In the quest for a sustainable future, understanding our energy consumption is crucial. As we transition to renewable energy sources, solar power has emerged as a leading contender. However, to be truly ‘solar savvy’, we must first understand our energy consumption patterns, particularly in relation to household appliances. In today’s world, household appliances are not […]
Category: analysis
Buyers pay more for solar-powered energy efficient homes
Research from property marketplace Domain shows that Victorians are willing to pay an astounding 24 per cent more for energy efficient homes that are powered by solar. The actual price premium for houses with rooftop solar and an excellent energy efficiency rating is $125,000 on average, compared to homes with no solar and a poor […]
Why solar is the best protection from surging electricity prices
The federal government’s prediction in the October 2022 budget that electricity prices will rise by 56% in the next two years has sent shockwaves through most Australian households. How much more will Australians be paying for gas and electricity? The average Australian household paid $1,434 for electricity last financial year, according to the ACCC, and […]
Solar production and consumption monitoring: Why we include it with every solar system
For most people, one of the biggest reasons to install solar panels is to save on electricity. But how do you know how much you are saving because of your solar, if you don’t have a solar monitoring system that provides you with this information? That’s why we include solar consumption monitoring, as well as […]
What does it mean to go off-grid with solar?
Cutting your connection to the national electricity grid has an undeniable appeal. No more electricity bills. No more daily supply charges. And a greener power supply for your home. But how realistic is it to cut your ties to the grid? Of course, if you live in the Australian outback with no grid connection for […]
Are solar trackers worth it for households?
Maximizing the amount of sunshine hitting your solar panels is the aim of every solar owner. That’s why solar trackers are so appealing. Solar trackers work in a similar way to sunflowers. A sunflower slowly turns its face to follow the sun, and a solar tracker does the same – allowing the panels to always […]
Why a heat pump hot water system is a great alternative to a solar battery
A recent survey found that nearly all solar households want to buy a battery, but price is still a “put-off”. The Solar Citizens survey of 1,700 households nationwide found that cost is still the main barrier to uptake of home battery storage, but that a “significant 84 per cent” of rooftop solar households are considering […]
Energy guzzlers in your home and how to tackle them
With gas and electricity prices going through the roof, tackling the energy guzzlers in your home is more important than ever. This blog explains what the top five energy guzzlers are in most Victorian homes – and what you can do about them. 1. Heating and cooling Up to 40% of household energy bills Heating […]
Passive versus active cooling of solar inverters: which is best?
A solar inverter contains complex electronics that handle the conversion of DC electricity from solar panels to AC power for use in your home. And, like anything electronic, a solar inverter doesn’t like getting too hot. That’s why solar inverters need to be installed in a sheltered location, ideally on a south-facing wall or in […]
Do I qualify for a solar rebate in Victoria?
Would you like a rebate to help with the cost of installing solar panels or battery storage on your home? What about a rebate to install an energy-efficient heat pump? Free hot water powered by solar – how good would that be! If you live in Victoria, there’s some good news. The state government is […]