Low Income Household Free Solar Vs Solar Home Bundle Some Help?

User123321 on 09/06/2022 - 18:28
Last edited 02/08/2022 - 14:45 by 1 other user

Hello,

I'm trying to look for solar for my mothers house she is the property owner i live with with her

We are looking at the low income household solar which provides a free 3kwh system or you can pay the difference to upgrade to 6kwh installed by origin energy

https://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/browse-energy-offers/hous…

vs

Solar Home bundle by on energy which provides a 5.67kw system / alpha-ess inverter / alpha-ess battery 10.1kwh on a 7 year plan

https://experienceon.com.au/solar-home-bundle?utm_source=dir…

I am not well versed in such things and there seems to be a lot of small print and catches to both we don't have a lot of cash and are experiencing financial difficulties so putting upfront cash for a system other than maybe $2000-$3000 wouldn't be possible at all

Just to clarify mother is property owner and i am listed on the energy bill for the concession rebate (not sure if this invalidates us from the low income program since i am not the property owner) also well below the 180,000 threshold

Any advice or experiences on both would be a great help

Home & Garden

closed Comments

  • mskeggs on 09/06/2022 - 18:34
    +3

    See also the NILS scheme for interest free loans for low income.
    That lets you get your choice of system/supplier.

  • Drakesy on 09/06/2022 - 19:05
    +4

    own your house

    currently receive the Low Income Household Rebate

    (in NSW)

    Well, now i've heard it all, sounds a bit like an oxymoron. Surely the number of people eligible for this is almost zero, unless you bought it 15 years ago. (Bit of a rant) but is it fair to subsidise people who's houses have appreciated greatly (in some cases by 100%) while those paying the taxes struggle to get into the market.

    IMHO if you have the money get the 6.6kw upgrade, batteries aren't worth it yet.

    • User123321 on 09/06/2022 - 19:10

      Yeah was abit confusing for me it says if your spouse is the concession holder you may still be eligble but its not my spouse its my mother so unsure if that disqualifies us from qualifying (I've emailed to clarify)

      Yeah was planning to go for the 6.6kw upgrade and pay the difference any idea at a rough figure i should aim at if the 3kw is free what do you think is a reasonable price to go up to a 6.6kw

      Also wondering if there's any hidden catches going through the low income scheme

      I've been reading the solar quotes website and also asked them for 3 quotes through there to get rough ideas of pricing

      • cameldownunder on 09/06/2022 - 22:36
        +2

        Put the biggest solar your wallet and roof can handle. Don't go for el cheapo. Check Warranty. My Panels Twenty-five (25) year Manufacturer's Warranty (replacement and labour)

    • Archi on 10/06/2022 - 08:51
      +1

      but is it fair to subsidise people who's houses have appreciated greatly (in some cases by 100%)

      it's not like the value of the home has anything to do with their actual liquid financial situation.

      case,

      my neighbours bought their house in 1988 and still live in it. the value of the house is about 10x what they paid. they are both retired but also work part time to subsidise their living,

      they own their own home and recieve the low income household rebate. i don't have a problem with that

  • deme on 09/06/2022 - 19:26
    -2

    lives with mother
    guy fawks mask avatar

    Just to clarify mother is property owner
    i am listed on the energy bill for the concession rebate

    But

    Valid concession cards
    Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)
    Health Care Card (HCC)
    Department of Veterans Affairs Card (DVA)

    Sounds like your mum isn't low income?

    (not sure if this invalidates us from the low income program since i am not the property owner) also well below the 180,000 threshold

    <$180,000 is low income?

    Oh and https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/12233675/redir

    from https://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/browse-energy-offers/hous…
    You are not eligible as you fail to meet both:
    * hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
    * own your house

  • Hiroko on 09/06/2022 - 20:13
    +1

    By signing up for the free 3.0kW system your mother will basically forfeit other low income benifits.
    At the current market rates, a 3.0kW system will yield $500-$600 worth of electricity savings annually, considering it is installed on a roof free from shade and facing a northern aspect.
    You will need to determine if this $500-$600 saving outweighs the other benifits she is receiving.
    Also bear in mind rates always change, and this affects the overall savings obtained from a solar array.
    The bundles offered by Energy Australia are basically an interest free solar and battery system that pay themself off in 7 years. During the 7 years all the energy generated/stored is for EA to do as they please. ie/ there will be little to no benifit to you until after the 7 year contract has expired.
    However the positives of going with the EA bundle is you will have a solar / battery system installed by a CEC accredited installer, all warranty and maintenance covered by EA, and locked rates for the 7 year period. I believe there is also a minimum spend per quarter as part of the contract terms.

    • User123321 on 09/06/2022 - 20:24

      If im on the low income benefits which give us discount on energy (both on energy bill) but my mother is the property owner do you think we would still qualify for the program ?

      I see they say the following 3 things

      "Eligible homeowner-occupiers"

      "Eligible tenants living in a suitable Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) property, will soon be able to swap their Low Income Household Rebate for a fully installed solar system, whilst they remain a tenant in the property."

      "If you are not the registered homeowner but your spouse is, your household may be eligible."

      Would i be considered a "tenant" of my mothers home ?

      • Hiroko on 09/06/2022 - 20:29
        +2

        if your mother holds an eligible concession card she is eligible for the rebate.
        as you are not listed on the property title you are not eligible.

      • deme on 09/06/2022 - 21:48

        No

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