Solar Energy News - Sun Connect

Welcome to Sun Connect Solar News Vol 4

We have recently conducted a survey of over 2000 of our customers from around Australia in regards to their thoughts on electricity and how they have fared switching to solar panels.

The purpose of the research was to determine our customers reactions to electricity prices and what exactly has happened with their bills and their product post their purchase.

Only our Australian customers were called (or emailed) for this survey.

Why did you originally convert to solar?
- Electricity bill too high 55%
- Environmental responsibility 21%
- Long term investment /Increased home value 11%
- Ability to sell excess electricity 7%
- Recommendation from builder/friend 6%

Do you think electricity prices will go up or down over the next 10 years?
- Up 92%
- No change 6%
- Down 2%

If up, by what percentage do you expect bills to rise over the next 10 years?
- 1% - 20% 15%
- 21% - 40% 18%
- 41% - 60% 28%
- 61% - 80% 25%
- 81% - 100% 5%
- 101%+ 9%

How much pain were your electricity bills causing?
- Severe pain 27%
- Moderate pain 56%
- No pain 17%

What was your quarterly electricity bill before solar?
- $0 - $200 6%
- $200 - $400 20%
- $400 - $600 31%
- $600 - $800 26%
- $1000+ 17%

What was your quarterly electricity bill after solar?
- $200+ in credit 8%
- $100+ in credit 14%
- $0 – $100 in credit 21%
- $0 –$100 27%
- $100 - $200 18%
- $200-$300 8%
- $300+ 4%

Findings
The survey suggests that many of our former customers have grave concerns for where electricity prices are heading and that over a quarter had severe problems affording their bills.

All of our customer’s bills have been positively affected with one customer stating their most recent quarterly bill was $505 in credit!

The unfortunate irony with solar is that as less and less people are buying off the grid electricity becomes more expensive for the remaining few and with bills expected to rise between 6%-10% in 2011 (without this catch 22 not factored in) there could be some significant pain, especially for lower income earners who can’t afford bills and are in less a position to afford the upfront investment in solar.

If you are wanting to chat with one of our solar experts about a solar solution for your home call us on 1300 292 240.

Warm regards,

James @ Sun Connect