Jason Dougherty of Nambour was tired of getting $800 quarterly power bills during summer. After consulting with Dale Rhall of Energy Makers, he had a solar system installed and now he gets credits of between $350 and $400 a quarter in the hot season.

“I had done a lot of research and knew exactly what I wanted our system to do,” said Jason. “We have a lot of roof area and it made sense to maximise it. We also like to be able to run our air conditioning 24/7 during the hotter months. I called four solar companies who all told me that what I wanted could not be done. I got the impression that they were only concerned with selling me the system they wanted me to buy.

“Dale was completely different. He looked at what I wanted to achieve and found a way to make it happen. He was upfront and honest to deal with and made the entire process very easy. I couldn’t be happier.”

“There is an enormous amount of information (and misinformation), about solar energy,” Dale. “When I’m talking to my clients I strip back the jargon to help them make sense of how it works, and what type of system would best meet their needs. I encourage clients to look at this process as an investment strategy, rather than as a flat financial outlay,” he said.

“I had sold my Melbourne based security business in 2007 and moved to Ninderry,” Dale said. “I began working with a solar company which gave me an excellent grounding in solar energy, and how best to help people in both domestic and commercial situations.”

Dale formed Energy Makers  because he could see an opportunity to give clients better advice, a superior product, and more personalised service. “My company is not wedded to any particular products or systems, and we select from the best to tailor a system for you.

“I have found that even people who are sceptical about the merits of solar energy quickly change their tune when they see how much money they will save by making the switch in a smart and informed way,” he said. “Years down the track, I still hear from clients who tell me that they haven’t had a power bill since their panels were installed. It is incredibly gratifying.”

Yandina’s Rachelle Daly agrees. “I had my panels installed a couple of years ago because I was sick of getting $300 and $400 power bills. I live on my own and just felt this was a ridiculous amount of money to pay,” she said. 

“I felt really comfortable working with Dale because he was very patient and took the time to answer all of my questions, which really put me at ease. The panels I had installed are basically the best you can get, and now I get power bills that range between a few dollars, to a credit, every quarter. This is despite the fact that I still use my clothes dryer and run the air conditioner pretty constantly. It is fantastic to know that I never have to worry about getting a power bill again.”

• Contact Energy Makers www.energymakers.com.au Phone 1300 953 693 or Dale on 0428 896 767.