The ZEN Solar Communities Program

ZEN’s extensive experience in project managing community programs means not only an efficient program implementation, but a multifaceted program of community involvement in the process and its success.

Creation of jobs, sense of community, climate change action, emission reductions and strong leadership on behalf of the LGA are just some of the benefits which we all share.

Customer Management System

Council and Registered users will have full program visibility via the Online ZENCustomer Management System. This is an industry leading, proprietary Online Project Management System designed by the ZEN Management Team. Council will be provided a log-in and password for all installations related to the project and can monitor progress of all orders in the system complete with images and documentation.

The system has been designed to interface with the Australian Greenhouse Office and Power Utilities with the aim of providing an extremely high and consistent level of customer service over large projects involving many customers. This system is a World-leading technology, creating yet another significant benefit and driver of the success of the ZEN Solar Communities Program.

Quality Management Systems

ZEN has implemented complete Quality Program for the documentation and process fl ow of all ZEN Installations. This structure is based on the ISO 9002 guidelines for Continuous Quality Improvement and ZEN will commence Quality Accreditation to gain this endorsement in 2010.

ZEN Commercial Programs

ZEN Commercial division can also investigate the issues and opportunities for Councils to significantly increase uptake of solar energy on Council infrastructure. ZEN undertake and manage audits and recommendations for integration of renewable energy systems within Councils.

ZEN audits can include:

• Identify issues faced by all Councils
• Consumption analysis·
• Climate impact analysis·
• Electrical and wiring status reports·
• Infrastructure and roof space audits·
• Potential solar energy generation analysis

Our recommendations can include:

• Identification of opportunities
• Return on investment reports·
• Opportunities for bulk purchases·
• Federal and State Grant and Tariff reports·
• Budget Estimates for various scales of Solar System installations.

Major Project Installations

C-PREP: Community Purchase of Renewable Energy Products
(Initiated by the City of Victor Harbor) 2,000+ Residential Installations - 2009

This program has been endorsed by nine South Australian Councils and represents approximately 2,000 residential installations commencing in June 2009.

This program has followed on from the highly successful Towong Shire Council and Greater Hume Shire Council installations in NSW and Victoria.

The ZEN Solar Councils Program, in conjunction with the participating Councils, was awarded the Victorian Local Government Association’s “Award for Excellence in Sustainability” and following on from that the National Local Governments Association’s Award.

C-PREP: Community Purchase of Renewable Energy Products Participating Councils include:

• City of Victor Harbor
• Alexandrina Council
• Yankalilla Council
• Kangaroo Island Council
• Mount Barker Council
• Adelaide Hills Council
• Barossa Valley Council
• Light Regional Council
• Waikerie-Loxton Council

Council Testimonial

Victor Harbor Council – C-PREP Program (200+ Installations - 2009)

When Council tendered for a renewable energy partner we were entering new territory.

In a world of change it is imperative that partners are dependable. Following the selection process ZEN proved almost immediately that our faith in them was justified.

Their systems, attention to detail and thorough knowledge of the renewable energy area, has meant a trouble free program for Council and ratepayers alike.

In fact so successful has the model been that other authorities are now emulating it. Their contribution to ongoing programs with Council has meant major achievements in both our economy and ecology.

It is simple for me to recommend them. Don’t take my word for it, talk to their customers and see for yourself.

Roy Ramage
Economic Development Manager
Victor Harbor Council