Latitude launches into fast-growing renewable energy sector

Latitude Financial today announced its first major solar energy partnership by signing Smart Energy to provide Interest Free payment plans to customers purchasing solar and battery solutions for their homes.

The partnership enables approved Smart Energy customers to purchase household solar and battery solutions on Interest Free monthly plans over three to five-year terms, using Latitude’s Gem Visa credit card.

Smart Energy has helped more than 20,000 householders reduce their home energy bills by installing solar and battery solutions and is one of Australia’s fastest growing suppliers. It has more than 13 offices across Australia, with operations also in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The addition of Smart Energy to Latitude’s growing list of major merchant partners is part of a wider move into the household renewable energy sector for the leading consumer lender.

Latitude has also launched a solar and battery personal loan, signing Solar Proof and EV-NRG as the first merchant partners for the new lending product.

Solar Proof is a fast-growing software business enabling a growing number of installers to provide a digital solar quote for householders. Customers will soon be able to apply for a Latitude Personal Loan directly from a link on their digital quote.

EV-NRG is an Australian provider of charging solutions and charging infrastructure for residential and commercial electric vehicles. Its residential chargers can be matched with home solar systems to provide a comprehensive renewable energy solution for cars.

Latitude GM of Strategic Partnerships Peter Leimonitis said: “Decarbonisation is a fast-growing sector, particularly in the current climate of rising energy costs. Latitude is well placed with a range of short and long-term payment options to assist consumers who want to support the environment while reducing their household bills and managing their budgets.

“It is at the core of Latitude’s DNA to work with our partners to help consumers make the purchases they want today with responsible financing options. That’s why we are excited to expand our partnerships in this fast-growing segment.”

Smart Energy Co-founder Elliot Hayes said: “We have had a positive response from customers since launching the Interest Free option with Latitude, particularly those wanting to manage their budget and spread the initial cost of solar and battery installation over three to five years. With increasing demand for green household energy solutions, Latitude’s Interest Free terms on its Gem Visa credit card provides customers with more flexibility at the point of purchase.”

Founder and CEO of Solar Proof Chris Taeni said: “There has never been a better time to go solar and payment plans like those offered by Latitude Financial can make that happen now, rather than ‘one day’, which is more critical than ever for our country and our planet's decarbonisation through renewables.”

EV-NRG CEO Paul Hewitt said: “Linked to the important decision of selecting the best quality charging solution for your EV we also are proud to partner with one of Australia’s largest personal lenders in Latitude to offer personal loans so you can spread the cost over two to seven years.”

Latitude is Australia’s leading provider of interest free shopping and consumer finance, with more than 2.8 million customer accounts across Australia and New Zealand. Its partner network of more than 5,500 retailers includes Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, The Good Guys, Samsung and Apple.

To find out more about Interest Free payment plans on Latitude Gem Visa, including rates and fees, visit: https://www.gemvisa.com.au/ To find out more about Latitude’s solar and battery personal loan, visit: https://www.latitudefinancial.com.au/solar-and-battery-loan/

Media contact

Mark Gardy
Mark.Gardy@latitudefinancial.com
+61 412 376 817