Changes to Solar Incentives…There is Still Time to Act!

There has been a rush for homeowners without solar power to install prior to December 2016.  Why?

From 1st January 2017, the government solar incentive, which provides a significant discount off the upfront cost of a solar system, is due to be phased out.

The incentive has had a huge influence on accelerating the growth of solar in Australia to the point where over 1.5 million homes now have solar panels installed.

Currently, for a 5kW solar system, which is large enough to meet the energy requirements of a medium-sized family home, the average incentive is $3,914. This incentive comes as a one-off payment which is usually used as a discount off the upfront cost.  On January 1st, for the 5kW system example, the incentive will drop approximately $260. This will happen again every year until the rebate completely disappears.

In order to qualify for the current, full incentive, your system must be installed and commissioned by the cut-off date of 31st December 2016.

There has been a misconception that solar incentives have already been cut.  Why?

What has essentially changed is the feed-in tariff.  The feed-in tariff is the money you receive when your solar system produces energy you cannot use and pushes it back into the grid.

Across Australia, the feed-in tariff was very generous, 4-5 years ago, and many households made a lot of decent money from it.  However, this is all relative, because at the time installing a solar system was also very expensive.  For example, a small 1.5kW solar system would have cost you around $10,000.

Because of advances made in solar technology and huge competition in China helping to drive prices down, you can now purchase a family sized 5kW system for as little as half that.

Advantages of Solar Power…Is it worth it?  Why?

Even if you put aside the compelling eco-friendly argument for solar power, and just look at the economic benefits.  It absolutely is!

  • Investment paybacks as short as 3-5 years.
  • Protection from rising electricity costs.
  • Electricity bills cut by up to 75%.

With the STC incentive phasing out from January, now is the time to get quotes and run the numbers.  The financial case may never look stronger than right now.

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Sheree Atkinson
Rated 5.0
April 11, 2023

Lee made the selling of a deceased loved one's unit a smooth process at a difficult time. He ensured continued exposure of the property in the market and guided me through the requirements and decisions needing to be dealt with. I found Lee to be very capable, friendly and reliable and would highly recommend him to other sellers.

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Diane Harrison
Rated 5.0
February 12, 2022

I highly recommend Lee and his Team to anyone wanting to sell. There were numerous issues along the way of our sale, which delayed the final settlement by months (none at the fault of our agents). Lee talked everyone through all the issues and ensured that everything was resolved with minimal fuss. He saved the day (and the sale) on numerous occasions and kept things on track when we had all but given up. Many thanks

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Graeme Smith
Rated 5.0
February 3, 2022

I was very satisfied with the assistance provided to me by Lee personally and his support team. Real estate dealings can be very stressful but Lee did not create any stress for me. Thanks Lee.

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Carolyn Brewer
Rated 5.0
February 2, 2022

Lee was amazing throughout the whole sale process. We'd actually met Lee years earlier when we were thinking of selling and he gave us his books. We kept them and read through when we were ready to sell and called him again. We followed his advice to get our home sale ready and we had record numbers through on our first open home. We got numerous offers well above our asking price and received $50k over the asking price! Lee and Justin are a fabulous team, so professional and really know the real estate market. We're glad we chose them as our agents and would highly recommend them.

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Randall Burow
Rated 5.0
February 2, 2022
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Corrie Hemming
recommends
February 1, 2022

I found Lee to be knowledgeable, efficient and helpful. He assisted me with my home purchase and was able to guide me through the process.

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Carly C C
Rated 5.0
January 30, 2022
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Arthur Collins
recommends
January 30, 2022

After listing our home with other agents for 3 months with out any luck, Lee had it sold within a week of listing it and at a price above what the other agents said we would get. would recommend Lee any time.

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Lynda Michel
recommends
January 28, 2022

Lee and his team were simply amazing. From the marketing right through to the sale of our precious home. Highly recommend for a professional property agent.

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Ian Mayers
recommends
January 28, 2022

From the first meeting until the last we knew we had made the right choice with Lee, Justin and the team at Leading Realty. No nonsense honesty is what you get, no hidden costs, very upfront and a great deal all round. The follow up was fantastic, really more than helpful. Cannot praise nor thank them enough

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ian mayers
Rated 5.0
December 8, 2021

Would highly recommend Lee and his team. Very helpful, professional and courteous. Excellent result for the sale of our home. Sale was Well over list price and sold in four days. Kae and Ian Mayers

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Wilma Fratter
Rated 5.0
November 1, 2021

Always a pleasure working with Lee and Leading Realty team. Exceptional communication and professionalism. Looking forward to be apart of their marketing team.

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Karen Giumelli
Rated 5.0
April 16, 2021

Lee and his team have just sold our property in Bli Bli for well above the listed price. His professionalism and attention to detail when listing our property resulted in multiple offers at the first open home that exceeded all our expectations. Lee guided us through the whole process from listing to sale with patience and good humour making it stress free for us.

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Carla Humphreys
Rated 5.0
April 14, 2021

I was lucky enough to work with Justin Christopher, he was a pleasure to work with, very friendly and professional.

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Natalie Atkinson
Rated 5.0
April 14, 2021

I have dealt with Lee and his team for over 10years. His professionalism, knowledge and hard work is a true asset to himself and his clients. I am confident in recommending Lee to anyone wanting to buy or sell real estate on the Sunshine Coast. Thanks for all your hard work.

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Dave Graham
Rated 5.0
March 5, 2021

The team at Lee Sutherland are superb! Their friendly, responsive team will do everything they can to assist. Highly recommended if you're looking for a Real Estate agent on the Sunshine Coast.

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Naomi Twyford
Rated 5.0
March 1, 2021

Lee & Justin are one of the best agents on the Sunshine Coast! Their passion for acheiving the best result possible for thie clients is unrivalled. I have had the pleasure of knowing them both for just over 4 years and during this time I have seen the lengths they will go to for their clients. Congratulations gents on building such a powerful real estate team - Naomi

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charlie brown
Rated 5.0
January 22, 2021

Lee and Justin are the best agents we have ever dealt with. They are kind, courteous, knowledgeable, proactive and honest. They are the very best in their field and always have their client's well being in all their negotiations. If they say to do something...just do it! you will be amazed at the result. Lee was able to return an extra $30k above listed price by utilising his immense knowledge of the Real Estate industry. You cannot go wrong.

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Jamie Thorburn
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January 23, 2020

Just bought a house in Buderim. Lee and Justin were the agents for the seller - they were a pleasure to deal with: friendly, thoroughly professional, and always ready to respond to our call or email. Thanks guys! We’re planning to stay here for quite a while - but if we were to sell up, without any hesitation this team would be our first call.

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