Solar switch paying off
FNQ households urged to take up interest-free loans for panels to help cut power bills
A FAR North resident has slashed her electricity bill by at least a quarter every three months by taking advantage of the region’s sunny climate.
Mooroobool resident Adelene D’Silva has solar panels installed on her home and said she hasn’t looked back.
“I didn't really think that much about it at first but when I saw my electricity bill I was impressed,” she said. “I’m definitely saving money by having solar panels on the roof.
“I used to pay between $300 and $400 a quarter for electricity but now I’m paying in the $200s.”
Ms D’Silva encouraged other families to consider installing solar to start reaping the rewards.
Far North residents can get a helping hand to purchase a new solar system thanks to an interest-free loan of up to $4500 from the State Government. The program is aimed at those on the Family Tax Benefit B who have spent more than $1000 on their power bill over the past six months, or $2000 over the past 12 months.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said about 10,000 families in Cairns may be eligible to receive the interest-free loan, which must be repaid within seven years.
Sunny Solar Cairns is one of three Far North companies to have recently become an approved retailer to provide and install solar systems under the program.
Operations manager Clayton Allaway said he had received inquiries from people all over Cairns and as far as Cardwell and Cooktown looking to install solar.
“We’ve done about eight quotes for it so far,” he said. “It’s basically $12 a week (you’re paying back) for seven years.
“This is the time of year everyone starts thinking about it. They start running their airconditioners and then get freaked out when they get their power bill.”
Mr Allaway said he had tailor-made a package that would be totally covered under the interest-free loan to assist families who may be doing it tough – “a 5.5kW system that’s fully covered by that $12 a week”, he said.
Based on the 5.5kW system, families can save an average of $46 per week.
“Over the lifetime of that seven-year payback loan, you can save $12,406,” Mr Allaway said. “Why wouldn’t you do it?” electricity costs is a big outgoing that all buyers are aware of. “It does help from a market appeal with the solar panels. “There are more homes with solar panels now compared to 15 or 20 years ago and obviously everyone is trying to cut down their living costs and looking at ways to make their lifestyle better.”