Fast Movers SA 2010
Issue No. 56 - Month/Month year
ZEN tips $100m on lateral thinking
Fast Mover 2010 winner, ZEN Home Energy Systems achieved an impressive 484% increase in turnover despite GFC hangovers in the Australian housing market, thanks to strong demand nationwide for home energy and solar hot water systems.
And the Adelaide-based firm aims to continue, with CEO Richard Turner engaging in several innovative collaborations.
Recently, ZEN introduced a Solar Home Loan Calculator which shows homeowners how to leverage their home equity to install solar power and gain a secure and cheap power source.
“We’ve known for some time now it is cheaper to produce your own energy at home than buy, but one of the biggest barriers facing householders is finding the cash to finance installation of a whole home solar energy system,” Richard says.
“Currently the only other solar funding alternatives in the market are consumer finance packages which still can put strain on the household budget as the high interest rates offset the savings.
“But by using equity instead, you can effectively make the bank your power company with no change to household cash flow.
“The Solar Home Loan Calculator can show home owners how to take 10 years off an average mortgage and save up to $100,000 in interest payments.”
ZEN developed the calculator with financial services company Bernie Lewis Home Loans.
Recently ZEN and the Local Government Association created the Solar Councils Community Program which advises residents on renewable energy solutions - particularly solar home energy and solar hot water systems. Also, ZEN has been “swamped with calls” from SA schools wanting solar power systems under the national solar schools grant program with about 40 schools in SA and Mildura looking to install solar panels.
ZEN offers schools a unique Environment, Consumption and Generation education module. The web-based program whi...
