ShineHub harnesses the power of community bulk buy to make solar and batteries more accessible and affordable. Photo: ShineHub.
An online platform making solar and batteries more affordable, accessible and trustworthy has teamed up with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) to slash the cost of solar and batteries in the region through the power of community bulk buy.
ShineHub — an online marketplace connecting households with trusted solar and battery providers and tapping into — has launched the Illawarra Shoalhaven Community Renewables Program.
Running until the end of October with support from local councils, the program invites residents to pool their buying power and unlock renewable options that could save them thousands.
It also walks them through new federal battery rebates, subsidies and schemes that ShineHub Community Partnerships Manager Brogan Roods says make renewables a no-brainer.
“Between government incentives and the rising costs of electricity, there has never been a better time to go solar,” he says. “The mission is to help people make confident decisions as to which methods are the best fit for them.”
The bulk buy program taps into a community’s collective purchasing power to make solar battery technology more affordable. The more households that join, the cheaper it becomes, while also easing pressure on the grid.
“That means fewer blackouts at times of high demand,” Brogan says.
Through its network of installers, ShineHub also offers flexible payment options, including zero-dollar upfront schemes that Brogan says can yield immediate savings.
“That’s because often the monthly payments will turn out to be less than what you’re paying for electricity,” he says.
For those with an existing battery, or who wish to stack schemes to maximise savings, Shinehub’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) connects home batteries to a network of other batteries across the grid.
During high-demand events, ShineHub can remotely discharge energy from those batteries to support the grid. In return, customers receive $1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) whenever their battery is used.
ShineHub has already run successful community bulk buy programs with six councils in South Australia and one in NSW — Illawarra is next in line. Photo: ShineHub.
A new federal rebate for batteries has just been announced, alongside an additional rebate for NSW residents who join a VPP.
The savings are substantial.
“We’re seeing the average customer go for a 15 kWh battery, which equates to about $5000 off the cost of the battery for the federal rebate,” Brogan says.
“Customers who join their local solar and battery bulk buy program are getting an extra $2000 off. Plus, they can also claim up to an extra $1015 cash-back VPP rebate. And those who already have solar and are looking to retrofit with a battery can get another $1500 discount as part of the ISJO program.”
It follows ShineHub’s observation of another 10 to 15 per cent bump to electricity costs back in July.
“We’re also seeing people with existing solar systems being charged more to use their power in the evening, while getting less during the day for sending excess power to the grid,” Brogan says.
“In other words, retailers are charging more and giving back less — to the point that for many, solar doesn’t make sense without a battery.”
Beyond cost benefits, the ISJO bulk buy program offers peace of mind. ShineHub only works with independently vetted local solar companies with proven track records. Installations undergo pre and post-checks by ShineHub’s in-house engineering team, with rigorous quality assurance requirements.
It also comes with layers of guarantees.
“We stand behind all products and installations arranged through us and that’s important, because unfortunately, there are a lot of companies that don’t do right by customers,” Brogan says.
“Customers can rest assured that ShineHub’s program has undergone extensive due diligence and scrutiny through their local council’s procurement process.”
Illawarra residents are encouraged to get in touch by the end of October to find out their options. Photo: ShineHub.
ShineHub has already run successful community bulk buy programs with six councils in South Australia and one in NSW.
Interest is strong in the Illawarra Shoalhaven, with three of four informational events across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven already booked out.
“If you’re unable to attend an event, we encourage you to reach out and speak with us to get a quote or chat with an expert before the October cut-off date,” Brogan says.
“Our whole premise, aside from offering attractive packages, is educating people on which solar, battery and VPP option is right for them. By the time they’ve attended an event or spoken to us, they’ll be able to make a confident decision.
“The cost of living crisis is ongoing, and electricity is a major cost in family households. Getting back control of that is a powerful thing for families.
“More than that, people who join the program become part of the bigger picture of driving Australia towards a renewable energy future.”
For a quote or expert advice, contact ShineHub before the end of October.
