At a public meeting in Murchison in September 2008 enough interest was found to form a working group to establish a local buying group to make grid connected solar photovoltaic electricity generation systems available for domestic use at substantially reduced cost, and with much of the complexity removed. It was proposed that as many as 100 systems might be included in the project.

 

The next stage involved formulating a list of requirements relating to the funding, supply and installation of systems that meet Federal requirements for an $8000 rebate. This list was sent to a wide group of photovoltaic system suppliers and Expressions of Interest (EOIs) were invited. Of those companies that responded, Braemac Energy was selected on the basis of their ability to meet the project's criteria and offer a competitive price.

The essentials of the standard offer were for solar panels rated at 1080 watts, an inverter to turn this into useable 240 volt AC current, and a two way meter to allow excess power to be fed back into the grid for a credit. The Federal rebate, available to households with a taxable income below $100,000 for the last financial year, and Renewable Energy Certificates worth $817 could be sold to Braemac Energy to further defray the cost. Out of pocket costs in this case were $1850, well below the cost of an individual purchase. At current electricity prices it would take about six and a half years to recover the outlay. In some cases extra costs may be incurred; for flat roofs, double stories and old power boards for instance.

 

Braemac Energy was invited to present their offer at the public launch of the project in Murchison on December 11. It was standing room only in the Community Centre as over 400 people came to learn the details, with many ready to sign up on the spot.

 

To view the Braemac Energy powerpoint presentation click here.

Details in the original EOI document became the basis of the contract between customers and Braemac Energy as a means of protecting the interests of subscribers.

 

The Murchison model and price structure applied within a 60 km radius of the town and was also offered to the public in Kyabram and Numurkah. By the close of the Braemac Energy offer on 31 January 2009, 550 formal applications had been received, Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) pre-approvals are now coming in and 300 on-site inspections have been completed. It is expected installations will commence in early March.

 

 

 

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