General News
12 February, 2025
No upfront cost solar: A risk-free investment?
Ballarat-based solar installation company, Advanced Energy Solutions (AES), are making renewable energy more accessible for Victorians by offering solar installations with no upfront cost - and by guaranteeing your savings.
Ballarat-based solar installation company, Advanced Energy Solutions (AES), are making renewable energy more accessible for Victorians by offering solar installations with no upfront cost - and by guaranteeing your savings.
How no upfront cost solar works
For those hesitant about the cost of installing solar panels, financing options can provide a solution. AES are helping homeowners to install a system with no upfront payment and instead make regular repayments, often at a rate lower than their usual electricity bills.
For example, a typical 3.96kW solar system from AES could help reduce a household's power bill by $80-$100 per month (based on a $500-$600 quarterly bill). With financing options available, repayments may be around $92 per month, making the switch an affordable option for many.
"With energy costs continuing to rise, we wanted to remove the financial barrier that stops people from going solar," says Dan, co-director of AES. "If you can afford your power bill, you can afford solar, and after the finance is paid off in 4 years, you'll enjoy around $1,000 a year in savings".
Additionally, Melbourne's top rated solar installer (AES) offers a savings guarantee, meaning if the system stops working within the first five years, they'll pay you the savings you missed out on, until the system is working again.
"We're happy to provide this warranty to our customers, as we are confident with the work we do, and the products we use" explains Jim, co-director of AES. "And if there ever is an issue, it's in our best interest to have it rectified ASAP".
With warranties on panels and inverters, most systems are designed to last for decades, ensuring long-term benefits for homeowners. In just a few years, the system can be fully paid off, allowing households to enjoy significantly lower energy costs.
The shift towards self-consumption
The landscape of solar energy has changed significantly in recent years. Previously, high feed-in tariffs encouraged homeowners to export their excess solar power back to the grid for a premium rate. However, as feed-in tariffs have dropped to just a few cents per kilowatt-hour, the economic benefit of selling energy back to the grid has diminished.
As a result, the most cost-effective way to use solar is through self-consumption - using as much of the generated electricity as possible within the home rather than exporting it.
To make the most of a solar system, homeowners can:
Run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during daylight hours.
Pre-cool homes using solar-powered air conditioning to reduce evening energy use.
Use energy monitoring tools to track consumption and adjust usage accordingly.
By maximising self-consumption, households can reduce their reliance on the grid and improve the return on investment of their solar system. AES helps customers understand how to use their solar energy effectively. "People often don't realise just how much they can save by making small changes when they use their power," says Dan. "We work with customers to make sure they get the most out of their solar investment".
Why now is a good time to consider solar
Government rebates for solar installations decrease each year, making now an ideal time to take advantage of available incentives. Additionally, with energy prices continuing to rise, securing a system sooner rather than later could lead to greater savings in the long run.
AES emphasises that many households are better off installing a smaller system that covers their daytime usage rather than oversizing their setup just to sell excess energy to the grid. "People were conditioned to think bigger is better because of the old feed-in tariffs," says Jim. "But now, the smartest thing to do is to use your own solar power as much as possible, and the most cost-effective way of doing this is with a smaller system. It obviously makes us less money, but it's better for the customer". This customer first and honest mindset is why AES are proudly bad at sales.
For households interested in going solar without the financial burden of upfront costs, AES provides tailored solutions to make the transition smooth and cost-effective.
With the right setup, solar power can provide long-term energy savings and greater independence from the grid. Homeowners looking to reduce their electricity bills while contributing to a more sustainable future may find no upfront cost solar to be a practical and beneficial choice. To learn more, visit AES's No Upfront Cost Solar page.