We were interested to read with interest a scheme that could be of interest to prospective Adelaide solar system owners introduced by a company called Shinehub.
They have introduced a scheme that offers free solar panels system installation along with a solar battery storage system. The ‘payment’ is via a scheme whereby you pay for the solar energy produced for a period of twenty years. They claim 
that the rates that you pay for that solar energy is, in the case of South Australia, at a rate that is between 20 percent and 50 percent of current electricity rates. During periods when the solar panels are not producing electricity nothing is paid. As well of covering the ‘upfront costs of the solar panels and solar battery system, along with the installation costs they say that they cover any maintenance costs that occur (eg should the solar inverter, panels and batteries fail).
Who Does The Solar Installation?
Reading through their website, they say that they have partnered with solar installation companies.
Is The ‘Price’ That They Charge For Electricity Produced Fixed?
They claim that the rate is fixed for the twenty year period
Who Owns The Solar System At The End Of The 20 Year Period?
Again, referring to their website, they say that after the 20 year period that the homeowners can buy the system outright for $1. During the 20 year period homeowners with the solar system installed have an option to purchase the system outright at a ‘discounted’ rate.
Our Initial Thoughts
The scheme charges customers for all power produced by the solar system, whether it is ‘used’ or not (in the home, or charging the battery). So, if, for example, you are away for an extended period, you are still paying for the power produced by the solar system. It appears that excess electricity produced by the system does not attract any ‘feed in tariff’. It would be wise to crunch the numbers for YOUR particular situation – eg: what is your typical electricity bill / electricity usage? How does this scheme compare to simply buying your own solar system tailored to your particular power usage? Of course, for some people, they cannot afford the initial ‘upfront’ costs of having a solar system installed in Adelaide. However there are ‘green loans’ available that could make it more worthwhile than going with this scheme. As usual with solar, it is a matter of doing your research thoroughly.
Note: We have no connection in any way with Shinehub
Their website is at: https://www.shinehub.com.au/