Bring the sun home with a competitive green loan from Brighte
Brighte approved my $3,000 loan within minutes. The installation went very smoothly and the system proved to be everything I expected and more. Bill, a Brighte customer from Sheidow Park, South Australia UNIfied understands the cost of living challenges and this is why we’ve partnered with Brighte to help you get started on your sustainable home upgrades sooner. With a Brighte Green Loan, you can install a solar system and/or solar and battery combo and enjoy the energy savings immediately. You can also use the Green Loan to help you electrify your home by replacing gas appliances (e.g. replace your old gas hot water system with an electric heat pump). Why Brighte? Borrow up to $45,000 Credit decision within 1-3 business days Simple, fortnightly repayments Freedom to pay off the loan quicker at no extra cost Click here for more information on Brighte. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. You can look forward to paying less on your electricity bills when combining a UNIfied solar system with one of the solar batteries we have in our range. We can also take care of your EV charger needs and energy-efficient hot water system. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Courage and conviction to lead the clean energy revolution
Earlier this month, Kane Thornton, CEO of the Clean Energy Council – a peak regulatory body for the clean energy industry where UNIfied is a proud member – delivered a speech at the 21st World Wind Energy Conference in Hobart. Mr. Thornton emphasised the significance of leadership during this pivotal moment in our clean energy transition, and while acknowledging our substantial achievements, he highlighted the need to leverage from our success, take greater risks, accelerate our pace and think very differently. We feel this is worth sharing, as it offers a very real yet encouraging take on the tasks ahead for all of us. Read Mr Thornton’s speech in full below: My youngest daughter decided she needed more cash to fund her summer gelato intake. She was nine at the time. To much ridicule from her older sister, she decided to grow seedlings and sell them around the neighbourhood. She was impatient for the cash and couldn’t wait for them to grow. So off she went down the street with a tray full of dripping wet punnets filled with dirt and seeds – not a sprout in sight. To everyone’s surprise except my youngest daughter, the first house she door-knocked took the lot. She walked away with a pocket full of cash and the enormous grin of self-pride. She put herself out there, and the world rewarded her. This is the sort of courage we need from our leaders today, to confront the enormous challenge of climate change and the complexity of the transition to clean energy with optimism and hope. The climate is changing much faster than anyone expected. We are in crisis and the impacts are accelerating and having profound effect on our lives. Not in the future. But right now. These challenges are the result of 15 years of inaction; poor planning, lack of reform, under-investment in our infrastructure and capability, and the absence of sustained political leadership and investable policy. In short, we blew the past decade bickering about whether climate change was real and which personality we wanted to lead the country. So we need to accelerate the deployment of clean energy at a time where its never been tougher. The grid is congested and not fit-for-purpose, our supply chain fragile and challenged by the global clean energy arms race. We are doing this coinciding with the biggest infrastructure build in our nation’s history, and at the same time every other country in the world is confronting the same challenge. The clean energy industry is led by many extraordinary people who have achieved great things and helped double our level of renewable energy from 15 to more than 30 per cent in just five years. But the step change we now need to take requires a new wave of leadership. To achieve the enormity of this challenge and to set Australia up to become a clean energy superpower, we need a new wave of leadership that embraces six principles: courage, inclusion, collaboration, resilience, purpose and self-care. The role of leaders in our industry today, is to draw on their deep experience, their status and skills to demonstrate this new form of leadership and to develop the next generation to join us. With great power, comes great responsibility. It’s a cheesy quote from Spiderman, but never has it been truer of our energy industry leaders. Courage The story of my nine-year-old is one of courage. Courage to take a chance, to challenge traditional thinking and accepted wisdom and courage to accept the possibility of failure. We have achieved much and we must leverage the confidence of our success, and take that confidence to now take greater risks, move faster and think very differently. We will fail, and from that we must learn, iterate and go again. Inclusion We don’t succeed by each of you working harder and giving up your weekends. We succeed by creating a dozen versions of each of you and setting them loose. So, slow down the doing and speed up the fostering. Leadership they say, cannot be given, it must be taken. Promoting talented folk into leadership positions is important, but to ensure they are successful requires a more profound and proactive approach, so they are ready to take it when called upon, and when their opportunity arises. As well as an investment in time and energy, it requires those already leading to model the right behaviours and norms. So, as you leave here tonight, can I invite you to dedicate just an hour of your day tomorrow, to fostering the next generation of leaders. Join a mentoring program, hang around by the water cooler and ask every person if they are OK and what their goals are today? Simple questions and actions can have profound effects. We need diversity of ideas, of styles and mindsets. And we need to be drawing in the best of talent from right across our nation. That’s why our Women in Renewables initiative is so important. Recent analysis by the Hawthorn Club – an international network for executive women in the energy industry – confirmed what many of us intuitively know, that female leaders care deeply about building positive relationships with their teams and collaborating to get to better outcomes. These are skills and leadership styles needed now more than ever. Collaboration Grid connection has been one of the greatest challenges in accelerating our shift to a renewable energy future. The process was inconsistent, lacking in transparency, frustrating and burdensome. In establishing the Connection Reform Initiative, a unique collaboration by the Clean Energy Council and the Australian Energy Market Operator with a vast collection of experts from across the industry, we recognised that the issue was complex, highly technical and had created much animosity and tension. Creating a safe space for genuine dialogue, to build understanding of common problems and to workshop, debate, iterate on solutions was crucial.
EVs will potentially cut household energy bills in half
It’s common knowledge that South Australia stands at the forefront of global renewable energy transition, mainly because it is already relying on renewable sources like wind and solar. This sets them apart from other high renewable grids dominated by hydro or geothermal energy in regions like Scandinavia, Canada, Iceland, and Uruguay. Andrew Bills, who heads up SA Power Networks, recently stated that the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) will enable households to cut their annual energy expenses by half as they shift from fossil fuels to eco-friendly electricity. South Australia already is a world leader with 350,000 rooftop solar installations, more than 35,000 batteries and significant potential that will be unleashed by electric vehicles as we electrify transport. We can kill two birds with one stone when it comes to electric vehicles, with cheaper transport and cheaper energy for households. EVs have batteries three to ten times the storage capacity of home batteries and are a great opportunity to utilise the state’s abundance of renewable energy. Emerging technologies like smart two-way chargers for EVs also have real potential to slash energy costs for consumers. Electricity is much cheaper for running a vehicle than petrol/diesel and indicatively we believe that the average household could halve their total energy spend from about $4,500 to about $2,400 per annum by switching to an EV.” It seems EVs appear to be a crucial factor in the shift toward green energy, especially considering that more than a third of households have rooftop solar panels. The primary goal for all of us in the renewable energy sector is to encourage households to maximise their electricity usage during daylight hours by utilising surplus solar energy to charge EVs, or power other appliances. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. You can look forward to paying less on your electricity bills when combining a UNIfied solar system with one of the solar batteries we have in our range. We can also take care of your EV charger needs. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Let’s Revolutionise Energy Efficiency in the Office!
Unleashing the Power of Cost Savings! Transforming your office into an energy-efficient powerhouse doesn’t require a major overhaul. Believe it or not, it’s about instigating small changes in employee behavior that yield significant results. The secret lies in making your team conscious of your commitment to slashing energy costs, creating a ripple effect of awareness and conscientiousness. To kickstart your journey towards substantial savings, we’ve put together some business energy-saving tips. The key principle is to steer clear of unnecessary energy consumption in the workplace. Let us help you unveil the potential for savings with our expert tips, empowering you and your team to pinpoint and eliminate instances of energy waste. Useful tips for SMEs: Conduct an energy assessment/audit: You really should invest in an energy audit for your business to pinpoint your baseline energy consumption and receive a comprehensive roadmap for workplace energy savings. Many electricity providers like AGL or Blue NRG – who specialises specifically in the energy space for SMEs – provide complimentary audits, sending professionals to inspect your premises for air leaks, insulation concerns, and opportunities for energy-efficient initiatives. Invest in energy-saving equipment: Exercise caution when purchasing or leasing office electronics by prioritising ENERGYSTAR-rated options. These appliances undergo thorough evaluations to ensure energy efficiency, translating to cost savings for your small business in the long term. Verify the ENERGYSTAR rating before making a purchase to proactively manage and trim your office’s energy expenditures. Reduce your peak demand: To cut down on electricity costs, focus on lowering your peak demand – the period when your energy consumption is highest, usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This can be achieved by staggering work hours, scheduling heavy equipment use in the evening or early morning, and adopting energy-saving practices throughout the day. Optimise your thermostat settings: Simplify your energy strategy for a 9-5 workplace by programming your thermostats. There’s no need to heat or cool the office when everyone has left for the night. Whether your team’s hours are consistent or varied, use programmable or smart thermostats to regulate temperatures during “off” hours. Switch off unused lights: Don’t overlook the basics – turn off lights in vacant areas like break rooms, bathrooms, or conference rooms. In many offices, lights stay on unnecessarily. Sensor lights can be a handy solution, ensuring illumination when needed and conserving energy when spaces are unoccupied. Upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting: Embrace simplicity in energy conservation by swapping out traditional incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient alternatives like LED. This straightforward change significantly reduces electricity consumption, making it one of the easiest and most effective workplace energy-saving practices. Contact the our Commercial LED Team for a quote on your LED lighting upgrade. Power down computers and other office equipment at the end of the day: If computers are not being used through the hours when your staff aren’t working, have your team be in the habit of shutting them down before they leave. Turning off and unplugging as many devices as possible at the end of the day is a simple way to cut back. This includes appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, etc. Switch to solar PV system to help you slash energy bills: By installing a UNIfied commercial solar & storage system on your premises, you can reduce your electricity bills, limit your exposure to energy price volatility, and increase your energy independence. Plus, you get to meet your environmental and sustainability goals, helping to create a better future for generations to come. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your renewable energy transition is as efficient and seamless as possible. We are here to help you pay less for your electricity bills. If you’re interested, UNIfied Energy can offer you an assessment by one of energy retailer partners and provide your business with an energy savings proposal with no charge or obligation to sign up. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Demystifying Power Purchase Agreements
As businesses around the world make a concerted effort to slash their carbon footprint and fulfill their ESG goals, embracing renewable energy sources has surged in popularity. One of the easiest ways for businesses to smoothly transition to renewable energy without any need for substantial upfront investment is by diving into the realm of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). What is a PPA and how does it work?? A behind-the-meter PPA is an agreement between a business and the renewable energy provider for the installation of a renewable energy system such as solar on the business’s premises. The energy generated by the solar system is consumed on-site, reducing the business’s reliance on grid-supplied electricity. It is basically a long-term commitment for the business to procure clean energy at a fixed rate, protecting them against tumultuous energy markets and surging energy expenditures. It is not surprising that PPAs have now evolved into an increasingly favoured option for businesses aiming to whittle down their environmental impact, future-proof their energy supply, and rake in cost savings on their energy bills. What are the benefits of PPAs? Cost savings: PPAs offer the advantage of lower energy costs. The fixed rate they provide is typically cheaper than standard retail energy rates. This fixed rate remains steady, shielding against energy market fluctuations and rising electricity prices. Businesses can effectively manage their energy expenses and plan for the future by securing this fixed rate. No upfront expenses: There are minimal to no upfront costs associated with installing and maintaining a renewable system through a behind-the-meter PPA. This allows businesses to switch to solar energy without the need for a substantial initial investment, which can be a major obstacle for many. Positive cashflow: Behind-the-meter PPAs offer a predictable and fixed energy rate, often cheaper than the retail cost from traditional providers. This typically results in positive cashflow from day one for renewable projects, allowing the system to generate revenue for the business immediately and providing a substantial return on investment. Reduced operating risk: The responsibility for maintaining and operating the solar energy system falls on the renewable energy provider, not the business. This reduces the operating risk for businesses, as they don’t need to worry about ongoing maintenance and operation of the system, leaving it in the provider’s hands. Environmental benefits: Implementing a behind-the-meter renewable energy system significantly lowers scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation and a more sustainable energy future. This reduction in carbon footprint can also boost a business’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious customers and stakeholders. PPAs have recently evolved into an increasingly favored option for many businesses aiming to whittle down their environmental impact, future-proof their energy supply, and rake in cost savings on their energy bills. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your renewable energy transition is as efficient and seamless as possible. We are here to help businesses future proof their energy supply and enjoy the cost savings on their energy bills. Contact the UNIfied Commercial solar team today or call 1300 817 847 if you would like to find out more about PPAs and how wen can assist you to achieve greater savings in these precarious times.
Sustainability brings significant savings for PappaRich
We get it – you might be skeptical switching to solar, so what’s the best way to convince you? Let’s show you through the experiences of our customers. We’ve partnered with major businesses all over Australia, including some household names like Mercedes Benz, IKEA, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, and Miele. In this article, we’re going to dive into one of our customer success stories – PappaRich. PappaRich is a global brand known for its authentic Malaysian cuisine. Whether you’re craving Nasi Lemak, a crispy Roti Canai, or a cup of Teh Tarik (among their 50+ drink options), PappaRich delivers a taste of Malaysian culture. But they’re also all about growth. To fulfill their mission, they made a smart move – installing solar PV to reduce their carbon footprint and operate more sustainably. Their headquarters in Port Melbourne have substantial energy needs, especially for refrigeration and cold storage. With skyrocketing electricity costs, their high energy consumption was a major concern. To tackle surging energy costs, PappaRich turned to UNIfied. We kicked things off with an in-depth energy assessment and sealed the deal with a powerful 90kW solar system installation. The results? Immediate cost savings of $26,000 p.a. from energy bills that will only grow over time. The installation was seamless, and I wholeheartedly recommend UNIfied Energy Services to any business looking to shield themselves from rising energy expenses. — Tatt Gee Saw, Director of PappaRich, Port Melbourne, VIC Just as we empowered PappaRich, UNIfied stands ready to supercharge your solar system and slash your electricity bills. We’re so confident in our solar services that we offer an Energy Performance Guarantee program, plus a 12-year product warranty, and a 25-year performance guarantee, all backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty. Plus, we’ve got flexible finance options that cater to your needs. Explore our solar finance solutions, and you might even qualify for a solar setup with $0 upfront costs. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your renewable energy transition is as efficient and seamless as possible. We are here to help households, businesses and landlords pay less for their electricity bills. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
How rebates can make a huge difference
The electrifying future is within our grasp. And UNIfied is here to assist households and businesses to power it up. And yes, any rebates and/or Government incentives can make a significant difference to the investment. When it comes to safeguarding our hard-earned money, let’s make every cent count. But there’s even more exciting news – there are fantastic rebates out there to supercharge your journey to clean, green living. These rebates might vary from one state to another, so let’s take a peek at what Victoria has to offer as a shining example. Victoria Probably the luckiest territory in terms of generous State and Federal government rebates/incentives available for Solar PV systems. Solar Victoria’s Solar Panel (PV) rebate: Generally if your home is valued less than $3 million and the combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $210,000 per year, you are eligible to apply for the $1,400 Solar Panel rebate. Solar Victoria’s Solar Interest Free Loan: To further reduce installation costs, eligible Victorians can also apply for an interest-free loan for an amount equivalent to their rebate amount (i.e. up to $1,400). The loan is required to be repaid over four years or can be repaid sooner in one lump sum. The Federal government’s Small-scale Technology Certificate: STC is a national incentive that significantly reduces the cost of installing solar panels on your rooftop. For example, if you’re installing a 6.6kW system in Melbourne, it can provide circa $2,200 discount from the total cost of your solar system in 2023. Isn’t that grand? Similarly, hot water systems are one of the biggest energy users in the home, accounting for around 21 per cent of total energy use (on average, according to YourHome). As such, one way to keep these costs under control is to install an efficient heat pump hot water system. If you decide to go down installing a heat pump hot water system, you may be entitled to the following rebates/incentives: Solar Victoria’s Hot Water rebate: Generally if your home is valued less than $3 million and the combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $210,000 per year, you are eligible to apply for the $1,000 Hot Water rebate. Furthermore, if you’re considering a battery to increase your energy independence, the interest-free solar battery loan will help eligible Victorian households to reduce the upfront cost of installing a battery on their home. Interest-free Solar Victoria’s solar battery loan: Generally if your home is valued less than $3 million and the combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $210,000 per year, you are eligible to apply for up to $8,800 interest-free solar battery loan to reduce the upfront cost of installation. Repayments can be made over a four-year period. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. You can look forward to paying less on your electricity bills when combining a UNIfied solar system with one of the solar batteries we have in our range. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Households continue to boost renewable supply
Rooftop solar, which generated more than a quarter of Australia’s total renewable energy last year, is expanding even faster this year according to the Clean Energy Regulator. Another 1.4 gigawatts was added to the grid in the first half of the year and the total capacity by the end of 2023 is tracking towards 2021’s record when 3.2 gigawatts were added to the system. It’s pleasing to hear a commentary by Wayne Smith, External Affairs Manager for the Smart Energy Council who said, “Australians get that in a cost-of-living crisis solar absolutely makes sense. What we need to do now is make it easier for businesses and big industrial facilities to also invest in rooftop solar’. In contrast to the uplift in small-scale renewables, the first half of 2023 has been pretty slow for investments in new large-scale renewable energy projects. Only 0.5 gigawatts of large-scale renewables reached a final investment decision where investors are willing to kickstart projects. Consequently, “We’ve downgraded our expectations and now expect 2023 investment may not reach 3 gigawatts,” said David Parker, CEO of the regulator. “There are a number of challenges to investment commitments for new renewable capacity, including higher costs, connection and permitting, and revenue certainty”, he said. The other good news: Solar systems being installed by homeowners were also getting bigger, with the average upsizing sitting around 9.3 kilowatts as people try to reduce expenses. There has also been a 70 per cent increase in connections of air source heat pumps, an electrically efficient way of heating and cooling of homes. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. You can look forward to paying less on your electricity bills when combining a UNIfied solar system with one of the solar batteries we have in our range. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Why solar batteries are becoming more compelling than ever
While the initial investment in a solar battery system may seem significant, the long-term cost savings, especially with available Government rebates and/or incentives, can make it the most cost-effective solution for reducing energy costs and hedging against rising electricity costs. Additionally, as battery technology continues to advance and prices decline, the economic benefits of solar batteries are likely to become even more compelling. Let’s look into these benefits more closely! Access Solar Victoria Interest Free Loan of $8800 If you live in Victoria, did you know that Solar Victoria has approximately 4,500 interest loans available, offering up to $8,800 for solar battery installations? Repayments can be made over a four-year period, making the $$$ savings even more generous. This is a massive incentive for Victorians to turbo charge their electrification journey and energy independence, and making the transition to renewable energy sources even more financially appealing. Protect yourself from rising electricity prices The recent electricity price increases of 20–30 per cent have hit households hard. Let’s face it, most of us get home from work when sun goes down to do another cycle of full time work, i.e. cooking, turning on the dishwasher, vacuuming, not to mention laundry as well. Having a solar battery allows you to store excess energy when you’re at work during the day, i.e. while it’s cheap (off-peak) and discharging it during peak/demand hours when electricity rates are higher. Instead of drawing electricity from the grid when you get home to do your full cycle of chores (peak hours), you’ll be powering your activities from your solar battery. This practice has been proven to generate significant savings on your bills. Energy independence Having a mini power station on your rooftop plus a solar battery provides a degree of energy independence, especially if you live in a region prone to extreme weather events or unreliable power grids. Environmental benefits and sustainable living Solar batteries help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of clean, renewable energy. Installing solar panels and batteries is a tangible way for individuals and businesses to contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Batteries also help stabilise the grid by smoothing out fluctuations in solar energy production. Advanced technology There have been significant improvements to storage capacity, efficiency, and lifespan of solar panels and batteries over the last few years. More importantly, we are seeing the cost of solar batteries to have been steadily decreasing as well, making them more affordable and attractive as an investment. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. You can look forward to paying less on your electricity bills when combining a UNIfied solar system with one of the solar batteries we have in our range. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Changes to the Instant Asset Write-Off for Small Businesses
The scaled down version from 1 July 2023 The Instant Asset Write-Off incentive is a tax-saving initiative introduced by the Federal Government, which allows eligible small businesses to deduct the full cost of certain assets in the year they are purchased, rather than claiming the cost over a number of years. The Government has announced that it will reduce the small business immediate asset write-off amount to $20,000 for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. Eligibility If your business’ turnover is less than $10 million a year, you will be able to immediately deduct the full purchase value of assets less than $20,000. For assets greater than $20,000, they will need to be placed into a small business pool, and depreciated at 15% in the first income year and 30% each year after this. We strongly encourage that you speak to your accountant to discuss which depreciation rules apply to your particular circumstances. Is solar or other energy-efficiency equipment or technology considered as an eligible asset? Yes, absolutely. You can utilise this incentive for all all depreciable assets, such as a solar system or solar & storage bundle. More importantly, the Instant Asset Write-Off can create a cash-flow advantage for many small businesses who have been considering switching to solar. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your renewable energy transition is as efficient and seamless as possible. We are here to help households, businesses and landlords pay less for their electricity bills. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
