Harness the Sun
Investing in solar panels may seem like a large undertaking, but with the right system and planning, it can save you from bill shock in the long term.
According to Solahart’s latest report, the Solahart Solar Index Report, 71 per cent of people who choose to go solar said cutting down power bills was a key priority. And they were not disappointed, with a typical family saving around $1500 off their annual energy bill using a 6kW solar power system.
“Going solar is an investment that can help you reduce your energy consumption by harnessing the sun’s free energy to deliver power to your home, instead of relying only on the grid,” says Solahart. “This means that by considering a clean and green source of energy in your renovation plans, it could actually help you keep more money in your pocket over time and protect you from increasing grid-energy costs.”
With Australia having more sunshine per square metre than any other continent in the world, switching to solar down-under makes sense — and the stats couldn’t agree more. Between 2017-18, there was a 23 per cent increase in solar generation, indicating a shift towards increased energy productivity. And according to research by Solar Citizens, average households with solar power have bills approximately 20 per cent lower than those without.
So, you may be thinking, “Yes, but doesn’t all my excess solar energy just go back into the grid?” Adding home battery storage means your home can store this excess solar power for when the sun isn’t shining instead of sending it back into the grid, using it for peak times such as at night.
“Solar power is a proven way to help you minimise your reliance on the grid, reduce your energy bills and do your bit for the environment,” says Solahart.
Along with solar panels, installing a solar hot water heater can make a big difference to your home’s energy consumption. A conventional water heater typically makes up 25 per cent of a household’s energy use in Australia, however by replacing this with a solar water heater, households can save up to 65 per cent of hot water energy consumption.
An example of this is Solahart PowerStore, Australia’s first solar-smart electric water heater, which converts excess solar power into hot water. According to Solarhart’s report, if you replace an electric water heater on an off-peak tariff with PowerStore, the combined solar power and Solahart PowerStore systems could save you up to $1760 per year on your energy bills.
Not just good for your bank balance, solar can both increase the value of your home and make a significant contribution to the environment. According to research from realestate.com.au, 85 per cent of Australians surveyed said solar panels would add value to a home and two in five renters would pay up to $10 extra a week for a home with solar.
This is in line with many people moving towards green products that do good for the environment. By switching to solar, an average family can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to seven tonnes per year.
“Solar helps you make a significant contribution to the environment, as it uses a natural power source to deliver energy and hot water to your home. As a result, you are also doing your bit to reduce greenhouse emissions,” says Solahart.
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