A bulk-buy program for solar and solar battery storage launched last Thursday in the Blue Mountains, with more than 250 people packing out The Carrington Hotel for the bulk buy’s first information evening.
Homeowners gathered at the event looking to receive expert advice on solar and batteries, as well as access bulk pricing on a range of new technologies.
The bulk buy is being run in four other regions across southern NSW by a social enterprise called SunCrowd, who in partnership with local community groups such as Blue Mountains Renewable Energy Cooperative (BMRenew) are working hard to make quality renewable energy technology more accessible.
“Purchasing solar or battery storage products can be extremely confusing and without the help of trustworthy advice from experts, many people in the community will want to wait,” said BMRenew spokesperson Xavier Mayes. “BMRenew has partnered with SunCrowd’s bulk buy initiative to accelerate the spread of renewable energy to the masses.”
Attendees at the information night were given access to bulk buy prices on Australian-made rooftop solar panels, three different battery storage products, as well as ethical energy retailers.
The who’s-who of the solar industry were present at The Carrington to showcase their latest products, including Tesla, LG Chem, Enphase, Reposit Power and Powershop. A team of local experts were also on hand to give people one-on-one advice about whether solar and battery storage solutions would suit their household or small business.
“One of the reasons we’re hosting this bulk buy is to help those who are currently on the solar bonus scheme,” said Mr Mayes.
“Since 2008 the 60c and 20c feed-in tariff paid some solar owners generously for the energy they generated, but with it set to end on 31 December, those people face meter changes and very low feed-in-tarrifs from that date.
“With bulk buy prices on offer, battery storage is an attractive solution for the use of that energy.”
Chief Energy Officer and co-founder of SunCrowd, Chris Cooper, said the social enterprise was reducing complexity by getting everyone under one roof and finding the right solution for their own household.
“We are trying to make purchasing solar and batteries easy and accessible, at lower prices. Come along to our next information session to get some great advice on what options best fit your needs.
Seats are being snapped up for a second free information evening at the Springwood Sports Club on Wednesday, November 23. RSVP at https://suncrowd.com.au/blue-mountains.
