kW-Grid-Tied-Solar-Inverter-v1-0
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to use a particular electricity retailer through this offer?
No, you can use any retailer you like.
Are there alternative payment options available?
There are a variety of payment options available to suit nearly all budgets. These low interest payment plans are designed to help people pay off their solar system over 12, 24, 30 and 36 months.
Click here for further information on payment plans.
What are the costs imposed by Powercor when a customer in Central Victoria gets solar PV on their home?
(a) if smart meter not installed yet
1. If the Standard Feed-in Tariff (SFIT) is selected: Test inverter fee of $227.08 PLUS Bring Forward fee to fit a Bi Directional (Smart Meter) $96.56
2. If the Premium Feed-in Tariff (PFIT) is selected: If previously not tested under SFIT Test inverter fee of $227.08 PLUS Bring Forward fee to fit a Bi Directional (Smart Meter) $96.56
Details on the Transitional Feed-in Tariff (TFiT) are yet to be confirmed.
(b) if smart meter already installed
1. SFIT: Test inverter fee of $227.08. Cost to reprogram meter to enable the export data to be sent to the retailer is $31.60. If any other electrical installation works are being done on site the Bring Forward fee is replaced with a Truck Visit fee of $442.86.
2. PFIT: Depending on existing metering configurations (i.e. programming fee minimum), through to (full truck visit fee) to remove redundant meters. If previously not tested under SFIT, Test inverter fee of $227.08 PLUS Cost to reprogram meter to enable the export data to be sent to the retailer of $31.60. If any other works are being done on site the Bring Forward fee is replaced with a Truck Visit fee of $442.86.
3. TFiT: Details yet to be confirmed.
Please note that how these costs are passed onto the customer depends the electricity retailer. You may wish to contact your retailer to confirm with them what you will be charged.
All prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Can I add panels to an existing system through this program?
You may be able to, but you will need to speak to our solar panel provider for confirmation. You will need to provide them with details of the panel model and inverter model. Contact us on 5443 5244 for more details.
Can I purchase panels equivalent to the 1.6kW size system but get a larger inverter so I can add panels to the system in the future?
You can, but this is not recommended as adding panels later has the complication of having to select appropriate panels that are compatible with the existing system, which has been found to be a problem due to panels changing all the time. There are payment plans available to assist with financing a larger system upfront.
Can I install panels if my house is in a Heritage Overlay or a Neighbourhood Character Overlay area?
For local planning scheme details click on the following links:
Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme
Mount Alexander Planning Scheme
Heritage Overlay:
Clause 43.01-1 Permit requirement, states:
‘A permit is required to:
Construct a building or construct or carry out works, including:
A solar energy facility attached to a building that primarily services the land on which it is situated if the services are visible from a street (other than a lane) or public park.’
The key to this statement is to determine if the PV panels are visible from a street or a public park. If unsure it is advised you contact your local council to seek clarification on whether a permit is required.
Neighbourhood Character Overlay
Clause 43.05 Permit requirement states:
‘A permit is required to: Construct a building or construct or carry out works.’
This requirement for a permit does not apply however as Clause 62.02-2 Buildings and works not requiring a permit unless specifically required by the planning scheme exempts solar energy facilities, See Clause 62.02-2 of your relevant Planning Scheme.
Clause 62.02-2 Buildings and works not requiring a permit unless specifically required by the planning scheme state:
‘Any requirement in this scheme relating to the construction of a building or the construction or carrying out of works does not apply to:
A solar energy facility attached to a building that primarily services the land on which it is situated’
For further details or to clarify your situation, please ring:
City of Greater Bendigo Planning Office, Ph: 5434 6355, or
Mount Alexander Shire Planning Office, Ph: 5471 1700
Click here to browse additional Frequently Asked Questions from our solar panel supplier.
