WASHINGTON, D.C., August 6, 2025 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP), American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), and Advanced Energy United, released the following statement after submitting a joint rehearing request to urge the Department of Energy (DOE) to reevaluate their recent protocol issued with the stated goal of identifying risk in grid reliability and security:

“As demand for energy surges, grid reliability must rely on sound modeling, reasonable forecasts, and unbiased analysis of all technologies. Instead, DOE’s protocol relies on inaccurate and inconsistent assumptions that undercut the credibility of certain technologies in favor of others.

“Americans deserve to have confidence that the government is taking advantage of ready-to-deploy and affordable resources to support communities across the country. Clean energy technologies are the fastest growing sources of American-made energy that are ready to keep prices down and meet demand.

“Providing a roadmap that offers a clear-eyed view of risk is critical to meeting soaring demand across the country. The Department of Energy report missed the opportunity to present all the viable types of energy needed to address reliability and keep energy affordable. We urge DOE to reevaluate and enable those charged with securing and future-proofing our grid to meet the moment with every available resource.” 

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ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post Joint Statement from ACP, ACORE, and AEU on DOE Grid Reliability and Security Protocol Rehearing Request appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/joint-statement-from-acp-acore-and-aeu-on-doe-grid-reliability-and-security-protocol-rehearing-request/

While it’s widely known that solar power can dramatically cut your long-term electricity costs, the initial investment in a home solar panel system can be a major barrier for Australians.  

A high-quality residential system, such as a 6.6kW setup, can easily exceed $6,000, and for most households, that’s not spare change. 

However, luckily, in Australia, there’s a smart way to bridge this financial gap. That’s by choosing solar financing options! 

Unlike traditional forms of debt, solar financing can actually pay for itself over time, making the installation process easy and affordable for all groups of people.  

Moreover, by structuring the system properly, a well-sized and efficient solar system can generate significant savings on your energy bill. But not all financing options are created equal.  

The difference between a solar system that boosts your savings and one that drains your wallet often comes down to the financing terms you choose. 

Therefore, at Cyanergy, we’re here to walk you through 5 of the most effective ways to finance your solar panels in Australia. This will help you take control of your energy future, without creating any financial stress.

In this blog post:

• 
  
  How Much Does a Fully Installed Solar System Cost in Australia?
  

• 
  
  5 Common Methods For Solar Financing for Australians in 2025
  

• 
  
  Differences Between Solar Financing Options
  

• 
  
  Which Option is Right for You?
  

• 
  
  Wrap Up
  

How Much Does a Fully Installed Solar System Cost in Australia?

In Australia, the cost of a fully installed residential solar system in 2025 generally ranges between $3,500 and $10,000, depending on system size, component quality, and your geographical location. 

However, on average, the cost is $10,000, and people paid from $7,000 to $20,000 for their 10 kW systems.  

So, what causes the price differentiation of solar panels? 

1. The quality of panels and inverter brands, such as SunPower, Q Cells, or Fronius, may come at a higher cost.
2. Installer rates and reputation matter for cost variation.
3. Location is a factor, as urban areas often get more competitive quotes than regional or remote areas.
4. The type of roof and its installation complexity may increase the cost.
5. Optional battery storage adds $7,000–$15,000, depending on capacity. 

5 Common Methods For Solar Financing for Australians in 2025

Solar panel financing helps homeowners get the benefits of solar without paying the full cost up front. Instead, you pay in installments through loans, leases, or other payment plans, making solar more affordable over time. 

Don’t worry! It’s not just another debt; it’s a smart way to take control of your energy bills because a well-financed solar system can save you more money than the amount you spend on the investment.  

So, when you want lower power bills and enjoy more energy independence, going solar makes sense.  

But as soon as you start looking into the numbers, it can feel overwhelming. A quality solar system isn’t cheap. And for many Aussie families, it’s a big financial decision.  

Then come all the financial terms, such as zero-interest, buy now, pay later (BNPL), green loans, and solar leasing, which also leave residents even more perplexed. 

Find them confusing, too?  

So, let’s break down 5 ways to finance your solar panels in Australia to help you make the smartest, stress-free decision for your home and your wallet. 

1. Cash Payment

Investing in a solar power system can be highly profitable if you are debt-free and have available cash. Solar systems offer tax-free returns that surpass the current interest rates offered by banks or the government.   

For those who consume a significant amount of electricity during the day, a 6.6kW system costs $6,500. Typically, it recoups its cost within approximately five years, resulting in a 12% annual return.   

Even if you are away during the day, the returns may not be as impressive, but still exceed bank interest rates.  

Cash option is the Best For: 

• Homeowners with upfront capital. 

• Those who are cash-rich and debt-free. 

• Residents seeking maximum long-term savings. 

• Investors who are interested in a higher return on interest ROI with minimal risk. 
   

How It Works: 

Paying for your solar system outright is the simplest and often most cost-effective way to finance your panels. Here, you pay the full amount upfront, and from that point onward, all the energy savings go directly into your pocket. 

Pros of Cash Payment Method: 

• No interest or monthly repayment hassles.

• Full ownership from day one of panel installation.

• Maximizes return on investment.

• Eligible for federal and state incentives. 
   

Cons of Cash Payment Method: 

• High upfront cost of $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on solar panel size and battery storage capacity.  

2. Green Loans and Solar Loans

Green loans are personal loans offered by financial institutions that prioritize environmental and community support. They come with low-interest rates and are ideal for financing solar panels, energy-efficient windows, heat pumps, and air conditioning.    

These loans have flexible repayment periods ranging from 1 to 7 years and typically involve minimal setup fees, low ongoing fees, and no early repayment penalties.  

These loans are suitable for: 

• Homeowners who want ownership but prefer not to pay up front.

• Borrowers with good credit history. 

How It Works: 

Many Australian banks and credit unions offer green loans specifically for energy-efficient home upgrades, including solar systems.  

For example, if you borrow $5,000 over five years at a 5% interest rate, your monthly repayments would be around $94. Your electricity bill may be reduced by $100 or more monthly, potentially offsetting the cost entirely. 

Pros of Green Loans & Solar Loans: 

• Lower interest rates than personal loans.

• Flexible repayment terms of typically 1–7 years. 

• Allows you to own the system.

• It can be used for batteries and other energy upgrades. 
   

Cons of Green Loans & Solar Loans: 

• Requires a good credit rating.

• Still involves debt and interest, even though the rate is relatively low. 

3. Solar Leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

• System of Solar Leasing in Australia 

Solar leasing is a payment plan where residential and commercial customers in Australia make monthly payments to a solar supplier for a solar PV system installed on their property.  

Under a solar leasing plan, the system is leased directly from the solar company, and the customer repays the system’s cost over a period of five to ten years. However, interest is charged during the repayment period.   

This results in a slightly higher overall cost compared to the upfront payment.  

• How Does Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Work?  

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financing option where a company owns and maintains a solar system installed on a homeowner’s property. The homeowner only purchases the energy generated by the system.  

PPAs are gaining popularity due to their low, upfront costs, with homeowners paying a predetermined rate based on the solar energy generated on their property.  

The rates are typically fixed for the duration of the agreement, which can range from 15 to 20 years. 

Works Best For: 

• Households without upfront capital.

• Those who want to avoid maintenance responsibility.

• Renters or tenants. 

Pros of Solar Leasing and PPA: 

• Little to no upfront cost. 

• Lower energy bills from day one.

• The provider covers all the maintenance and repairs. 
   

Cons of Solar Leasing and PPA: 

• You don’t own the system.

• Long-term contract commitments

• Lower total savings compared to owning.  

4. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) for Solar

BNPL options enable you to spread your solar panel payments over time without incurring interest, typically over 6 to 60 months.  

With some companies, you can get up to $30,000 for solar or battery storage systems, with repayment plans ranging from 6 months to 5 years. 

How BNPL Works? 

Here, the customer chooses a solar system. Then, the BNPL provider pays the solar company upfront. The customer then repays the BNPL provider in installments. 

However, ensure you understand the repayment terms thoroughly. Some BNPL offers can become costly if you miss payments or don’t clear the balance within the interest-free period. 

Perfect Options for: 

• Budget-conscious homeowners.

• People looking for short-term finance without interest. 

Pros of BNPL: 

• Interest-free periods depending on conditions.

• Quick approval and no deposit are required.

• Can bundle solar with other cheaper home battery programs. 

Cons of BNPL: 

• Admin fees, late payment or other additional hidden fees may apply.

• After the interest-free period, higher rates may kick in. 

• Limited availability in some regions.  

5. Government Rebates, Incentives, and Feed-In Tariffs

The Australian Government offers a range of financial incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of going solar. These financing methods reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, making solar energy more affordable. 

Best For: 

• All homeowners and small businesses 

Some of the Best Rebates and Incentives for Solar Energy in Australia 

1. Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)

This federal scheme provides STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates), which are essentially rebates applied at the point of sale. Most installers factor this into their quote. Depending on your location and system size, STCs can save you $2,000 to $4,000 upfront. 

2. State-Based Rebates and Incentives

Several states offer additional rebates or loans to their residents. For example: 

• Victoria: Solar Homes Program offers rebates of up to $1,400, plus interest-free loans.

• New South Wales: Solar for Low Income Households trial and interest-free loans.

• South Australia: Subsidies for battery storage via the Home Battery Scheme

• ACT: Interest-free loans through the Sustainable Household Energy Saving Scheme.

3. Feed-In Tariffs (FiTs)

When your solar system produces more electricity than you use, the excess is fed back into the grid. Your electricity retailer pays you a feed-in tariff, typically 5- 15c per kWh. These ongoing savings can help you repay your loan or lease more quickly. 

Pros of Solar Rebates: 

• Reduces the initial cost of installing a solar panel.

• Long-term energy bill savings.

• Incentives are available to most Australians.

Cons of rebates and incentives: 

• Government policies and rates can change.

• FiTs vary greatly by retailer and location. 

Differences Between Solar Financing Options

Solar Leasing VS Buying: Which is more beneficial for you? 

Well, both leasing and buying solar panels allow homeowners to benefit from utility savings and reduce their environmental impact. However, deciding between leasing and owning solar panels is a crucial consideration, and it depends on your specific situation. 

For instance, leasing solar panels provides a more accessible option for customers who may not have the necessary upfront funds to purchase them.  

The homeowner does not own the panels through leasing, as a third party owns them. That means the leasing company owns the equipment.  

On the other hand, purchasing solar panels requires an upfront investment. Additional credits or reimbursements may be available based on state or manufacturer incentives at the time of purchase.  

However, you can also seek free quotes from Cyanergy for accurate pricing information. 

Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing an appropriate financing method can save you thousands of dollars annually on your energy bills. The choice ultimately depends on your financial position, property ownership status, and long-term goals.  

So, here we’ve done a quick comparison of different types of financing options to make your selection process easier:

Financing Option	Upfront Cost	Ownership	Monthly Repayments	Long-Term Repayments	Potential Risk Level
Cash Payment	High	Yes	None	Highest	Low
Green/Solar Loan	Low to Medium	Yes	Yes	High	Medium
Solar Lease & PPA	Low	No	Yes	Medium	Medium
BNPL	Low	Yes	Yes	Medium to High	Medium
Government Incentives & FiTs	Not Required	Yes	No	High	Low

Wrap Up

Over the decades, people have been using solar power to illuminate their homes, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and shielding themselves from rising electricity prices. 

Even though solar power ensures your energy freedom and lowers your energy bills, the way you pay for it matters a lot.  

Remember, selecting a specific finance option can make solar an affordable and worthwhile investment, but choosing the wrong one can turn savings into more stress. 

So here’s what you can do next!  

Review your budget and power bills. Determine whether you can pay cash or require a loan. Avoid rushing into lucrative but deceptive offers. Always compare full quotes with repayment details before agreeing to anything. 

Ready to make the switch?  

Contact Cyangery today and begin your journey with Solar Energy. We are here to find you the best deals on solar packages in Australia. 

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

Get Started

The post 5 Ways To Finance Your Solar Panels In Australia appeared first on Cyanergy.

5 Ways To Finance Your Solar Panels In Australia

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

Proactive Inspections: How CICNDT Is Changing Blade Inspections and Reliability

Wind turbine operators are entering a critical new era: longer turbine lifespans, aging assets, and tighter repowering timelines driven by policy shifts like the Inflation Reduction Act. In this evolving landscape, blade reliability is paramount — and Jeremy Heinks, founder of CICNDT, is on a mission to change how the industry approaches it.

In a recent episode of the Uptime podcast, Heinks spoke candidly about the current gaps in non-destructive testing (NDT) in the wind sector and how CICNDT is addressing them.

What Operators Are Finding – and Missing

Operators who have used CICNDT’s services are starting to understand the power of pre-installation blade inspections. One customer who brought in CICNDT for a sample check of brand-new blades discovered unexpected problems: “The sample showed that they have an issue with these brand-new blades,” he said.

Unfortunately, with the push to deploy stored or newly manufactured blades more than ever, quality issues remain a concern. Heinks and the CICNDT team have noticed an uptick in problems in recent months.

“The quality is definitely down,” he said.

NDT at this stage is not just convenient, it can catch issues before they turn into costly downtime.

When blade inspections show damage that occurred in the factory due to manufacturing issues, or in transport, it’s bad news, but good timing. The best time to fix the blade (and address warranty issues) is prior to installation.

“It is much easier for us to get the technology and the personnel to a blade that’s on the ground, ” Heinks said. “It’s cheaper, it’s quicker… It always comes down to access.”

Legacy Blades, Mystery History

The concern about hidden problems extends to stored blades, many of which have unknown histories. In one case, blades had been stored in a location that had flooded years prior.

“We get out there, we’re scanning laminates… and it just [gave] terrible signal,” Heinks said. Only after researching the site’s history did they learn about the submersion event. “Those are things you’ve got to look at, too.”

Even weather events like high winds can compromise blades on the ground: “They’ll start fluttering in ways they’re not designed to,” Heinks said. “NDT is the only way you’re going to figure out if something is really wrong with them.”

A Modern Toolbox for Deep Inspection

CICNDT’s new lab in Ogden, Utah is outfitted with high-end inspection capabilities rarely seen in the wind industry, yet those tools are commonly used in aviation and defense. The company’s mission is to deliver focused, practical, robust Non-destructive Testing Solutions that address the needs of clients in Aerospace, including the Space Industry, and Renewable Energy.

“We’ve got… robotic CT, laser ultrasound, thermography,” he said, explaining that those technologies allow 3D inspection of components without destruction. “We can scan it and get a 3D image… without having to (enlarge or) damage the defect,” Heinks said.

The approach gives operators unprecedented clarity about issues like bonding flaws, root defects, or main spar cracks, especially in carbon fiber designs.

Blade Bolts: A Hidden Failure Point

Cracked blade bolts is another emerging issue that Heinks noted, and it’s another that CICNDT is well-equipped to address.

“We can definitely do a UT (ultrasonic) blade inspection… Whether it’s installed or not installed on the bolts,” Heinks said. He also mentioned development of a bolt monitoring system using sensors to track fatigue over time.

Critically, this type of proactive check could be performed quickly onsite.

Practical Inspection Strategies, Cost-effective Maintenance

One recurring theme in the interview was the need for practical expertise, and not just using technology for its own sake. “A lot of really cool robotics [are] coming out… [but] they don’t have the experience needed… and therefore, they can miss the mark,” Heinks said.

The goal should be “a practical approach to the inspection with automation.”

CICNDT also offers to train operators to perform “operator-level inspections” so issues can be flagged quickly before calling in a Level II or III technician.

Future-Proofing Wind Assets

With the U.S. wind fleet aging and uncertain repowering timelines, proactive inspections are more important than ever.

“We have a throwaway attitude when it comes to blades,” Heinks said, “but inspection and preventive maintenance is the way to go.”

He pointed to the example of wind farms in Australia and on remote islands, where turbines are expected to run for 30 years or more.

The key to longevity, according to Heinks? It’s plain common sense.

“Budget for more inspection on these things that we know will go bad over time.”

Heinks added that after repairs are made is also an important, and often-overlooked, line-item.

“Post inspection on repairs is always a good idea… It’s commonplace in aviation.”

The Bottom Line: NDT = More Uptime

Wind turbine operations managers should rethink inspection practices before damage becomes downtime. With tools like robotic CT, laser ultrasound, and ultrasonic bolt testing, CICNDT brings aviation-grade diagnostics to wind, and offers a path to asset longevity.

“Sometimes (operators) have had turbines offline for weeks, if not months, because they have an issue they don’t know they can do anything about,” Heinks said. NDT can ‘see’ the problem so a fix can be made – and the equipment can get back in service.

More Uptime is always the goal!

To reach CICNDT:

Call (801) 436-6512 or email info@cicndt.com

Connect on LinkedIn

Web: https://www.cicndt.com/

Listen to the interview Apple Podcasts or on Spotify

https://weatherguardwind.com/proactive-inspections-how-cicndt-is-changing-blade-inspections-and-reliability/