Welcome to the Future of Energy
We are excited to have partnered with Members Energy to provide our customers access to their revolutionary Solar + Battery Members Plan!
The revolutionary Solar + Battery Members Plan enables solar and battery homeowners access their Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and sell their solar battery power at a premium price during peak demand periods. Not only will you be able to trade your energy during peak demand periods, but you will also be able to use the energy stored in your solar battery to use at night for free, rather than buying it from the grid!
As part of our pilot program, we’re offering a substantial discount on one of the eligible solar battery systems for a limited number of units in participating states.
How will it work?
On days of peak-power demand (like when there is a heatwave and everyone wants to use their aircon at the same time), there is too much demand on the grid for energy which they can’t supply. These events can trigger the cost of energy to spike to a premium price on the energy market in order to be able to supply to the public.
This is where you come in.
As part of the energy plan, you will join a community of like-minded solar homeowners with solar batteries, creating a solar energy power plant, with the capabilities of powering homes (similar to how coal-powered plants do).
When these peak trade events happen, Members Energy will sell your stored energy on your behalf, at sometimes over 10-20 times the standard feed-in tariffs currently offered, making you much more money!
Don’t worry though, Members Energy won’t use all of your power! Members Energy will keep reserve power in your battery for you to use, ensuring you are always better off as part of the energy plan.
Products Available
HIVE 2.9kWh
HIVE 5.8kWh
Tesla Powerwall 2
EVEREADY®
* Limited units available per month
General FAQs
Why a pilot program?
These types of energy plans (also known as Virtual Power Plants) are part of the transition of the Australian electricity network moving away from coal towards renewable technologies that ultimately aim to save the consumers money.
To be able to pass on the maximum savings on your electricity bill using the renewable technology, we require a critical mass of participants to ensure we can access all potential revenue streams in the electricity market.
This pilot program is a critical part of our research and development pipeline. It will allow us to hit critical mass faster, meaning customers can access the savings faster too.
It’s not uncommon for facilitators to undertake trial programs as part of establishing critical mass for these virtual power plants. South Australia currently has a number of trials underway.
What is the substantial discount?
The substantial discount varies depending on the product that your home qualifies for. On top of this, we have included $1,990 worth of additional benefits around the servicing and monitoring of the battery and original solar system for 5 years. Ensuring that the maximum amount of energy is being produced and traded at all times when connected to the energy plan.
How will I benefit from it?
The system uses unique intelligent control software that monitors your solar and energy usage 24/7. It is actually looking at 42 points of data every 5 minutes and is fine tuning how your system should work for you to make the most out of your investment, saving you more money on your energy bills!
Energy plans that access the open energy market have shown they can provide customers with the ability to sell their stored power for up to 10-20 times during peak trading events.
What is the difference between the energy plan and a virtual power plant?
The Members Energy Solar + Battery Members Plan offering is the same concept as a Virtual Power Plant. Members Energy have simplified the name and communication to make it easier to understand.
When will the energy plan go live? (Updated 20/6/2021)
Updated 20/6/2021
We are excited to announce the Members Energy Solar + Battery Members Plan has now launched and are now contacting the initial participants to connect to the energy plan.
Why do you have to run through the suitability questions before giving me a price?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide a price without first establishing your suitability for one of the products in the Energy Plan Pilot Program along with essential installation factors that will determine the accurate price for an installation at your property.
Not every home qualifies for a solar battery and to participate in the Energy Plan Pilot Program, nor are the installation factors the same, therefore we must step through some simple qualification questions to establish the suitability of the product for every household.
What is the substantial discount?
The substantial discount varies depending on the product that your home qualifies for. These discounts are on the usual price we have sold these products for prior to the launch of this pilot program. On top of this, we have included $1,990 worth of additional benefits around the servicing and monitoring of the battery and original solar system for 5 years. Ensuring that the maximum amount of energy is being produced and traded at all times when connected to the energy plan.
What is the warranty period?
Depending on the product you choose, the product warranty period is between 5 and 10 years. We do have options to purchase an extended warranty should you wish. Any warranties you are entitled to under Australian Consumer Law will also apply.
Does this program comply with all relevant Australian consumer laws and consumer rights and protection?
This program has been reviewed by trade practice lawyers, to ensure the program meets all the requirements of Australian Consumer Law and all facets of consumer protection and consumer rights.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes! We have many customers who prefer to enter into a payment plan. These programs are offered through third party payment providers and more information can be provided upon enquiry.
What information do you collect on me?
As part of the eligibility assessment, we may ask information about your energy usage and solar system in order to check you meet the criteria to participate.
Further to this, the intelligent control software will give us the ability to monitor the performance of your system and make ongoing recommendations on how to further reduce your energy costs. You will also have access to this information via the portal.
Will the information you collect be shared with anyone else? How can households be sure of their privacy?
Sunbank Solar does not disclose any personal information to any third parties, in line with our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer. This can be viewed here
Your letter mentions 10-20 times the standard feed-in tariff at times. What does this mean?
The Members Energy Solar + Battery Members Plan operates on a Virtual Power Plant model. That means, you will be selling your stored energy in the battery on the open energy market when demand is high, which can be up to 10-20 times the standard feed in tariff.
For example, if you usually sell your energy back to the grid for 6 cents per kWh, you could sell it back at times for $1.20 per kWh. It’s worth noting that we will only do this when it is a financial benefit to you to sell it back at higher rates than what you pay for electricity. And, when the energy price is low or dips into negative, you will still be paid the minimum feed-in tariff.
Questions about the business
Who is Sunbank Solar?
Here at Sunbank Solar, we pride ourselves on being Australia’s largest residential solar battery provider and solar panel installation and maintenance specialists. We strive to provide all our customers with the latest technology in solar products and ensure a truly personalised installation experience, whether you’re new to solar or expanding an existing system.
Backed by over 30 years’ combined industry experience, and as a proud signatory of the Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer Code of Conduct, we are committed to providing a higher standard of quality and service, raising the bar in the solar industry.
Is Sunbank a member of the necessary industry and government bodies?
Yes. Sunbank Solar is a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer and a member of the peak solar industry body – Smart Energy Council. We also hold ISO 9001 and all necessary industry accreditation’s.
Who is Members Energy?
Members Energy is a community of like-minded solar owners building Australia’s future with renewable energy.
With their next-generation Solar + Battery Members Plan you can access the energy market to maximise the money you make from your solar.
The Pilot Plan is now CLOSED.
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