Solar Savings

De Haan Bodyworks in Tasmania has slashed its power bills in half by installing an 8.5KW solar system.

Last issue AP&P obtained a quote of Blackburn Motor Body in Victoria which didn’t stack up well for going solar. However, since that article was published two panel shops have been in touch to say that they have already installed solar power and are reaping significant savings.

Derek De Hann of De Hann Body Works in Devenport said: “We were putting in a new paint shop about 18 months ago with plenty of roof space, at the same time that electricity costs were going through the roof.

We decided to install a solar system. Although it was a good  time to go solar as there were more rebates about, the panels are even cheaper now.”
 De Haan reports that the system cost $52,000, took two days to install and
he calculates the maximum payback period will be four years – less if electricity prices continue to soar. He also points out that a certain amount of the install can be offset against tax, under depreciation.

When the new workshop office is completed, De Haan will have a big screen TV in reception that is connected to the solar panels. The screen will display, in real time, how much power the panels are generating and other interesting statistics such as carbon offset, displaying the workshops green credentials to customers in an immediate, graphic manner .

The local company that installed the system is Dynamic Power. Manager Adrian Luke said: “With the strong Aussie dollar, panels have become even more affordable.

A 10KW system can be fully installed today for just $40,000. A bodyshop would have payback in under five years.”