Solar for Business Program (VIC) ends 30 June 2023
Solar for Business rebates remaining: 1121* One of the key incentives for businesses in Victoria to start their renewable energy journey is the Solar for Business program. This program provides rebates to eligible businesses that install a solar system, based on the size of the system and the amount of electricity generated. Under this scheme, eligible businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $3,500 to install a solar panel system, with the option to take advantage of an interest-free loan up to $5,000. Naturally, the program is in place to try encourage businesses to invest in renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. How it works The Solar for Business rebate amount is capped at 50% or $3,500 maximum of the cost on any approved system. This means that if the net costs of solar are $10,000, then the rebate value applied is $3,500 (not $5,000) or if the net costs are $4,000, then the rebate value applied is $2,000 (not $3,500). Please note that net costs are inclusive of GST and any contribution from Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Program ends on 30 June 2023 However, as announced in the May 2023 State Budget this program is coming to a close and applications will be open until 6pm on 30 June 2023. Business customers will be given 120 days from the date the application is approved to complete their solar installation. For more information, visit the Solar Victoria website. Why UNIfied? UNIfied has delivered hundreds of commercial solar and battery systems for businesses Australia-wide, ranging from small 30kW to multi-megawatt projects since 2012. Our team of engineers, project managers and quality assurance technicians can design a solution that’s right for your business depending on your energy needs now and taking into account your energy needs into the future. We stand by the quality of our products and services, and In choosing UNIfied, your business automatically benefit from our Energy Performance Guarantee program. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living! *Remaining rebates as at 24/06/2023
Renewable energy underpins Electrification
Announced in the May 2023 Federal budget, the proposed $1 billion Household Energy Upgrades Fund will provide discounted consumer finance to increase sustainability across the housing sector. Once approved, the Fund will provide discounted consumer finance to increase sustainability across the housing sector, including: Energy efficiency upgrades such as solar or solar and battery; and High performing appliances such heat pump hot water and air conditioners/heater systems, etc. Renewable energy underpins electrification UNIfied believes renewable energy underpins the electrification of a vast range of existing commercial, industrial and residential activities, as well as our transition to electric vehicles (EV) and laying the foundations for other emerging green energy. We must remember that the vast majority of Australian homes were built before construction standards were introduced in the early 2000s. As such, many are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and thermal comfort. A large number of homes also remain connected to gas, a high-emission fossil fuel. Increasing the standards of energy-efficiency for Australian homes Higher standards of energy-efficiency for Australian homes will reduce our energy consumption and provide a buffer against energy price spikes and increases. Furthermore, low or negative energy bills (as a result of payments for exporting electricity) will also largely offset the initial cost of building better-performing homes. Households will also be less vulnerable to wider climatic events such as heatwaves. This is why the the Household Energy Upgrades Fund is a step in the right direction. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. Get your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION quote for a tailored solar solution so you can enjoy paying less for your electricity bills. And at the same time, find out how you can save more with upgrading to the heat pump hot water system! We stand by the quality of our products and services. In choosing solar with UNIfied, you automatically benefit from our Solar Savings Guarantee program: a 12-year product warranty a 25-year performance guarantee, along with a 5-year warranty on our workmanship Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?
Even though UNIfied Energy Services is not a utility or energy retailer, an increasing number of our solar customers are asking the question “What is a VPP?”. We are pleased to help, because we believe this is the next evolution of solar energy as we transition to a low-carbon future. A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a system that allows multiple energy resources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage, to be aggregated and managed as a single entity. This aggregation enables utilities and energy service providers to balance energy supply and demand in real-time, resulting in a more efficient and reliable grid. With the rise of rooftop solar systems, battery storage, and electric vehicles, VPPs allow households, businesses, and communities to: Generate, Store, and Consume their own electricity, while also providing more flexibility in how we use energy. Tesla with support from the South Australian Government is developing a network of up to 50,000 home solar PV and Powerwall battery systems across South Australia – all working together to form the world’s largest virtual power plant. So how does a VPP work? Aggregation: The VPP system aggregates the energy production and storage capacity of individual distributed energy resources (DERs) into a single, controllable entity. Optimisation: The VPP system analyses real-time data on energy demand, pricing, and availability of DERs to optimise the dispatch of energy resources to meet demand at the lowest possible cost. Control: The VPP system uses advanced algorithms and state-of-the-art communication technologies to control the dispatch of energy resources and ensure that supply matches demand in real-time. Monitoring: The VPP system continuously monitors and tracks the performance of individual DERs, the overall VPP system, and the grid to ensure that it is operating efficiently and reliably. Revenue generation: The VPP system can also participate in energy markets, selling excess energy generated by DERs back to the grid or providing ancillary services such as frequency regulation or voltage support. Overall, VPPs are designed to optimise the use of renewable energy resources, improve the efficiency and reliability of the grid, and provide economic benefits to both energy service providers and customers. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure you can get the best out of your solar system and pay less for your electricity bills. We stand by the quality of our products and services. In choosing UNIfied, you automatically benefit from our Solar Savings Guarantee program: a 12-year product warranty a 25-year performance guarantee, along with a 5-year warranty on our workmanship Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Buying a house with solar? Great move! But here are some important considerations…
Buying a house with solar panels is a great decision, as you get to enjoy lower energy bills and it enhances your home resale value. (According to recent research, homes with solar panels installed are valued on average $125,000 higher than those without!) But there are still important considerations you should be aware of. We have compiled some of the questions here to make it easier for you. What is the size of the solar panel? The size of a solar system impacts how effective it will be for your home and how much of a saving it will generate. Please check how much electricity your solar panels will generate for you to ensure it is sufficient to support the running of your key home appliances. By having an energy generation estimate, you can also decide how much energy you sell or export to the grid. How much warranty is left on the panels? Generally, solar systems these days offer a warranty of 25+ years. It’s crucial to check the warranty left on a solar system if you’re buying a house with a system already in place. It helps to ensure that your solar system is free of malfunctioning, and offering you the best value for your money. With a warranty, you can usually ask the retailer to replace and/or perform a maintenance check in case you system is not functioning at optimum capacity. This is why it is highly recommended that you check how much warranty is left on your system. And always ask if there is an option to increase the warranty period! What if I have to repair my rooftop for some reason? Restoring a rooftop with solar panels is generally more complicated than a rooftop without solar panels. If you need to repair your rooftop with solar panels, please ensure that you appoint a professional and accredited expert with experience in removing and replacing solar panels. Your roof can only be repaired once your solar panels are taken down. Similarly once fixed, your solar panels will need to be re-installed correctly. To give you an indication, roof restoration involving a solar system may generally cost between $800 to $3000. So be sure to get a few quotes from accredited experts. With the staggering rise of electricity , it’s still a smart decision We’ve already felt the circa 20% increase to electricity bills in the last few months. With a further rise of 30% by the end of 2023/2024, that’s a total of 50% increase by 2024! For the average Australian family with an electricity bill of $405 quarterly or $1620 yearly, the predicted rising energy bill for households is massively concerning. Buying a house with solar panels in place is still a great move! You just need to ask a few questions for peace of mind and you should be on your way to enjoy greater savings from lower energy bills. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure you can get the best out of your solar system and pay less for your electricity bills. We stand by the quality of our products and services. In choosing UNIfied, you automatically benefit from our Solar Savings Guarantee program, get a 12-year product warranty a 25-year performance guarantee, along with a 5-year warranty on our workmanship Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Slash power bills with a Heat Pump Hot Water system
Gentle on the planet, better for your pocket too! Heat pump hot water systems are gaining popularity as a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat water. Here are some reasons why: Energy efficiency: Heat pump hot water systems are much more efficient than traditional electric or gas water heaters. They work by transferring heat from the surrounding air to the water, rather than creating heat from scratch. This means that they can heat water using less energy. Lower power bills: Less energy consumption translates to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions especially when paired with renewable energy sources like solar. With soaring energy prices, make every dollar counts. Versatility: Heat pumps can be used in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, and even large-scale industrial applications. They can also be used in both warm and cold climates, making them a versatile choice for many different locations. Longer lifespan: Heat pumps typically have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters, which means they need to be replaced less frequently. This reduces the amount of waste generated by old water heaters and saves money in the long run. Attractive rebates: Thanks to both State and the Commonwealth Government incentives, households and businesses are eligible to have their old gas or traditional electric hot water systems upgraded to heat pumps for a significant discounted rate, and at times for FREE*. Overall, the combination of energy efficiency, lower running costs, versatility, longer lifespan and attractive rebates make heat pump hot water systems a promising choice for the future. Visit our Heat Pump Hot Water System page and get a quote! Why UNIfied for your home or business? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure you can get the best out of your renewable energy transition. This means we are here to reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint at the same time. Trusted solar and storage experts since 2012 with over 37,000 sites installed Energy Performance Guarantee program for businesses, where we cover the saving shortfall if your system is not performing at optimum capacity High-quality products and services: highest ISO certifications Complete end-to-end project management Maintenance, monitoring and support well beyond installation phase Contact the UNIfied Energy Team or call 1300 817 847. *Terms and conditions apply. Contact us for more information.
Instant Asset Write-Off as EOFY is Fast Approaching
EOFY 2023 is fast approaching Investing in new assets can be a significant expense for small businesses, but with the Federal Government’s Instant Asset Write-off, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, if you’re considering investing in a new equipment or technology, the Instant Asset Write-off tax incentive could be a game-changer. Take advantage of this tax deduction by 30 June 2023 With electricity prices set to rise again in the coming months, it’s becoming crucial for businesses to invest in renewable energy to reduce their energy consumption. The Instant Asset Write-off is a tax deduction that allows eligible small businesses to claim an immediate deduction for the cost of eligible assets, such as solar, instead of depreciating them over time. This means that you can immediately reduce your taxable income and lower your tax liability in the year of purchase, rather than waiting for years to recoup the cost of the asset. However, you must do this before 30 June 2023! Eligibility criteria The eligibility threshold for this incentive has increased to $150,000, which means that more businesses can take advantage of the tax deduction. More importantly, the previous limit of $50 million aggregated turnover for businesses has been generously increased to up to $5 billion. That’s seriously good news. So if you’re planning to invest in new assets for your business such as a commercial solar PV system, why not consider using the Instant Asset Write-off as a way to: Reduce your tax burden, Improve your financial position, and Reduce your carbon footprint at the same time? Why UNIfied for your business? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure you can get the best out of your solar system, reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint at the same time. Trusted solar and storage experts Since 2012 with over 37,000 sites installed Energy Performance Guarantee program, where we cover for the saving shortfall if your system is not performing at optimum capacity High-quality products and services: ISO certifications Complete project management Maintenance, monitoring and support well beyond installation phase Furthermore, you automatically get; a 12-year product warranty a 25-year performance guarantee, along with a 5-year warranty on our workmanship Contact the UNIfied Energy Team or call 1300 817 847
Chobani
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Solar
- Somertone, VIC
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System Size
- 100 kW
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Annual Energy Savings
- $40,900
TDJ
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Solar
- Somertone, VIC
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System Size
- 100 kW
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Annual Energy Savings
- $40,900
Going Green from Employee Value Proposition (EVP) Perspective
The world is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, and environmental and social impacts. More and more businesses are looking to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group found that companies that adopted sustainable practices tend to outperform their competitors financially by as much as 20%. What does this mean for your employee value proposition (EVP)? Let’s face it, the workplace is evolving. It used to be a physical space where people went to perform tasks. But, it can now be a virtual space where people connect to accomplish goals. By incorporating workplace sustainability into your employee value proposition (EVP), you can improve the employee experience by showing that you care about making a positive difference in the world. Employers can make their workplace more sustainable by reducing energy consumption, offering flexible work schedules and incentives for healthy lifestyles. Renewable energy is the future of reducing your carbon footprint Renewable energy solutions such as solar PV, installing LED lighting and heat pumps for hot water are the most practical and cost-effective ways businesses can reduce their operating costs and implement sustainable practices that are in line with increasing their EVP. Why UNIfied for your business? Trusted solar and storage experts Since 2012 with over 37,000 sites installed Energy Performance Guarantee program for peace of mind High-quality products and services: ISO certifications Complete project management Maintenance, monitoring and support well beyond installation phase Contact the UNIfied Energy Team to reduce your energy consumption, lower operating costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Make Every Dollar Count with These Energy-Saving Tips!
We are all trying to cope with the rising costs of living in recent times. So it’s important to make every dollar count. There are many ways you can save some extra dollars without having to make any investment on your part. This will just involve slight changes with energy-saving tips in your daily activities. Making these small adjustments may not seem to make a difference in the short run. But, we assure you that these tips will keep a lot more dollars in your pocket in the long run. Switch it off – Did you know that many of your home appliances are still drawing power right now just by being plugged in? Turn your appliances off at the wall when you’re not using them. Things like TV and its additional set-up boxes, toaster and kettle are all pushing your energy bill up throughout the day. Making this small change can produce big savings especially as electricity prices continue to rise. (and don’t forget) Turn off the lights – Are you aware that it takes more energy to leave a light on than it does to switch it back on, even if it is only off for a few seconds? That’s why we gave this its own dot point. Your lights are one of the biggest consumers of energy in your home. So, try to make a habit of turning them off when you’re not in the room. You can also look into a more energy-efficient form of lighting like LEDs. LEDs not only use less energy but also last longer, making them better value for money than incandescent or halogen light bulbs, and they can be used in the majority of existing fittings. Do your laundry at a lower temperature – You might think that this would take longer, but really it just means that the machine runs more efficiently and uses less water than usual. An adjustment as little as 10 degrees cooler will make a difference — less heat means less energy used, and less money wasted on your bills each month! Use your clothes dryer sparingly (if possible) – This one goes hand in hand with lowering your laundry temperature, less heat saves energy and saves you dollars off your energy bill. Dryers are one of the biggest energy-sucking appliances in your home! Hang your laundry outside to dry instead and put that Hills Hoist to use! This will also help to reduce the wear and tear on your clothing. Cut down your shower time – Save money and water! It’s not easy to sacrifice some of your personal space and shower routines, but shorter showers can lead to significant savings. We know it’s easy to lose sight of this when you’re singing your heart out or brainstorming your next big idea there, but being mindful of this time can make a big difference. So why not challenge yourself to be a bit more efficient and conscious during your next shower? By following these simple tips, you will quickly reduce your energy consumption and make more of your dollars count. Try to implement these practices into your daily routine to really see the savings adding up! Trust UNIfied Energy Services to help you in your journey towards energy efficiency and lower bills. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. Get your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION quote for a tailored solar solution so you can enjoy paying less for your electricity bills. And at the same time, find out how you can save more with upgrading to the heat pump hot water system! We stand by the quality of our products and services. In choosing solar with UNIfied, you automatically benefit from our Solar Savings Guarantee program: a 12-year product warranty a 25-year performance guarantee, along with a 5-year warranty on our workmanship Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
