Drastically increasing electricity rates over the past decade have encouraged Australians to look favorably at solar as an option for their energy needs. This has been fuelled greatly by the fact that solar power is an environmentally friendly resource.
Changing to renewable energy is a much more practical option for residents. The initial cost is substantial. But after installation, energy costs are permanently decreased by as much as 60%. This is achieved by using what is a clean, abundant, natural energy source for the country – the sun.
Incorporating Solar Power In An Australian Home Is Wise
Australia boasts being the sunniest country around the globe. It has the most significant amount of solar radiation for each square meter of the world’s seven continents. These conditions are ideal for most residents when it comes to taking advantage of rooftop solar panels. Based on factors including location and factors such as a shaded rooftop and daylight exposure, solar panels are an obvious choice.
Depending on usage, the system might not only be cost effective for your household but may earn you money in the way of a “feed-in tariff.” The funds are provided to you when the panels produce more electricity than your house has use for. Learn how to “size” your solar power here.
The solar unit feeds the surplus energy back into the grid. The power company turns it into cash, which is returned to you as the tariff. This then shows up as a credit on your energy bill.
Feed-in tariffs have dropped recently. Not only have solar prices come down substantially in the past decade, but technology has advanced considerably. Panel efficiency in recent years has significantly improved.
Federal Rebates For Solar
The “Renewable Energy Small Scale Scheme” offered by the Federal Government gives a resident up to a $3000 discount on installation of a solar system that is based on each kilowatt of panels put in. This is determined by the number of STCs (small-scale technology) certificates the resident receives.
Electricity retailers are required to obtain STCs to satisfy their renewable energy obligation. They will typically pay up to $30 for these. For systems up to 5kW you would receive nearly $3000 off of the installation.
This rebate needs to be taken advantage of because the plan is to eliminate them by the year 2030. This means the value of the rebate will decrease steadily with each passing year. However, as the years go by, solar panels should also come down in price. This means that they will be more affordable for the average household as demand increases and competition grows.
The Functionality Of The Panels
The operation of the system is not technical or complex in nature at all. It requires little expertise and is virtually maintenance free with the exception of keeping it clean. While you don’t need any particular knowledge or skill, it is wise to learn the various components, the language associated with the panels, and how each interacts. Find out how much power a unit generates at https://www.solarcitizens.org.au/how_much_power_does_a_solar_panel_generate .
- The Sun’s Rays: The sunlight will power the household when it charges the panels through direct contact during the daytime hours.
- The Solar Panel Units: These are the primary components for the entire unit, consisting of silicone. This is known to produce electricity the moment UV light comes in contact with it. The panels, silicone, convert the light from the sun into direct current or DC electricity.
- The Inverter: Appliances run on AC or alternating current meaning the silicone panels need to release the DC to an inverter so that it can be converted to AC.
- The Switchboard: The inverter takes the AC to a main switchboard. This will send it on to the household appliances.
- Your Appliances: While using your household appliances that are powered using natural energy, there are no electricity fees meaning you’re saving incredible amounts on energy costs.
- The Smart Meter: The house’s “smart meter” traces and documents the flow of energy. This includes when the solar system is producing more than what your household needs. When this happens, the meter automatically takes the excess electricity and sends it on to the grid.
- Grid: The grid receives feedback from the smart meter. This allows it to credit the excess electricity from your home in the form of a feed-in tariff. But you are also able to draw power automatically when it is needed from the grid, like in the evening or at night.
On average estimates suggest that a solar system can potentially pay for itself in approximately five years, based on minimal energy costs.
You could, of course, invest in a much lower priced solar system. But the quality will be poor, meaning the efficiency will be questionable. In addition, the unit will most likely malfunction, requiring costly repairs. Effectively, this will make it succumb to a significantly shorter lifespan.
Investing in exceptional panels and inverters using a reputable installer like Solar Eze with the potential for extended warranties will provide a well functioning, effective operating unit that is sure to provide cost savings without the fear of a breakdown.
The ideal way to find an adequate set up for your household is to obtain quotes from a few qualified, experienced, installers. Check for ones with good reviews. Usually it’s a good idea to obtain 3 bids and choose the best one.
Final Thoughts
Australian residents are ideally situated for solar power. Australia is among the sunniest spots in the world. And they are lucky enough to be able to harness that natural resource to power their homes in a way that save residents money on energy cost. But equally, it also protects their country from harsh pollutants at the same time.
Unfortunately, not every home will be conducive to solar power. If you are not situated in a location that receives adequate sunlight or your roofing material or roof shape is not suitable, it will not be possible for you to install it. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be another renewable resource you can take advantage of.
The solar panels should be a significant investment in your home, not a cheap buy. These will last decades but pay for themselves in a matter of just a few years. Once installation is paid for, energy costs decrease drastically. Australia is fortunate in its resource. So it will serve as an example around the world of what everyone should be aiming for when it comes to their energy needs.
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