ZEN Horizen Winter Newsletter

Issue 1 AuTuMN / WINTeR 2012

Why it’s always a great day for solar

Hello USA, here comes ZEN!

Home power storage – now a reality

Solar Councils Program heats up

Fresh Franchise opportunities

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We are proud to say that ZEN is now widely regarded as the leading company in the Renewable Energy Industry in Australia. Recently, ZEN was called upon to provide both the New South Wales and South Australian State Governments with a technology update for our industry with a particular focus on new energy storage technologies.

This recognition was validated when I was invited to represent Australia at the International Cleantech Forum in San Francisco earlier this year.

This is significant because ZEN has secured cross-ownership with Greensmith Energy Management Systems from the USA. Over the last four years we have

Richard Turner CEO ZEN Energy Systems

been developing new ”Battery Management” Technology and

“Command and Control” software. This is a world-first that will enable cost-effective high density energy storage for your home or business.

Called the “ZEN Freedom Powerbank,” you will now be able to store your own Solar Energy and make it available 24 hours a day. It can also draw any extra power required when the grid is “off peak” for a lower cost top-up supply. Your Powerbank will become the primary source of energy for your home and allow you to have a completely self-managed power solution that avoids high-cost electricity.

HELLO ZEN CustOmErs aCrOss austraLia

3HOriZEN AUTUMN / WINTER 2012

New ZEN Freedom Powerbank energy storage systems are a world-first. You will now be able to store your own Solar Energy and make it available 24 hours a day. It can also draw any extra power required when the grid is “off peak” for a lower cost top-up supply!

For an average sized home, ZEN Freedom Powerbanks can even provide full back-up for up to 24 hours if the power goes down in the street.

ZEN’s ongoing success in a number of areas also means that we will soon be opening four additional new stores around Melbourne during 2012. In the meantime, feel free to drop in and say hello to us at any of our current retail stores nationally.

I am very pleased to announce that David White commenced with ZEN as our Chief Financial Officer in May.

David commenced his career as a Chartered Accountant working for Deloittes before moving into the commercial field with Fauldings.

More recently David has worked for two small to medium organisations, Minelab and Valex, which should equip him well to help ZEN develop its financial strength.

With the launch of our new technologies and our continued determination to help customers

“Live Free” we are excited about 2012/13 being another huge year.

Richard Turner CEO ZEN Energy Systems

4 HOriZEN AUTUMN / WINTER 2012

With so much newspaper doom and gloom about energy in Australia, ZEN’s promotional campaign for 2012 delivers a brighter side for people who want to enjoy the benefits of solar energy. You can expect to see more of ZEN on billboards, TV, radio, newspapers and online throughout the year.

But at ZEN, we know that “you only get what you pay for” and if you get a quality system then there’s never a bad time to invest in solar. In our experience, a lot of people have waited long enough for the

“right deal” to come along and have become frustrated by seeing all that glorious sunshine go to waste.

Solar energy is still relatively new but the market has recently been flooded with cheap and poor quality systems from various companies trying to cash-in on the surge of interest. Many of them have been using fear tactics and rising power prices to sell solar power to customers.

Our new campaign hopes to dispel the myths about solar and let customers know that as long as you have a quality system that is expertly installed, then it’s always a great day for solar.

You can read more about the campaign and watch the new commercial on the ZEN website, www.zenenergy.com.au

it’s a GrEat day fOr sOLar CampaiGN

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Scenes from ZEN’s new TV campaign

Our new campaign hopes to dispel the myths about solar and let customers know that as long as you have a quality system that is expertly installed, then it’s always a great day for solar.

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ZEN CEO Richard Turner was invited to represent Australia and speak at the highly regarded International CleanTech Forum held in San Francisco, now in its 10th highly successful year.

This is a one-of-a-kind eventEach year, the annual CleanTech forum attracts more and more innovators, top venture capitalists and investors, corporate leaders and policy-makers from around the world. This year’s agenda features unique speakers examining the theme of strategic partnerships in clean technology.

Ready to energise your future?

A limited number of new Victorian ZEN franchise opportunities will soon be available in 2012, including a flagship store in the metropolitan Melbourne area.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to energise your future using the established and highly successful business model used in South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia.

During 2012 ZEN will open a number of Victorian company stores to support four new franchise territories. For more information on Franchise opportunities contact 1300 796 766 or visit www.zenenergy.com.au

This is a one-of-a-kind event that covers world-wide advancements in a range of areas including utilities, solar, energy efficiency, biofuels, electric vehicles, transportation and more.

Richard’s invitation to speak at the event is a great honour and an exciting opportunity to continue ZEN’s focus on global advancements in solar technology and storage for Australian customers.

The CleanTech Forum was held in San Francisco, 26-28 March 2012.

ZEN CEO prEsENts iN tHE usa

NEW ViCtOriaN fraNCHisE OppOrtuNitiEs


ZEN now offers the most efficient evacuated tube hot water system in the market today and reduces your water heating costs by up to 80%.

The next generation of evacuated tube technology

The next generation of evacuated tube technology from ZEN offers better performance than traditional flat panel absorbers by maximizing heat gain from minimal sunlight. The range also allows for the perfect fit in terms of tank size, storage needs, usage and your climate.

Depending on your situation, installing a ZEN system could save you up to 80% of your current hot water heating bill.

ZEN’s next generation hot water system is making waves

HOt tOpiC: WatEr


ZEN recently identified an issue with a batch of aluminium clamps used to hold solar panels onto the framework. A fault in the anodizing process during production caused a number of these clamps to change colour.

ZEN prides itself on high quality installation

While this is purely an aesthetic issue that will not in any way affect the structural integrity of your system, ZEN prides itself on installing the highest quality systems, which includes their visual appeal. If you have noticed discolouration of your solar panel clamps, you are encouraged to contact us to rectify the issue. ZEN will also be happy to discuss any other topics about your system too.

Contact our Technical Team direct Telephone 08 8211 0699 [email protected]

CLampiNG sOLutiON

ZEN clamps before (left) and after (right)

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ZEN has dedicated customer service personnel that ensure our customers have a great experience

ZEN has a full internal team of dedicated technical support people including numerous "employed" electricians, system designers and engineers available to provide exceptionally high levels of ongoing customer support and warranty support if there is ever a need.

Very few if any of our opposition have anyone outside of their contract installers to service customer systems when something goes wrong.

Contract installers from these companies are generally not interested in going back to jobs if something goes wrong, they just want to do the fast install and get paid.

ZEN also has dedicated "after sales" customer service personnel that ensure our customers continue to have a great experience.

tECHNiCaL suppOrt aNd CustOmEr sErViCE

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ZEN Energy Systems has developed a revolutionary energy storage system that could literally change how the world uses electricity.

“This innovation is a real game-changer…”ZEN’s new Freedom Powerbanks allow people to store the energy they create whether it’s by solar, wind, or simply capturing off-peak power for use during more expensive times of the day.

ZEN CEO Richard Turner said, “This offers enormous benefits to householders, businesses and

even major utilities. The system lets you create and store your own power and have access to it 24 hours a day, just like a bank but for power.” That’s ‘base load’ renewable energy!

Richard said, “This innovation is a real game-changer that could see ZEN become a world-leader in this exciting new energy technology.”

Reliance on the public grid is greatly reduced with the additional security of having access to power even if the grid goes down. The new ZEN Freedom Powerbank energy storage systems will be available in residential, business and utility scale later in the year.

ENErGy stOraGE: a WOrLd-first frOm ZEN

With the introduction of our Utility Scale Energy Generation and Storage Systems to assist our Power Utilities to better manage Peak Loads in our Power Grid, ZEN is proud to announce the formation of our new “Power Systems” division lead by Marcus Keller.

Introducing our “Power Systems” division to operate at utility scale

This is an exciting step for ZEN and takes our breakthrough Energy Storage technologies direct to the Utility Market.

Our commercial division has also had a facelift to better target its mid-tier client base and will now be known as our “Business Systems” unit. With Tim Ielasi as division manager, ZEN Business Systems will align with our Residential Division and have representation through our Retail Stores and Franchisees in conjunction with Head Office.

BusiNEss rEstruCturE

Residential 20 kWh System


ZEN makes staying informed about your energy usage easy thanks to your in-home monitoring system. For further information regarding how to use your in home monitor or questions you may have please contact the ZEN Technical Support Department.

[email protected] 08 8211 0603

Staying informed about your energy usage is easy

ENErGy mONitOr tips

screen 1: power today Shows the amount of power generated so far for that day and overall total since the system was installed.

screen 2: power yesterday Shows you the amount of power generated yesterday.

screen 3: yield of last 31 days Shows the amount of power in kWh’s generated for the last 31 days.

screen 4: yield of last 12 months Shows the amount of kWh’s generated for the last 12 months.

screen 5: specific annual yield Once programmed, this will show you the peak power of your specific system e.g. 2kW, 3kW, 4kW, etc.

screen 6: revenue Revenue made on gross FIT scheme (not currently applicable for Australian installations).

screen 7: CO2 avoided Shows kilograms of CO2 avoided by not using normal electricity from the mains grid.

Scroll downwards to get to the next screen, upwards to go back to the previous screen. Note that “kWh” stands for “Kilowatt Hour.”


The Solar Councils Community Pilot Program is a great opportunity for residential communities to install solar energy, including solar home energy and solar hot water systems.

As part of the Program, the Local Government Association (LGA) of South Australia is supporting ZEN Energy Systems to expand its supply of quality solar energy systems at a community price. For each system installed, funds are allocated to the LGA for sustainable Research and Development plus other community investment opportunities.

ZEN allocates funds to the LGA for sustainable Research and Development

The Advisory Committee’s recommendations were considered by the LGA State Executive Committee in November 2011.

ZEN is pleased to advise that successful Council applicants for funding were:

adelaide Hills - $20,000 Local Energy Security and Investment Strategy;

tea tree Gully - $10,000 Renewable and / or energy efficiency feasibility studies;

Victor Harbor - $30,000 Sustainable lighting for community areas. Hybrid renewable energy options;

Campbelltown - $25,000 Community investment in renewable energy generation;

port Lincoln - $20,000 Solar installation and community education and awareness program;

mount remarkable - $25,000 Investigation of large scale solar farm development opportunities; and

flinders ranges - $20,000 Solar public lighting.

The outcomes from these various projects will be delivered during 2012 with final reports posted on the LGA website. Stay tuned!

Endorsed by

In 2011, the LGA encouraged additional Council applicants to apply for new funding opportunities. Applicants were assessed by an Independent Advisory Committee comprising representatives from Renewables SA; the LGA Climate Change Sector Agreement Steering Committee, Barbara Hardy Institute and the LGA Secretariat.

GrOWiNG COuNCiL prOGram

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ZEN Energy Systems has been appointed as the project partner for a community solar hubs program in North East Victoria.

The $500,000 program is funded through Sustainability Victoria and will provide a range of support to reduce energy consumption in the region.

Called the Solar North East Program, this important initiative operates across seven councils areas: Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Mansfield, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Key to the program’s success is determining the most suitable solar system for generating electricity that will save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To date ZEN held 23 information sessions resulting in over 250 Home Energy Systems orders to be installed.

ZEN was chosen as the principal partner on the basis of overall system performance and efficiency, warranty conditions, product quality and organisational capabilities.

ZEN would like to acknowledge ET Solar and SMA Solar Technology for their support of this program.

Key to the program’s success is determining the most suitable solar system

BiG ViCtOriaN rEspONsE tO ZEN

If you refer someone by August 31 and they purchase a ZEN Energy System, both of you will receive a $50 voucher to spend at a range of selected Coles Myer stores.

dON’t fOrGEt Our ZEN rEfErraL OffEr!

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Recently ZEN undertook to manufacture a plastic clamp to correct the colour changes of the existing clamps. We were lucky to discover that we have a expert in plastic componantry within our technical sales team.

What were you doing before ZEN? I worked as the Sales and Servicing Manager for Sea Optics - the largest underwater camera housing provider in the Southern Hemisphere. I also work as an underwater photographer/cinematographer for various television productions and, on a side note, I’m regarded as a world expert on Leafy Sea Dragons.

What attracted you to ZEN? I had already chosen ZEN to install my energy system at home. But when I first applied for the position I wasn’t told that the job was with ZEN. Based on my installation and the interview I knew that ZEN was a quality company to join.

What do you enjoy most about working at ZEN? The people and the challenges of the technology. I am a bit of a techno geek at heart and I like all of the gadgets and gizmos. I’m thankful for the opportunities the company offers.

Biggest work challenge faced? I had no real sales experience before coming to ZEN, so learning to sell systems in the beginning was an important step for me.

What is your ultimate holiday? Another trip for IMAX spent over a couple of months sea-diving in any patch of water we felt like, plus a couple of weeks with the Great Whites. There is nothing like rubbing the belly of a 6-metre Great White as she swims over the top of you without a cage – it sure gets the blood pumping in the morning!

Carey holding new solar panel clamps

ZEN staff fOCus: CarEy


When the opportunity came up to start the first ZEN franchise in Victor Harbor, Lisa and Adam jumped at the opportunity. Nearly two successful years later and neither of them have looked back.

Adam explains, “Lisa and I have always been passionate about sustainable living. I was the marketing manager for a sustainable housing development, Beyond Today, when the ZEN opportunity came along. I was immediately impressed by ZEN and the outstanding product they offer.”

It wasn’t long before Lisa needed to quit her job to help out with the newly-created Franchise.

As Lisa explains, “The business is just growing and growing all the time. In our first 12 months we installed more than 1000 solar systems.”

Last November, Adam and Lisa were announced finalists in the Large Business Category of the Advantage SA Regional Business Awards. They are also planning to build an all-in ZEN display home at the Beyond Today development at Port Elliot.

“It’s just so satisfying when someone enquires about solar based on the suggestion of their neighbour who just installed a ZEN system and is thrilled with the product,” said Lisa.

With two young children aged four and five, Adam and Lisa also enjoy the flexibility of being a ZEN Franchisee. Lisa explains, “We’re our own boss, so we can structure our week around the children’s needs. But having our own business also means the harder we work, the greater our rewards.”

Adam believes, “Everything is definitely pointing in the right direction that this is an industry you want to be a part of.”

“The business is just growing and growing all the time…”

ZEN Franchisees Lisa Fredberg and Adam Wright are passionate about sustainable living, and ZEN Home Energy systems

ViCtOr HarBOr suCCEss stOry

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