O’Donnell Griffin to install domestic solar systems for Origin Energy

Origin Energy recently appointed O'Donnell Griffin to drive the installation of its domestic solar energy solution across homes in SA, WA and NSW, which is projected to be a $20 million national installation program by 2013.

With rapid growth forecast for the solar energy industry due to greater general awareness of the impact of carbon-intensive electricity generation, Origin Energy sees the domestic market as primed for broader adoption of solar energy.

Origin Energy Solar Energy business manager Dominic Drenen explains: “We chose O’Donnell Griffin because of their strong commitment to customer service and HSE. They have an excellent track record in the supply and installation of electrical infrastructure around Australia and have already demonstrated a complimentary focus and desire in the area of sustainable energy solutions.”

O’Donnell Griffin national service manager Andrew Cross adds: “The all-round customer experience should be strong as it will be supported through a dedicated Origin Energy customer call centre, web interface and centralised reporting system. Pre-inspects are also a part of our proposed service solution, where we will be able to verify install requirements and identify any specific challenges in advance."

Both Origin Energy and O’Donnell Griffin are confident that the take-up by consumers will be strong as they face rising electricity bills and a growing demand to take environmentally positive action.

The first stage of the project will commence in December 2008 with 80 installations planned across NSW, WA and SA, followed by a multi-million-dollar national rollout of an estimated 20,000 solar panels projected to be installed by 2013.

Consumers are eligible for a federal rebate of up to $8000 and will be able to supply excess power back into the grid to further shorten the payback period of their solar energy units.