Neco Blog

A new report on solar module recycling has offered some interesting insight into the need for a solar PV recycling industry.

The global solar power industry has had massive growth in the last decade, growing by 40% between 2000 and 2010. Much of the growth comes from increased solar power installations throughout Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, USA, Japan and France.

Each year Australians produce 21 million tonnes of waste. This would fill a line of garbage trucks from Melbourne to London and halfway back. This would fill a line of garbage trucks from Melbourne to London and halfway back. A large percentage of this waste is produced by our schools. 

Neco will back at the Melbourne Sustainable Living Festival at Federation Square in 2012. The Sustainable Living Festival celebrates and showcases the very best examples of ecological and social sustainability and runs from Friday 17th February until Sunday 19th February. 

Energy prices are on the rise, and that rise will be quicker than we expect, according to new forecasts.

A new technology is being developed that looks to make solar power cheaper than ever.

It’s bad news for solar companies but good news for consumers. 

Recent discussion has been mounting about how solar power can assist those throughout the world that do not have access to electricity.

Neco will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period from December 24th until January 2nd.

Cutting the unknown cost of standby power

Solar energy is big business, a recent editorial in the Canberra Times states. Recent figures from Bloomberg New Energy Finance show that global investment in renewable power is expected to reach nearly $US400 billion annually by 2020.

We all know that household waste increases over the festive season but it's not just the extra food and drink that impacts our environment.

If there was ever a time to turn to solar energy, it would be this coming year. Increased electricity prices have been in the pipeline for some time, but we now know they will be hitting Victorians harder than expected.

The future of solar energy is looking good because the future of a lot of other industries is looking bad, says a recent article in Forbes magazine.

Christmas is a time for sharing food and drink and celebrating with family and good friends.

The town of Shepparton is the number one ‘solar power’ town in Victoria.

For one week beginning 9am Monday 5 December 2011 and finishing Midnight Friday 9 December 2011, Neco is having a Christmas Spend & Save Event!

Apple is making a big leap towards solar energy after being ranked ‘the least environmentally sound’ of the big technology companies earlier this year.

The Hookturn BYO Coffee Cup is getting dressed for Christmas!

Japanese electronics company Panasonic is planning on building a new solar cell factory in Malaysia.

Christmas is the season of giving, and this year Neco is getting in on the act! We're giving away a $1000 Coles Myer gift card to one lucky customer who purchases a solar power or solar hot water service from us between now and 23rd December 2011. 

Solar energy is on the rise, with solar power installations expected to rise dramatically by the end of this year. A recent report from IMS Research found that global solar photovoltaic (PV) (or solar cells) installations will reach 24GW in 2011, despite an initial slow start to the year. This will be a rise from 19GW in 2010.

So we all know that a massive use of electricity on a single day means energy costs skyrocket. But did you know exactly why? And what does that mean for big electricity companies?

In order for your parcel to arrive before Christmas please see our shipping guide below.

Almost 200 Australian public schools are waiting on a national funding deal that will give eachof them $50,000 in grants to spend on solar panels and other solar energy saving equipment.

Just when you thought that we couldn’t make solar power any simpler, we’ve gone and launched a brand new Neco channel on youtube. 

A new solar cell has been developed that has the energy efficiencies of 6.7 percent, which rivals the best polymer-based solar cells. A team from the University of California, Santa Barbara, has developed an energy efficient, organic, small-molecule solar power cell, and industry experts say this is important progress in the field of solar power development.

It seems that solar power is fast becoming a viable energy source throughout the USA, and there is strong public support behind it.

You may have heard us on the radio promoting the fact that an 8 panel Neco Solar Power system can deliver an 18 per cent return in the first year, and pay for itself in 5 years. Read on to find out how we worked this out.

Neco and 3AW are giving one lucky listener a chance to win a 2.4kW solar power system!  Simply tell us why you deserve to win this prize and join Breakfast with Ross and John weekday mornings from 5:30am (starting Monday 14 November 2011) for the announcement of the daily prize - a $200 voucher to spend at the Neco online shop.

Congratulations to Melissa Tan who is the winner of our Facebook Product Hunt Competition!

The Nillumbik Practically Green Festival held on Sunday was a great success! The sun was shining over Edendale Farm and the warm weather made it a fantastic day out.

Congratulations to our winner of the ACF Membership Referral Competition Trev Watts!

We all know that saving energy in the home is important for the environment and to reduce our electricity bills. With rising electricity costs, it is now more important than ever to use appliances with high levels of energy efficiency.

For the month of October Neco will be running a Facebook Product Hunt competition! Each Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Tuesday 4th October, we will be posting a Product Puzzle on our Facebook page.

What is BPA? Here at Neco we're always talking about our eco friendly drink bottles and lunch ware being BPA free, but what exactly is this substance and why is it bad?

Win an Australian Conservation Foundation Membership for you and a friend worth $65 each by referring a friend to our email newsletter!

The Victorian Premium Feed-In Tariff, which gives households with solar on their roof $0.66 for every kW of electricity that they export to the grid, is set to reach its cap in the next week or so. Order your solar system today to maximise your returns!

Congratulations to Sonja Barfoed and "Mustbethrifty" who are the winners of the Neco Twitter competition so far!

Our warehouse sale is on Saturday 25 June from 9am - 1pm. Come in for some great bargains and offers that will never be repeated! Please note that stock is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and all stock is sold "as is". There are no returns, and no warranties will apply to any stock.

Tweet your green questions to our Eco Expert on the Neco Twitter page to go into the draw to win a Neco Online Store $50 voucher!

Come down at grab a bargain at the Neco Warehouse Sale on Saturday June 25.

Saturday June 5 is the United Nations Environment Programme World Environment Day (WED).

This week is National 'Say Yes' Week.

A recent newspaper report suggest power bills will double in 6 years. That means that if you're paying $400 a quarter for electricity now, you'll be paying $800 a quarter in 2017! Scared? We are!

Mingle with fellow greenies at the Melbourne Sustainability Drinks next Wednesday 1^st

A report in the Herald Sun today claims that household electricity prices in Melbourne will rise by 30% or by $650 over the next 3 years, regardless of whether a carbon tax is introduced.

May is your last chance to benefit from the current solar rebates before they drop for good and prices rise by $2000 across the board. Make sure you order your Neco solar power system by 31st May to avoid disappointment.

Fair Trade Fortnight (7-22 May) is Australia's biggest annual celebration of all things fair trade

The Government announced changes to the STC multiplier yesterday. What does this mean for you and solar power prices? We explain it all - and no, the STC multiplier is not a fancy handtool you would find at Bunnings!

This week Melbourne is hosting the inaugural Clean Energy Week which brings together over 1500 delegates from around the world

Come visit Neco next weekend at the Stonnington Sustainable Living Festival on Sunday May 15th

According to reports in the Weekly Times, the Victorian Premium Feed-In Tariff is close to being fully subscribed. With no announcement on whether it will be extended, now is the time to install solar and secure your premium feed-in tariff.

Congratulations to Cassandra Sinclair who is the winner of last week's facebook competition.

In recognition of the power of millions of individual actions, Earth Day 2011 will be organized around A Billion Acts of Green: Personal, organizational and corporate pledges to live and act sustainably.

The last week has seen a massive crash in the value of carbon credits, or "Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) as they're technically known. The crash in price is good news for big polluters, and bad news for everyone else, especially solar power and solar hot water buyers.

Conservation group Earthwatch Australia is calling on residents and families to join the bandicoot watch to help protect long-nosed bandicoots at North Head, Manly from extinction.

Congratulations to Zoe Myers who is the winner of last week's facebook competition.

Neco is proud to be a sponsor of 3AWs Footy Preview in 2011. Footy preview runs for an hour or so before each AFL match broadcast on 3AW and includes news and reviews related to the game.

Neco’s favourite means of keeping up to date with sustainable living tips is through the Australian Conservation Foundations GreenHome Newsletter.

Congratulations to Edward Hooppell who is last weeks facebook competition winner. We were inspired by his tip that involved saving water and educating the next generation on living sustainably!

Water restrictions will remain in force in Victoria throughout winter,  what is your favourite water saving tip? Leave us a comment telling us your favourite tip to go into the draw to win a water saving pack worth $95!

Congratulations to our 3AW Call Bonus Winner, John. John's contribution to the Neil Mitchell program last week has landed him a Neco solar power system valued at $6995!

Don’t Forget to switch off for Earth Hour this Saturday 26^th March.

Join the millions of people all over the world supporting Earth Hour 2011.

Congratulations to the 2nd Orange Scout Group from Central West NSW who are the winners of our Clean Up Australia Day photo competition!

Contribute to the Morning Show on 3AW this week and go into the draw to win an hourly call bonus prize of a $200 Neco Voucher, and also go into the weekly draw to win a Neco solar power system valued at $7000!

The ACF are planning a family-friendly rally with climate allies at 11am this Saturday March 12 at Treasury Place, Melbourne, to show our support for putting a price on pollution. If you care about our environment, this is a good place to be!

Sharp rises in household power bills are being driven by rising electricity network costs and retailer margins, not renewable energy according to new analysis. Solar power is still one of the best ways for households to reduce energy costs.

We support the issuing of search warrants to bring down criminals who sought to illegally profit from the Home Insulation Program. However, honest companies like Neco are still suffering 12 months after the sudden cessation of the Program.

Don't forget about Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday March 6!

We believe everyone should be able to afford a quality solar power system. That's why we've slashed the price of our 1.5kW solar power system to $2490. You won't buy better quality for the price. But hurry - this deal ends 31 March.

Reports today that the desalination plant under construction to provide water for Melbourne will cost $654 million a year to run regardless of whether it produces any water, is further evidence that it would have been better (and cheaper) to install a water tanks in every Victorian household.

Thanks to everyone that came and visited Neco at the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne this weekend.

You may have seen in "The Age" on Saturday a full page advert about Smart Meters. While we're fans of the power companies, we do applaud their efforts to improvecommuncation regarding smart meters.

Come visit Neco this weekend at the Sustainable Living Festival on the River Promenade in Melbourne for fair specials, product info and to just say hello!

Neco is having a solar power sale! Until the 28 February, you can buy a 1.5kW solar power system fully installed within Greater Melbourne for only $2790 or $24 a week (conditions apply)!

Tired of power bills? Sign up with Neco for solar power before the end of February, and we'll pay your last power bill up to $500 (excludes 1.5kW systems)

We're looking for suitably qualified, experienced Electricians to join Neco in 2011. Positions are available in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and a generous reumeration package is on offer.

The staff at Neco would like to wish all our past, present and prospective customers a happy festive season, and a safe, prosperous and GREEN new year. Our office will be closed from 12:00pm on Friday 24th December 2010, and will reopen at 9:00am on Tuesday 4th January 2011.

Christmas is fast approaching, which means you'll need to get your orders in now to have your presents delivered in time for Christmas. Read more about our Christmas and New Year delivery arrangements.

Have you seen our latest newspaper ad? It contains details of a fantastic solar bonus that could net you up to $1000 in bonuses, compliments of the season... and Neco!

We've seen a drastic drop in the price of renewable energy certificates (RECs) over the last 2 weeks. Here we tell you why the price is dropping, what it means to solar buyers, and how to spot a shark!

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet today announced amendments to Solar Credits - in effect, a reduction in rebates.

At Neco, we like helping our customers reduce their power bills, and the easiest way to do this is to  reduce your power usage, and to produce your own power. By reducing and producing, the average home could save $744 on power bills every year

Christmas has come early for Neco solar customers. Order any Neco solar power system between now and Christmas, and receive free LED lights or insulation valued at up to $1000!

Christmas is just around the corner. Make it a green Christmas with Neco's top 10 tips to make your festive season more sustainable and kind to our environment.

 Ethical consumer guide is running a 'No Impact November 2010' as part of their month long Household Action Challenge. The specific week long challenge starts today and runs until Thursday the 18th of November

Like to win a Wattson energy meter? Simply request one of Neco's new bumper stickers and send us a photo of the sticker in an interesting or memorable place. Hurry - competition closes 17 December 2010.

Check out Neco's new bumper stickers - it's another way you can tell your power company to get stuffed! Wear it with pride on your car, and stay tuned for a great promotion that could net you a nice prize.

Seems Kylie and Jeff's neighbours will also go with Neco solar. Call us to find out what all the fuss is about, and to arrange your own free, no-obligation site inspection.

8-14 November 2010 is National Recycling Week.  Now in its 15th year, National Recycling Week is an established annual education and behaviour change campaign. National Recycling Week aims to improve the environmental benefits of kerbside, industrial and community recycling programs.

Neco attended the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair held in Hong Kong from 27-30 October 2011. The fair showcased over 2000 lighting exhibitors from around the globe, and is the best place to see the latest and greatest in LED lighting technology.

Have you seen our new newspaper ads? Look out for them in your local paper, and then give us a call to find out how you can tell your power company to "Get Stuffed"!

It was the Bathurst 1000 last weekend and up to 2 million people around the country watched the great race. But have you ever thought about the emissions produced as 31 V8 Supercars race for 1000km?

Have you heard our new radio ads? Listen out for them over the next few weeks on 3AW and Magic1278. And then contact us to find out how to tell your power company to "get stuffed"!

Live in Melbourne and looking for something to do this weekend? Why not check out Habitat21, VicUrban's latest living centre showcasing five new architectually designed green homes. While you're there, check out Neco's solar panel installation and our electric car in the garage!

We worked out that a that a Neco 5W GLS LED lamp will last 20 times as long and save almost $6 every year, when compared to a 28W GLS halogen lamp producing the same amount of light. With power bills rising, it all adds up!

10/10/10 is the 350 Global Day of Action. 350.org is an international campaign that's building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis. 10/10/10 is a day to show our leaders and politicians that we want change!

Australian’s consume around 250 million litres of bottled water each year. It takes 3.4 megajoules of energy to make a typical 1-litre plastic bottle. Drinking water out of the tap only requires 0.2 megajoules. What a waste.

Friday 1 October is Walk to Work Day. Walking to work is a great way to stay active and healthy. It's also a great excuse to leave the car at home and save some carbon by walking!

PM on ABC Radio ran an interesting story on household complaints with regard to solar panels. It drums home the fact that you need to be careful about who installs solar on your roof!

22 September is World Car-Free Day. It's a day to ditch the car and take the bus, ride a bike, even walk! Cars are one of the major sources of pollution in our atmosphere, and are also party responsible for global warming.

We worked out that if everyone “TV-pooled” during the AFL Grand Final, the amount of electricity saved would be equal to around 245 megawatts of electricity. That’s equal to around 270 tonnes of carbon, 1067 native trees, or 65 cars off the road for a year.

Neco Managing Director Michael Tempany was interviewed in The Australian newspaper dated 18 September 2010 in relation to revelations that the Government's Insulation Industry Assistance Package (IIAP) fund has already been exhausted and that a further $15 million is required.

BlueGen was recently featured on the Channel 7 Sunrise program. Neco is a distributor of BlueGen, and we're interested in speaking to anyone who would like to buy one of these amazing units for their home or business.

Mount Buffalo in Victoria received 262mm of rain over the last week. That means that a staggering 81 billion litres of water fell on Mount Buffalo alone – enough to fill over 32,000 Olympic swimming pools. How much water regularly falls on your patch of land, and how do you harvest it?

Sign up to receive the Neco newsletter and go into a monthly draw to win an annual Australian Conservation Foundation membership valued at $65. The membership includes 4 issues of the Australian Conservation Foundation Magazine Habitat.
 

Ever stopped to consider how many halogen lamps are in Australia, and what they might cost to run each year, both in terms of electricity, and in terms of carbon emissions? We worked it out!

We've uploaded our Neco LED savings calculator so you can work out for yourself the savings you could make from installing 6 watt Neco MR16 and GU10 LEDs.

According to official figures from the Australian Electoral Commission, the recent Federal Election was forecast to cost over $100 million. Hypothetically, how else could that money have been spent?

House full of halogens? Turn it into a house full of LEDs, for free! Purchase $500 of Neco LEDs and repay over 12 months with the savings you will make from getting rid of those halogens.

Confused by solar power? Want to understand how much you could save? Email, fax or post a copy of a recent electricity bill to us, and we'll tell you what size solar power system you would need to supply 25%, 50% or 100% of your power needs.

Now is the time to improve the efficiency of your home. Click here to read Neco's basic guide to increasing the efficiency of your home, as presented at the 2010 HIA Build Green Expo.

We all love our coffee, and for good reason. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact of all those disposable coffee cups? Australian's go through 660 million disposable coffee cups a year!

We've almost clocked up 12 months of kilometres on our Blade Electric Vehicle and we couldn't be happier!

Have you heard the Neco advertisements on the radio?

As Australia's respective football codes enter their final rounds of regular competition, it's interesting to dwell on the environmental impact of that most simple of pleasures - the shower.

The Leaders Debate on 24 July 2010 attracted 3 million viewers - or the equivalent of 563 tonnes of carbon. Seems like the leaders weren't the only ones producing hot air.

Are you a building owner or manager participating in the City of Melbourne 1200 Buildings Program? If so, Neco can help you achieve your goals.

Have you ever wondered how much carbon is produced by Masterchef?

A new round of funding has been announced as part of the National Solar Schools Program.

Neco is moving offices 10-11 July.

Check out our latest specials. And sign up to our newsletter to be the first to receive new offers.

Kevin Rudd may be out of the top job, but his legacy lives on in our warehouse. We've recently moved to new premises, which meant moving our insulation...at a cost of $30,000.

BlueGen featured on the 7:30 Report tonight. The report highlighted the lack of support that BlueGen has received from the Government. Support BlueGen and support a ground-breaking technology developed here in Australia.

A report released by the CSIRO today has found that BlueGen can produce fewer carbon emissions than a grid-connected solar power system. Call Neco today to learn more about BlueGen, and to purchase one of these amazing units.

We’re excited to launch our new website. Our new website has been designed with our consulting customers in mind. We want to make it easy for you to find out about our products and services, and then to contact us.

Our customers have told us that whilst they love to visit our store, what they really want is for us to visit them. In response, we are closing our Blackburn store and delivering great service through our Green Living Consultants.

Neco appeared in the Whitehorse Leader over the Government's backflip on the Home Insulation Program. The Government owes Neco around $600,000 in costs.

Derryn Hinch spoke to Michael Tempany, Managing Director of Neco. Derryn was interested in the impact the Government’s decision to completely shelve the Home Insulation Program had on small businesses like Neco.

Steve Price spoke to Michael Tempany, Managing Director of Neco. Steve was interested in the impact the Government’s decision to completely shelve the Home Insulation Program had on small businesses like Neco.

Greg Hunt is the Shadow Minister for the Environment and a vocal critic of the Government's botched Home Insulation Program. To his credit Greg has tried to help affected businesses like Neco.

The Government really messed-up on the Home Insulation Program. Whilst the policy intent was good, the execution was appalling. Neco wrote to Greg Combet, the Minister charged with cleaning up the mess.

The end of the Home Insulation Program saw Neco make the front page of the local paper for all the wrong reasons. Our story is typical of many honest insulation companies.

Neco wasn't on the lawns of Parliament House when Kevin Rudd came out armed with his pen and notebook. But we were just as angry back at our Blackburn offices!

The Age picked up on the sad story of Neco employee Kerri Borg, who was one of 80 Neco workers to lose their jobs in the wake of the Government's abrupt cancellation of the Home Insulation Scheme.

The Australian picked up on Neco's plight after the Government decided to cancel the Home Insulation Program overnight. The policy intent of the program was good, but the execution was appalling.

The Government’s decision to end the Home Insulation Program so suddenly was the wrong move. Read an open letter to the media from Neco Managing Director Michael Tempany explaining why.

Neco featured on ABCs Lateline on the day the Home Insulation Program was cancelled. Neco felt like it needed to bring to people's attention the human impact of the poorly-managed scheme.