Understanding Solar Power: A Simple Guide

Embracing solar energy is more than just a trend; it’s a step towards a sustainable future. Here’s a break down of how the technology powers your home:

• Harnessing the Sun: The solar panels on your roof are the heroes here. They capture sunlight and transform it into direct current (DC) electricity. Think of them as your personal power generators, using the sun’s rays.
• The Power Conversion: Next up, the solar inverter takes over. The inverter takes the DC electricity and converts it into 240V alternating current (AC) electricity. This is the type of electricity your home appliances use.
• Energising Your Home: Once converted, this AC electricity is ready to power your home. From lighting up your rooms to running your fridge, it’s all about clean, green energy.
• Smart Energy Use: Here’s the clever bit. Your home uses this solar-generated electricity first. Only when your demand exceeds what your solar system can produce does your home draw power from the grid. It’s like having a backup plan that kicks in only when needed.

CONSULTATION

Your journey to solar begins with a personalised consultation. In this session, you’ll meet with our experienced Active Energy Group team. We’ll discuss various aspects critical to your solar transition, such as your home’s power consumption, structural details, and other factors unique to your situation. This step ensures that we understand your needs thoroughly, laying the groundwork for a seamless solar experience.

INSTALLATION

Following your approval of the proposed quote and package, we move to the installation phase. Our process is designed to be quick and unobtrusive, minimising disruption to your daily routine. At Active Energy Group, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier installation services. Our expert team guarantees precision and quality in every project, ensuring your solar system is set up for optimal performance.

CREATING YOUR TAILORED PACKAGE

After our initial meeting and assessment of your specific needs, we craft a solar package tailored just for you. This custom solution aligns with both your home’s requirements and your lifestyle preferences. Once we’ve fine-tuned the details, we’ll present you with a formal quote, marking the next step towards your solar-powered future.

ONGOING SUPPORT

Our commitment to you extends beyond installation. Active Energy Group offers continuous support and maintenance services to ensure your solar panels operate at peak efficiency. Whether it’s routine upkeep or addressing specific concerns, our team is always ready to assist, ensuring your solar system continues to meet your energy needs effectively.

How solar saves you money

Investing in solar power is not just about adopting green energy; it’s a financially savvy move. By generating your own electricity, you reduce your reliance on the grid, leading to lower electricity bills. You can even earn by selling any excess power back to the grid.

Consider this scenario: If your home runs 5kW of appliances and your solar system produces 3kW, you only draw 2kWh from the grid. On the other hand, if you generate 6kWh but use just 5kWh, the extra 1kWh is fed back into the grid, which you’ll get credited for.

You’ll notice a decrease in your power bills immediately. The solar panels eventually pay for themselves, with payback periods varying across Australia. In sunnier regions, the investment can be recouped in as little as 4-6 years. Our team will provide a tailored payback estimate based on your location and the selected system.

Things to consider for new solar installation:

• • Your average daily power consumption.
  • The peak times of power usage in your home.
  • Your geographical location.
  • Potential shading from trees or nearby buildings.
  • The orientation of your roof.

Review your latest power bill to gauge your average daily consumption in kWh. This figure helps determine the suitable system size for your household. For instance, if you average 20kWh daily, a 5kWh system might be ideal. Our team will confirm the best fit for your specific needs.

Price varies between solar setups, and your initial investment influences long-term benefits. While all systems convert sunlight into power, a higher quality setup does so more efficiently, leading to greater energy production and reduced grid dependence.

What is Off-Grid Solar?

Have you ever imagined harnessing the sun’s energy just for yourself, without being tethered to the grid? Freedom from ever-increasing power bills and no longer at the mercy of unexpected power outages?

Welcome to the world of off-grid solar systems. Unlike a ‘standard’ solar system, which would usually power various appliances helping to reduce power bills, and feeding excess energy back to the grid, off-grid solar solutions allow you to be entirely independent, generating, storing, and using power directly from your own setup. Imagine it as having your personal power station right at home.

Active Energy Group are experts in all aspects of solar power, including off-grid systems. Curious about the possibilities?

Benefits of Going Off-Grid

Picture this: a storm rolls in and knocks out power across the state. But at your home, lights still shine, appliances hum, and life goes on uninterrupted. That’s the magic of going off-grid. With such a system, you’re not just independent from the grid; you’re also still up and running and powered during unexpected outages.

Beyond the security and comfort in knowing you’re prepared, there’s also money to be saved. While there’s an initial investment, over time, the sun pays you back, and more. Think of it as sipping from an endless cup of energy that not only serves you but also does wonders for our planet.

With our high-quality solar panel installations and battery storage solutions, you’ll be sure to maximize these benefits, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Ready to reclaim your energy independence?

Components of an Off-Grid System

An off-grid solar system is very similar to what would be considered a standard household system, the main difference being the batteries and storage capacities. At the core of an off-grid system are the solar panels, capturing sunlight and converting it to energy. Next, the batteries—your personal energy storage reservoirs, storing power for when the sun goes down and delivering it to your home as needed. The inverter takes the power produced by the panels and stored by the battery, and transforms it into the kind of power your appliances are expecting. It’s a crucial piece of the entire solar system. Lastly, the charge controllers, which ensure energy flows smoothly and safely to your home and appliances.

Just as a clock needs every cog and gear to tick perfectly, every component in an off-grid system plays a vital role.

Maintaining an Off-Grid System

Once your off-grid dream comes to life, over time, your system will need some TLC to keep it performing at its best. In the same way that plant leaves will soak up less energy when they’re dirty, so too will solar panels. Cleaning them regularly can make a big difference to your power generation. Over time, even the highest quality batteries will weaken, as all batteries do, and performing regular maintenance checks will ensure you catch any potential issues early, meaning you’re never left in the dark. It might sound like a handful, but that’s where our expertise shines.

Our commitment doesn’t end after installation. We offer maintenance services, guaranteeing that your system keeps running smoothly. Peace of mind, guaranteed. Ready to cultivate your energy future?

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Embarking on the off-grid journey is more than just an energy decision—it’s a statement of commitment to both your pocket and our planet. Once you invest in the initial setup and equipment, the ongoing savings, given the rising electricity prices, are hard to ignore. In some cases, it could have paid for itself within as little as a year or 2. The planet will thank you too: Every watt produced off-grid reduces the strain on fossil fuel-driven power plants, taking a step towards a greener, more sustainable country and planet.

By choosing us for your off-grid solutions, you’re not just securing savings but also championing an environmentally responsible choice.

Transitioning from Grid-Tied to Off-Grid

It’s a shift many contemplate—breaking free from the grid’s strings and going completely off-grid and self-sufficient. If you’re currently grid-tied, the transition might seem like a leap into the unknown. But with the right guide, it doesn’t need to be difficult. It involves assessing your current energy usage, expanding or adjusting your solar panel setup, integrating robust battery storage, and setting the stage for your independent energy journey. With our expertise, the path to off-grid becomes much more straightforward. We’re here to assess your energy landscape, design the perfect system, and ensure a smooth transition to an off-grid solar setup. Dreaming of a grid-less tomorrow? Let’s make it happen together.

What is the Telsa Powerwall?

The Tesla Powerwall is a battery used to store the energy converted by your solar panels. 

The energy stored in the Powerwall can be used at any time, but is especially useful at night, during spells of overcast weather or if there is a power outage in your area. Far smarter than your average generator, the Powerwall recognises a power outage instantly and is able to keep all appliances running smoothly. 

The Powerwall gives you the independence to power everything with clean energy. Save more money on your power bill, reduce your carbon footprint and take advantage of the most reliable energy source to date.

Why Install a Powerwall?

Most homes use more energy in the morning and at night, as opposed to the middle of the day when the sun and your panels are working their magic. Your panels are therefore producing more electricity than is usually needed to power your home during this time. Plus, you’re then forced to use power from the grid at night. You are given credit for any oversupply, in the form of a feed-in tariff, however it’s not substantial and a battery such as the Powerwall could be a more cost-effective solution.

Smarter Energy Use

If you thought switching to solar was the smartest move you could make, guess again. The Powerwall is integrated with the Tesla app, which allows you to closely monitor your home’s energy production and consumption. For those dedicated to living a greener lifestyle, this gives you the opportunity to analyse energy use and pinpoint areas or time periods where excessive consumption occurs. Plus, you can customise your settings in the app so the Powerwall uses stored energy when the electricity from the grid is most expensive.  

The Tesla app not only measures your usage and impact, but includes other useful features such as severe weather warning alerts and remote access.

The Powerwall is backed by a 10-year warranty and receives automatic system updates, meaning no maintenance is required. 

Specifications

• Usable Capacity 13.5 kWh
• Scalable Up to 10 Powerwalls
• Efficiency 90% Round-trip
• Weight 114 kg
• Warranty 10 Years
• Continuous Power 5 kW
• Operating Temperature -20°C to 50°C
• Peak Power 7 kW
• Gateway 2 380mm x 584mm 11.4 kg

Where Does Your Power Go?

It’s estimated that 40% of the average Australian household’s power is used between both heating and cooling throughout the year; easily the biggest portion of energy usage. Air conditioning is especially power-hungry, especially when fighting the heat of the Australian summer.

As for the other 60%, roughly 23% of power is used on water heating, 14% on appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine, 8% on refrigeration, 7% on lighting, 5% on cooking, and the remaining 3% on standby power – things like the TV or ‘sleeping’ computers.

It’s possible to run your entire house on solar power, even if you use a lot of power, but your roof size/shape or currently installed electrics may stand in the way of it – it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable specialist about how much you can expect to run from solar alone.

Your Home Energy Usage

There are countless variables in how much power a home uses. Things like the number of people living in a house will have a great impact, along with the power efficiency of appliances and how often (and how) they’re used. On average, an Australian household uses in the region of 18 KiloWatts (kWh) of energy per day. Add it all up and that’s about 5,600 KiloWatts a year. Homes with children typically consume around 20 kWh of power per day, compared to single adults who use around 10 kWh per day.

The amount of power you use comes down to what your home activities are. With the current Coronavirus pandemic in motion, working from home is having an effect on home power usage. With extra screens, computers and aircon running throughout the day, especially during the warmer months, home power bills are going up. Since working from home is becoming a more normal, and in some cases expected thing, there has never been a better time to go solar.

Solar Power Production

In order to get the right solar system for your home, it’s important to consider how much power you use, and how much you would need from a system. While some are happy to chip away at power bills with a small, cost-effective solar system, others want to go ‘full green’ and rely on solar power to power their home.

Right now, solar panels are more efficient than ever, as well as cheaper than ever (roughly 90% cheaper than they were in 2010!). You can buy a system today and have it pay for itself in as little as 2 years, and almost always within 5 years.

Typically, 20-28 panels will cover the majority of an average home’s power usage, and send some back to the grid to help pay for your already-lower power bills.

The time really is now! Get in touch with our great Australian team today and we’ll get the ball rolling on the cheaper summer power bill you’ll have seen in years!

Power Inverter

The inverter is a crucial component of any solar power system. Without the inverter, the power generated by the solar panels cannot be used. An inverter allows solar power to be converted from DC, which is what the panels produce while collecting sunlight, into AC, which is what powers most homes and businesses across Australia.

Without an inverter, you’re going to be generating plenty of solar energy that you can store (if you have a battery system), but can’t actually use. For this reason, the inverter is considered one of the key components in any system, even being referred to as the ‘gateway’ of the solar system, so to speak.

Our team will have choices of inverters for you, all of which we are well acquainted with, and come highly recommended.

Solar Panels

Likely the most ‘famous’ component of a solar electric system,  solar panels comes in a range of sizes, power outputs and even shapes. Typically, they’re made with a glass front, polymer backing, aluminium, and use silicon crystal cells (photovoltaic cells) to generate electricity.

In most cases, solar panels are installed on the rooftops of homes and are what does the work of turning sunlight into (almost) usable power. Different panels produce different amounts of power; they get given ratings, which is based on how efficient they are under ‘perfect circumstances’, and is essentially based how much power they can output. It can vary massively, from as little as 10 Watts, right up to 300 Watts per panels and beyond.

A typical Australian household usually requires between 20-28 panels for an efficient and worthwhile system. Smaller systems will still work great, but may not produce enough power for larger appliances.

Breaker Box

While not exclusive to solar power, breaker box (or panel box), is an important part of your solar system. All the power your solar system is producing will be running through this panel before being used by your home or business.

The amperage of your main breaker switch inside this panel box is important to note, and will essentially dictate the system you can have installed.  A typical breaker box would usually be somewhere between 100 and 225 amps; most are either 100 or 200 amps.

Generally speaking, a 100 amp panel box will allow for a 4.25kW system – a smaller, but still capably-sized setup. A 200 amp panel box can support a system size up to around 12 kW, which will give a much higher electricity output, and will cut your power bills noticeably and instantly.

Solar Battery

At night, or if the sky is overcast with thick cloud, solar power cannot be produced – which means it cannot be used. In locations where thick cloud is common, batteries are added to solar power systems so that when no power can be produced, there is still electricity available for the house.

Batteries are an expensive addition to a solar system, but are essential if you want to go ‘off-grid’ or be entirely reliant upon solar energy to power your home. Here in Australia, we’re blessed with plenty of sun year round, making batteries less commonly used – certainly in a standard setup.

Charge Controller

Also known as a charge regulator, the charge controller prevents batteries from becoming overcharged. When a battery becomes overcharged it can damage the energy storage system, so when a charge controller detects a battery is full it diverts power elsewhere. This technology is seen through countless consumer electronics – mobile phones, laptops – and is essential is maintaining the lifespan of your solar battery.

With the battery being much bigger than any ‘standard’ battery, anything going wrong poses more danger and potential costs, which is why battery safety technology in solar batteries is at an all time high.

The Size of Your Roof

The size and orientation of your roof will have a significant influence over the number of panels installed for your home. A team of solar installation specialists will do the hard work for you, using a satellite solar mapping tool to accurately measure how many panels will fit and perform efficiently in their intended position.

If you’d like to get an idea before the professionals get to work, establish the dimensions of your roof in north, east and west facing directions. Once you’ve got the measurements of the panels you’re looking to install, you’ll be able to calculate how many panels will fit.

Current Energy Usage

How much energy does your household consume in an average day? You can answer this question by taking a look at your most recent power bill. Flip it over to the back and it should display a graph that indicates your daily consumption.

A solar power system’s performance will greatly depend on location and level of exposure to sunlight; however, generally speaking a 1kW solar power system will produce up to 5kWh of energy per day. If your household’s daily consumption is 20kWh per day, and you’re hoping to run completely off clean energy, you’d need to look at installing a 4kW system.

This is just a guide, and your solar installation team will be able to direct you towards the system that will best suit your consumption habits.

Daytime Power Usage

Are you working from home, or spending most days at the house? Do your appliances run throughout daylight hours? Start to take notice of how much power you’re using during the day and if it’s a significant part of your overall consumption. If the answer is yes, a larger system would be useful for your home. If you’re rarely home during the day, a smaller system might be more suitable. However, we recommend shifting a few habits to support your system’s performance. For example, setting a timer on your washing machine or dishwasher so it runs during the day, rather than at night when you’re using power from the grid.

What’s Your Budget?

What size system is your budget going to permit? If you’re looking to make a serious long term investment, a larger system will allow you to save more money down the track. However, if you’re only in the financial position to install something smaller, that will work too! Your solar support team will ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck regardless of whether your system is 2kW or 8kW.

Closely consider your renewable energy goals to make an informed decision on what you want to achieve, the timeframe you wish to achieve it in and for what price. The above factors will ensure that you and your installation team can decide on the best size system to suit you and your energy usage habits.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards solar panel installation, talk to our expert team today.

Run Appliances During Daylight Hours

Don’t worry, you don’t need to sit in darkness every night when powering your home with solar energy. It can make the world of difference to your consumption levels if you make a conscious effort to use large appliances during the day. Try to use the dishwasher, washing machine or dryer during the day, or set the delayed start function before you leave the house in the morning. This will ensure these appliances use solar energy, rather than pulling from the grid in the evenings. You can also make other small adjustments, including charging electronic devices in daylight hours and unplugging all devices and appliances that aren’t in use at night.

Consider More Energy Efficient Appliances

Upgrading your appliances is an investment, however it’s one that goes hand in hand with the one you’ve just made! Why not continue the great work you’re doing for the environment and save even more money while you’re at it. Appliances with a five-star energy rating will ensure your home is as energy efficient as it can be. You don’t need to swap them out all at once. Do an audit on your appliances to determine what is using the most energy, what is costing you the most and what should be changed first.

Use Air Conditioners and Heaters During the Day

Even if you’re not home during the day, why not prepare it for when you arrive home? Use timers on your cooling and heating systems to save the most on your power bill. Get your home to the perfect temperature using your solar power and enjoy comfortable evenings without the stress of paying for it.

Alternate Appliance Usage

Don’t use all your appliances at once! Stagger the use of your appliances so your solar energy system can support your consumption. Give your system a chance to convert sunlight to power and ensure your home and appliances are working with the panels, not competing against them.

Ensure Panel Maintenance and Upkeep

When it comes to solar panel maintenance, there isn’t much to write home about! It’s fast, relatively infrequent and mostly requires a quick check. Monitor your panels to ensure they aren’t damaged, substantially shaded or covered in debris. By keeping an eye on your panels, you’ll get to the bottom of any issues quickly and your panels will continue to perform at their best for many years to come.

Your new life at home with solar panels is here. Do your best to adapt your lifestyle and give your panels the best chance at helping you to achieve your energy saving goals. While you’ll save money regardless, it pays (quite a bit extra!) to become smarter with your energy use and support your panels.

If you’d like to learn more about solar panel installation, maintenance or making your home more energy efficient, talk to our team today.

Make the Most of Natural Light

Let there be light! Natural light that is. Lighting an office or a large commercial space can become costly. Do your best to take advantage of any natural light, whether it’s through windows or skylights, and only use artificial lighting in areas that are less exposed to the outdoors. While natural light can be advantageous in reducing energy use, it can also be detrimental in your efforts to cool your space during warmer months. The sun’s light and heat can work against your cooling system, so be sure to install blinds, awnings or window film to reduce the effects of the heat.

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Equipment

While it may be an investment to get your business set up with energy efficient equipment and devices, it will certainly show its worth in the long run. Don’t run outdated cooling and heating systems (these are renowned for churning through electricity!), switch to computers, monitors, printers and photocopiers with a five-star energy rating and ensure they’re switched off when not in use. Shut down devices or set them to sleep mode when your business is closed. You’ll be shocked at how such a simple task can save you so much on your power bill.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are a great way to control the temperature of your building during nights, weekends or holiday periods. Essentially, it will prevent you from wasting money on heating and cooling your building when it’s unoccupied. It will allow you to cut down on your spend and regulate the temperature to suit the current season.

Building Maintenance

Routine maintenance of your building is an important part of increasing the efficiency of your cooling and heating systems. During maintenance, check for any drafts that could be leaking air. Even a small draft that may not identify as a big problem, could be sucking your business of the money spent to power cooling and heating systems.

Switch to Renewable Energy

If you’re serious about operating your business more efficiently, it may be time to invest in solar panels. If your business hours run from 9-5 (peak solar conversion time!), you’ll benefit greatly from a solar system large enough to support your energy consumption. More than  simply a trend, it’s becoming increasingly important to make small adjustments to support more sustainable ways of doing business. Solar panels will allow your business to run off renewable energy and you’ll never pay a hefty power bill again!

Pay more attention to your business’ energy consumption and watch the savings roll in. Whether you make physical adjustments to your space, a few small investments or you encourage employees to become more conscious of their energy consumption; you’ll notice the benefits to your business almost instantly!

Do you want to know more about solar installation or switching to more efficient appliances? Get in touch with our team today.

Cash

Ok, so it’s not technically a financing option, but it’s a great investment if you’ve got the cash. Solar systems generate a tax-free return, plus you’ll never pay a hefty power bill again and you’ll see a return on your investment in just 3-5 years! In a lot of cases, solar systems can actually generate excess power (i.e. more power than you use), in which case, you’ll actually get paid (usually in credit) for your contributions to the power grid.

While it might initially seem like a large investment to pay for straight up in cash, it might surprise you to find how little a system actually costs in comparison to its benefits. If we could tell you now how much a system would be right here right now, we would, but there are too many variables. We encourage you to give our team a call for a free, no obligation quote on a tailored solar system.

Green Loans

Many financial institutions now offer green loans to customers. These personal loans specifically fund the purchase of energy saving products, such as solar panels. They generally incur lower interest rates, minimal upfront fees and no early repayment fees.

Borrowing limits are more flexible and loan terms range from six months to seven years.

Do your research and you could land a great deal on a green loan.

If you’d prefer not to pay cash and your credit rating is high, it’s one of the best options for financing your solar system.

Interest Free Loans

While we’ve listed it as an option, it’s probably not the best one. Interest free loans are often too good to be true and it’s no different when it comes to solar. The terms are usually longer than green loans, making the monthly repayments higher. Despite technically paying no interest and owning your panels from the get-go, this will likely end up being one of the most expensive financing options.

Personal Loans

Personal loans are a safe and reasonable way to finance your solar panels. Personal loans are easy to apply for, pre-approved and if your credit rating has suffered slightly over the years, they’re easier to attain than a green loan. You’ll also be granted the flexibility to source the best solar system with the cash you’ve received from the loan. While interest rates can be a little higher and you’ll need to shop around to find the best loan, it can still work out to be cheaper if you’re committed to paying it off quickly.

Start doing your research to find an option that works best with your financial situation. Your choice should reflect the size of your system, your credit rating and your level of willingness to make repayments. Make smart choices from the start when switching to solar and your investment will pay off.

If you’re interested in learning more about solar or getting a quote, get in touch with us today.

Roof Orientation

If you’re on the fence about switching to solar, chances are you’ve been deterred by the fact your home isn’t north facing. While the most ideal positioning for solar panels is usually north, east and west are efficient too. Every roof needs to be assessed individually, however it’s often beneficial for some homes to install a combination of north facing and either east or west facing panels. Thankfully, this is not something you need to worry about. Your team of solar installation experts will conduct a pre-solar assessment to determine where panels need to be positioned to run most efficiently for your home. This is heavily impacted by your power usage patterns. For example, if you’re away from home for work during the day and your peak hours of consumption are at night, west facing panels may be more beneficial as they’ll be exposed to more sunlight in the afternoon.

Orientation does affect the performance of your solar panels, however your home doesn’t need to be completely north facing to reap the benefits.

Shading

Solar panels perform at their best when they are unshaded. The level of shading surrounding your home is something that is assessed upon initial inspection. If it is identified as a problem, it’s usually something that can be overcome. It’s important to pay close attention to the potential shading of your solar panels as even partial shade on the cells of one panel can affect the output of the entire panel.

Innovation in solar power technology is gradually lessening the impact of shade on solar conversion. Prior to the installation of your solar panels, our team will use a range of mapping tools to identify the level of shading your roof receives year round.

A significant part of solar panel maintenance is to monitor vegetation growth around your home. Your solar panel system has a lifespan of up to 25 years, so a tree that may not be a problem at this point in time, could grow to become one in a decade’s time.

Seasons

The reality is that solar panels will produce less energy during winter. When the sun is lower in the sky, less power is produced. However, at the same token, panels tend to be less efficient if outdoor temperatures are soaring. Essentially, if the days are longer and your panels receive more sun, they’ll produce more energy. However, severe heat can limit conversion. While there are both positive and negative outcomes for your system in both summer and winter, their performance isn’t jeopardised significantly in most parts of Australia. Spring and autumn, the seasons that rarely incur weather extremes, will lead to the most consistent energy production.

Weather

It goes without saying that a cloudy, overcast day is less cooperative than a clear blue sky. The intensity and the hours of sunlight exposure will affect your system. Luckily, solar panels do continue to convert power during overcast or rainy weather. While it may be at a reduced rate, the panels will still perform. When determining the best system for your home or business, we’ll form a recommendation based on year-round energy production. What does this mean? It means we’ll install panels that are designed to thrive year-round under your circumstances and you won’t be forced to use energy from the grid when the sun isn’t shining in all its glory.

Heat Smarter

Home heating and cooling systems combined are the largest energy consumers in Australian homes. The best way to avoid the cost of heating your home in winter is to ensure your home is appropriately insulated for the climate you live in. However, this is easier said than done and it may not be an option for this winter. If you plan to buy a portable heater, ensure it’s a smart purchase and do your research first. When using a portable heater to warm your home, remember:

• Shut all doors and windows of the rooms you’re trying to heat
• Let natural sunlight into your house during the day and close curtains or blinds at night
• Choose a heater that’s appropriate for the room you are trying to heat (this is where the research will pay off!)

Make Small Lifestyle Changes

You don’t need to freeze in your own home to maintain a sustainable lifestyle during winter. Make small changes like washing your clothes on a cold cycle, cut back time spent in the shower and layer up according to the temperature. The right bedding (we’re talking wool quilts and flannelette sheets) can make the world of difference when it comes to staying warm and comfortable at night.

If your home runs on solar energy; you can also look at your energy usage habits to ensure you’re supporting your system in the best ways possible. Try to use all major appliances during hours of peak energy conversion. This will prevent the need to draw energy from the grid.

Switch Off Appliances

You might be under the impression that a light switch or a small appliance doesn’t have a major effect on your energy consumption; however you’d be surprised! Switch off lights that aren’t in use, turn off your devices instead of switching them to standby mode and turn off the heater once the room feels warm. It’ll make a bigger difference to your energy consumption than you realise.

If you’re running some older appliances, calculate their average consumption to determine whether they’re serving their purpose efficiently. It could be time to upgrade to appliances with a higher energy efficiency rating to ensure your power bill is reduced year round.

Use Clean Energy

If you’ve been spending more time at home recently, chances are you’ve thought once or twice about how solar power could benefit you. If you’ve been working from home, studying online or running your business remotely; your home’s energy consumption will inevitably be higher. Assess what the future at home looks like for you and consider whether investing in solar could set you up for clean and smart energy consumption in the future.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits and learning more about how solar power works, get in touch with our team today.

Make smart choices this winter! Take a balanced approach to how you heat your home and adopt habits that will keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.

Figure out the specific running cost of each appliance by following these simple steps. 

1. Calculate how much you currently pay per kWh for peak rate electricity.
2. Find out the input power each appliance uses (kWh) (this is usually marked on the appliance itself or in the user’s manual).
3. Calculate the running cost of an appliance by multiplying the cost of your electricity (kWh) by the input power of the appliance.

E.g. 26c per kWh x 2kW (2000 watts) = 52 cents per hour

You can then multiply this by the number of hours the appliance is used in a day, a month and a year.

Heating / Cooling

Cooling your home in summer and heating it during winter can cause a massive spike in energy consumption. These systems are generally the biggest household energy consumers and are likely costing you the most.

Water Heating 

Despite several variables, a hot water system is a costly home essential. Shower frequency and temperature, washing machine use and dishwashing will affect the consumption rate, however it’s generally one of the highest energy consuming appliances.

TV

Our power bills are growing alongside the size of our TVs. The bigger and better models tend to burn through more electricity, making your time in front of the TV more and more expensive.

Dishwasher

It’s come to light that dishwashers are actually reducing water usage when washing dishes, which equates to less energy consumption. Purchase a dishwasher with a high energy efficiency rating and say goodbye to washing the dishes by hand!

Tumble Dryer

Commonly perceived as the consumption king, the clothes dryer actually uses less energy than first thought. Don’t fret in winter, on a rainy day or if you have a larger family; the clothes dryer can still save you time without breaking the bank.

Digital Devices

They’re in abundance in most homes, however thankfully due to their size, digital devices remain in the lower bracket of appliance energy consumption.

How You Can Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Calculating the cost of each appliance is the first step towards cutting back on consumption. We also recommend:

• Assess the energy and water ratings on appliances before making a purchase.
• Run appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine throughout the day during peak solar hours (if you have solar power installed).
• Turn appliances off at the wall when you aren’t using them (especially the TV – energy consumption adds up on standby).
• Switch to energy efficient lights and fans, and always remember to switch them off when they’re not being used!

Learn more about cooling your home efficiently during summer here.

Preparations

• Home assessment 

During the initial home assessment, a member from our team will evaluate your home and ensure it’s structurally sound for solar installation. Prior to this step, our team will run through a pre-solar checklist with you to ensure solar panels are suitable for your roof orientation and power usage. This assessment will include determining which products are best suited to you home.

• Roof preparation

Your roof will undergo a thorough inspection in preparation for panel installation. This includes conducting maintenance and making any necessary adjustments. Solar panels are designed to last for 20+ years, so it’s crucial we ensure your roof is in a condition that will support the lifetime of your solar panels.

Starting the Installation

• Electrical wiring

Once your roof is prepared, our team will begin the electrical wiring process. Wiring involves connecting the electrical panel to the general power system.

• Panel placement 

Once the wiring is in place, a mounting system (to support the panels) is installed onto the roof. Once it’s fixed to the roof, the solar panels are secured into the mounting system. They will be fitted at an angle to receive maximum sun exposure.

The mounting system is generally made from stainless steel or high grade aluminum to ensure its longevity, and it’s the only part of the entire system that will actually come into contact with your roof. We guarantee a strong and reliable mounting system that will effectively protect the panels.

Completion

• Inverter connection 

Lastly, the panels are connected to the inverter(s), which converts DC energy into AC energy to power your home.

• Final evaluation

Once the installation is complete, a final evaluation of the system is conducted. Upon approval, it is then connected to the meter and will start to generate electricity. Depending on the type of meter you currently have, you may be required to purchase a new meter to measure your energy consumption. Our team will verify this prior to installation to ensure there are no surprise costs in the final stages.