Is Your Electricity Meter a Smart Meter?

Is Your Electricity Meter a Smart Meter?

The demand charge is basically a charge that is only administered to households that have had smart meters installed. So, if you are on the old style meters this won’t apply yet,as there is no way they can work out this charge with old “non-real” time meters.

For those of you that do have the smart meter, the demand charge is based on your highest consumption within the billing period between the hours of 4PM-9PM. So any day within that billing period, between the hours of 4-9PM whatever your highest consumption is, the demand charge will be based on that.

How do you know if you have a smart meter?

1. Here is an image of an example smart meter. You can often see it has a small antenna on it.

These are not smart meters

2. If you download and look at your electricity retailer’s app, you will be able to see your cost and usage/ consumption down to the hour. If you don’t have a smart meter you will only be able to see an estimate of what your bill will cost for the period

Here is a sample AGL bill from a customer with the demand charge for a 31-day billing period amounting to $10.60. It’s not a huge extra cost but this is another increase on top of the 27% increase in your tariff rates you have or will see on your electricity bills.

To minimise this charge, avoid/minimise use of power during that time.

Some manual ways you can minimise this charge

1. Make the most of what your solar power system produces and try to use the power that you do use, during the day when the sun is hitting your solar panels.

2. One of the biggest users at night is cooking. Where possible try to cook before 4pm. Can you use a slow cooker to cook meals while you are at work?

3. Try not to use multiple heating/cooking devices at once. For example, an electric element on your stove might use 1500w or 1.5kW. If you use two of them, that will increase your peak usage to 3kW. If you also turn on a heater at the same time, that will add another 2000w or 2kW, so you have just reached 5kW of peak consumption.

4. Did you know that using single small appliances and avoiding using one large can halve your power consumption for cooking? For example a small electric pizza cooker might use 800w in an hour, as putting that same one pizza in your oven will use 2800w or 2.8kWh approximately. An egg cooker might use 400w, whereas boiling eggs on the stove using one element, might use 1500-2000w depending on the size of the element you use.

The Set and Forget Way to Minimise this Charge

Another way to help eliminate the peak demand charge is to install solar batteries.

In this way, during the hours of 4-9pm, you will be drawing energy you have stored during the day in your batteries, to power your house at night, therefore reducing your consumption considerably if not completely.

The added economic benefit of batteries is you are potentially eliminating all your usage charges as well.

Battery Financing Options

We are still offering free electricity bill Saving Check!

we will analyse it for you and let you know who to change to and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid. If you already have solar power

How? Just click here

Get More from Your Solar and Save Money

Get More from Your Solar and Save Money

Did you know that many solar owners are not fully aware of how to maximise the savings and benefits from their solar system? As an In Flow client, hopefully that’s not you! But as a reminder, here are some strategic choices you can make to both optimise your energy consumption and increase your potential savings.

Here’s what you can do:

Use devices that don’t need too much power. They work well and don’t cost a lot to run.
Be careful with electricity. Turn off lights, gadgets, and machines when you’re not using them. Even things like TVs, DVD players, computers, stereos, and game consoles use energy when they’re on standby. So, when you’re not using them, switch them off at the wall.
Reduce your need for cooling and heating devices
Close the doors to unused rooms to reduce the area you need to cool or heat. Keep curtains and outside window shades closed to reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a consistent temperature inside
Set your fridge temperature to 4-5 degrees and your freezer temperature between -15 and -18 degrees Celsius. Keep fridges and freezers in a cool, well-ventilated spot away from the oven and the sun to save electricity. Keep a five-centimetre gap around your fridge so air can circulate freely.
Use water wisely, Set the hot water temperature to 50 degrees Celsius. Installing water-saving shower heads in your home will reduce the amount of hot water and energy used. Shorten showers to less than five minutes.
Keep your solar panels clean so they work well.
Check out different energy prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
See how your solar system is doing and how much power you’re using.

We are still offering free electricity bill Saving check!

we will analyse it for you and let you know who to change to and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid. If you already have solar power

How just click here

How to Pick a Trustworthy Solar Company

How to Pick a Trustworthy Solar Company

You may have heard about solar so many times. And with so many solar installers, you need to know how to choose the best one.

Here is the list that you should pay attention to before selecting a trusted solar company.

Consider the experience and expertise of the solar company. Look for a company with a proven track record, a wealth of experience, and a history of successful installations. Reviews and testimonials from previous customers can also provide valuable insights into the installer’s reputation and the quality of their work.
Make sure that the solar company holds all the necessary licenses and certifications is essential. This demonstrates their commitment to professionalism and compliance with industry standards. Additionally, inquire about the solar panels and other equipment the installer uses. Opt for installers that offer high-quality and reputable solar products with reliable warranties.
Transparent pricing is another crucial factor to consider. A trustworthy business will provide you with a detailed quote outlining all installation expenses without any hidden costs or unexpected fees. Additionally, a reputable solar company should conduct a thorough energy assessment of your home to determine the ideal solar system size and design that meets your energy needs.
Excellent after-sales service; usually, many companies disappear after installing solar power systems, but good companies finish their work until customers get the desired results and always provide information that can help them get the desired results from their systems.

Choosing a reliable solar company is an important step in your solar journey. We encourage you to take your time, ask questions, and research before making your choice. To take your first step, we are still offering free electricity bill analysis, just reply to this email with your latest bill.

We are still offering free electricity bill Saving Check

we will analyse it for you and let you know who to change to and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid. If you already have solar power

How? Just click here

Battery Finance Options

Battery Financing Options

Having a battery leads to energy independence, energy security, cost reduction and reduced emissions.

Making a significant investment, whether in a battery or any other project, demands careful evaluation. If it’s an urgent necessity, and you lack the funds to proceed, financing becomes a wise decision. With an impressive average 7-10% ROI per year from batteries per year, they are a sound investment in the long run. This investment today will only further prove its worth as electricity prices continue to increase over the years to come.

With the recent increase of electricity prices ranging from 27%-30%, uncertainty surrounds future fluctuations. Financing a solar battery now will allow you to utilise the money you would typically spend on electricity bills to cover the cost of the battery.

Here are the possible options that you can consider if you want to consider financing.

1. Interest-free options

Interest free means “Interest free “not “fee” free. Whilst the interest is not being charged, there tends to be small fees and penalties if payments are not made on time.

Furthermore “interest free” is merely a technicality. It does not mean you are not paying more than you otherwise would. Where a vendor offers “interest-free” options, this is simply a product-different option that they offer you. In this situation, the Vendor is charged a vendor fee for providing this option.

Like any cost to their business, they have to add it into what they charge customers somewhere, so the products they sell will likely incorporate this often significant fee. Long story short…over time, you will pay significantly more for the same products bought “interest-free” than if you bought them from a vendor that didn’t offer interest-free and you financed it yourself.

So how can you finance it yourself?

2. Credit card balance transfers

Some credit card companies offer balance transfers with transfer fees from 0%-2% and zero percent interest repayments up to 32 months. You can check the list and the links to their website below:

Bank	Transfer fee	Terms	Link
ANZ	2%	0% for 28 months	ANZ
Bankwest	2%	0% for 15 months	Bankwest
NAB	0%	0% for 32 months	NAB
HSBC	2%	0% for 12 months	HSBC
Westpac	0%	0% for 28 months	Westpac
Kogan Money	1%	0% for 18 months	Kogan Money

3. Green loan

There are various financing institutions offering loans to finance the cost of environmentally friendly products such as solar panels, solar batteries, solar hot water systems and the like. You can check the list and the links to their website below:

Bank	Int Rate p.a.	Repayment	Link
Brighte	9.49%	2-7 years	Brighte
CommBank	2.99%	10 years	CommBank
Community First Bank	5.24%	Up to 10 years	Community First Bank
Handypay	5.79%	Up to 10 years	Handypay

How to Increase Payback and Return on Investment?

Sample computation:

If you are paying a monthly electricity bill of $215 and above; and you purchased a battery system with 14.2 kw size that cost $16,000;

Assuming you acquired it through financing with an annual interest of 6% per annum and repayment term of 10 years; then your monthly repayment will be $213.33

So, if you got solar and are still paying a monthly electricity bill of $215 and above, your monthly repayment is still lower than your monthly bill. If there will be a 5% yearly increase in electricity costs, then you are better off with your financed monthly repayment rather than paying an actual bill.

We are still offering free electricity bill Saving Check

we will analyse it for you and let you know who to change to and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid. If you already have solar power

How? Just click here

The Financial Benefits of Selling Excess Energy Back to the Grid

The Financial Benefits of Selling Excess Energy Back to the Grid

When you invest in a solar power system for your home or business, you’re not just generating electricity for your own use; you’re also potentially producing more energy than you need. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of selling excess solar energy back to the grid and how it can be a smart financial move.

What is Excess Solar Energy?

Solar panels generate electricity based on the amount of sunlight they receive, not on how much energy you use. This means that sometimes, your system may produce more electricity than you need. Instead of wasting this surplus energy, you can sell it back to the grid and earn money for it.

Feed-in Tariffs: What You Need to Know

The amount you can earn for the excess electricity you feed back into the grid depends on several factors, such as your location, electricity retailer, and the time of day. These payments are commonly known as “feed-in tariffs.” In Australia, feed-in tariffs typically range from 3 to 15 cents per kWh, and they can significantly lower your energy costs.

Why is Selling Excess Solar Energy a Smart Move

Selling excess solar energy back to the grid isn’t just about saving money; it’s also about increasing the overall value of your solar power system. By using your solar panels to their full potential, you can achieve a higher return on investment (ROI) and ensure that your system pays for itself sooner.

Moreover, feeding excess solar energy back into the grid contributes to a more sustainable energy ecosystem by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

Get Started with Solar

If you’re interested in selling excess solar energy or have any questions about solar power, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you make the most of your solar investment. We can provide you with a free quote and a personalised solar installation plan that suits your needs and budget.

A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Power Systems in Australia

A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Power Systems in Australia

Are you curious about how solar power works and what it means for your energy needs in Australia? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the basics of solar power systems, how they operate and some of the benefits they offer to homeowners and businesses.

Solar Power System Basics

Solar power systems harness the energy of the sun and convert it into usable electricity through the use of solar panels or photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb sunlight and transform it into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can power homes or businesses.

One key advantage of solar power is its versatility. Any excess electricity generated by your solar panels can be stored in batteries or sent back into the grid. This means you can make the most of the energy you produce, even on cloudy days or during nighttime hours.

On-Grid vs Off-Grid Systems

In Australia, most residential solar power systems are on-grid, meaning they remain connected to the electricity grid. This allows you to purchase electricity from the grid when your solar panels aren’t generating enough power whilst also allowing you to sell any surplus energy back to the grid. It’s a cost-effective way to balance your energy needs.

On the other hand, off-grid systems, which consist of solar panels and batteries, are an excellent choice for those seeking a standalone power source. While the initial cost of off-grid systems can be significant, they offer the advantage of free power for their entire lifespan. This makes them increasingly popular in rural areas where grid access is perhaps limited.

Saving Money with Solar Power

One of the primary benefits of solar power is its potential to reduce your reliance on grid power and save you money. Grid-connected solar systems prioritise solar energy, which can lead to substantial savings on your electricity bill. In Queensland, for example, electricity prices typically range from 28 to 40 cents per kWh as of July 1, 2023. By offsetting your energy consumption with solar power, you can expect to reduce your energy bills by anywhere from 30% to 70%.

Understanding Australia's Solar Rebate

Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) was introduced in 2011 to promote the adoption of renewable energy. The scheme issues Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to homes and businesses that install solar power systems with a DC capacity of under 100 kW and have them commissioned by a Clean Energy Council-accredited Solar Installer. The number of STCs you receive is based on factors such as your postcode, the solar panel capacity of your system, and the time left until 2030. Once your system is commissioned, your solar installer or broker/aggregator can sell your STCs on the market. The rebate value changes annually on January 1st, so if you install your system after the new year, there may be a slight difference in the rebate value. Generally, the rebate amounts to around 30-35% of the total system cost, making it a great incentive to switch to solar power.

How long will it take to get a return on investment (ROI) from a solar power system in Australia?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but don’t worry. We are here to help. The time it takes to see an ROI depends on various factors, including the size of the system, your energy usage and the cost of electricity in your area. Typically, most households expect an ROI within 3 to 5 years.

Interested To Find Out More?

Solar power is an innovative and practical way to generate clean energy and save money on your electricity bills. Whether you opt for a grid-connected system or choose to go off-grid, solar power offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for meeting your energy needs in Australia. So if you’re interested in learning more about how solar power can benefit your home or business, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you make an informed decision about harnessing the power of the sun.