Sun in their eyes: cut solar confusion

AN OCEAN Grove woman has helped spearhead a new program that makes it easier for greater Geelong region households and businesses to get solar panels.

Suzie Brown is the co-founder of ReEnergise Geelong, which has created a free email course called Solar Steps to answer people’s concerns and link them to trusted local installers.

The idea came after a survey revealed many people were unsure whether getting solar panels stacked up financially and didn’t know who to trust.

Ms Brown said many people loved the idea of getting solar panels on their home or business premises but weren’t sure whether it was worth the investment.

“But as solar panel prices continue to come down and electricity prices go up, it’s becoming a better investment all the time.”

Another concern many locals had was how to know which solar businesses to trust.

There are growing numbers of doorknockers offering solar panel deals, but many of these are offering poor quality panels at inflated prices.

To deal with this confusion, ReEnergise Geelong researched all the local Geelong-region installers and, through the Solar Steps program, will link people to these trustworthy local installers.

“There are so many high-quality, local solar businesses and we want locals to support them rather than signing up with businesses from Melbourne – or even further afield – who helicopter into our region with aggressive, door-to-door sales tactics,” she said.

“ReEnergise Geelong was formed to promote the local renewable energy industry as well as helping our region switch from fossil fuels to clean energy.

“With the Solar Steps email course, we’ve done the hard work and identified all the local installers who can offer you a great product at a competitive price – and who’ll be around for the long haul to provide service if you ever need it.”

For more information, head to solarsteps.org.