6 Benefits of Going Solar

No doubt, you have heard about solar technology and its growth as a green energy source for families around Australia. In fact, 76% of Australians rank solar power in their top three preferred energy sources, making it the most popular one.¹

Why is this the case? Solar helps reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Solar uses the sun’s free energy to provide power and hot water for your home, and both offer great advantages, enjoyed by millions of Australians. From reducing energy consumption to available government incentives, we look at six key benefits of making the switch from traditional energy to solar (backed by research and customer case studies).

1. Reduce your energy consumption and keep more money in the pocket

Because solar harnesses the sun’s free energy, going solar is an investment that will help you reduce the amount of energy you consume in powering your home and heating water. Going solar puts more money in your pocket over time, and it protects you from increasing grid-energy costs.

Hot water makes up approximately 25% of a household’s grid-energy consumption in Australia.² Because of this, making the move to solar hot water is a great way to reduce the amount of energy you consume, by using the sun to produce most of the hot water that your home requires.

For solar power, Solahart customers over the years have spoken about the amazing savings they have achieved by making the switch. For example, the Finnegans family, who were previously paying up to $1,200 a quarter for electricity with six people in their household, now average $300-400 depending on the time of year since their move to solar.³

For ultimate energy savings, you can install both solar hot water and solar power. Find out more here.

2. Make a positive difference to the environment

According to The Australia Institute Climate of the Nation Report 2019, 83% of 18-34 year-olds are concerned about climate change. In addition, 81% of Australians are worried that climate change will result in more droughts and flooding, up from 78% in 2018.⁴

Solar is a clean and green energy source that helps reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. And, this energy source comes in abundance, as Australia has the world’s highest solar radiation at 58m petajoules per year. This is 10,000 times greater than Australia’s total energy consumption!⁵

But, to what extent could you make a difference to the environment? For example, by switching from an electric water heater to solar hot water, you could save 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.⁶ Also, you could save up to 65% of your hot water energy use, based on a 300-litre Solahart roof-mounted system in zone 3.⁷

For the Lyons family, helping the environment was a key reason for going solar with Solahart. Taking care of the environment is a priority for the future of their children and beyond. “If we can limit our carbon imprint, then we should all do it.”

For more information on how you can make a difference to the environment, visit our dedicated article today.

3. Greater opportunity to innovate

Did you know that over 20% of Australians have solar panels installed, and while they are currently enjoying savings, they could save even more?

The reality is that a large percentage of energy produced by solar panels is sent back to the grid if the energy is generated when it’s not needed, for example, in the middle of the day.

But, there is room to innovate with renewable energy. Solahart PowerStore, Australia’s first solar-smart electric water heater, enables you to use your excess solar power instead of losing it. PowerStore uses excess energy generated by solar panels to heat your water helping you maximise your savings. Find out more here.

Another great way to store excess solar energy is by adding battery storage to your solar power system. This allows you to store your unused energy so you can use it when you need it (at night, on low-sunlight days, when utility rates are more expensive or during blackouts). To find out which battery solution is right for you, visit our dedicated article today.

4. Take advantage of government incentives

The Federal Government offers financial incentives, known as Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs), to help you make the switch. This reduces your up-front cost in going solar. Your local Solahart dealer will be able to provide all the information you need during a free, safe in-home solar assessment.

5. Potentially increase the value of your home

According to research from realestate.com.au, solar can help increase a home’s value. In fact, there is a growing shift towards choosing properties that have renewable technologies. Also, many Australians would be willing to pay more for these properties.

Some of the findings were:

85% of Australians say that solar panels would add value to a home
78% of Australians say that solar hot water would increase a home’s value
Two in five renters would pay up to $10 extra per week for a home with solar

Solar technology helps homeowners realise that certain aspects of their home, such as the roof, can be a great asset, especially when living in a country where sunshine is abundant.

6. Low maintenance

Solar technology requires very little maintenance after our Clean Energy Council accredited installers safely install your system. Your local Solahart Dealer will be able to provide you with a service and maintenance plan to enhance the life of your investment.

Your solar system can last you years. It was the case for the Brookers family, who have been Solahart customers since 1978.

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Solahart was one of the first companies in the world to recognise the value of the sun’s free energy. We pioneered solar water heating in Australia in 1953. Since then, we have installed over 1 million systems in over 70 countries and over a million solar power panels.

To experience these benefits for yourself, speak to Solahart today to find out more. You can call 1300 721 984 or contact us via the form below:

Experience the benefits of solar

Speak to Solahart today to find out more. You can call 1300 721 984 or contact us via the form below:

The following errors were found:

Disclaimers:

1. Climate of the Nation Report, 2019, The Australian Institute: https://www.tai.org.au/content/climate-nation-2019#:~:text=Climate%20of%20the%20Nation%202019%20is%20the%20second%20report%20produced,from%2078%25%20in%202018).

2. https://www.energy.gov.au/households/energy-basics-householders as at 13/05/2020.

3. The amount of savings depends on factors such as location, climate, family size and energy usage patterns.

4. Climate of the Nation Report, 2019, The Australian Institute: https://www.tai.org.au/content/climate-nation-2019#:~:text=Climate%20of%20the%20Nation%202019%20is%20the%20second%20report%20produced,from%2078%25%20in%202018).

5. https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/energy/resources/other-renewable-energy-resources/solar-energy

6. Greenhouse Gas Emissions savings of up to 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Solahart 302L and using a medium load in Zone 3 and the Scope 2 and 3 electricity emissions factors for purchased electricity by end-users published in the 2018 July edition of the National Greenhouse Accounts Factors handbook, and apply when replacing an electric water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of Solahart system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, and hot water consumption.

7. Energy savings of up to 65% shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Solahart 302L and using a medium load in Zone 3 and apply when replacing an electric water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of Solahart system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. Maximum financial savings off your hot water bill are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on continuous tariff. Refer to solahart.com.au for further information.