The benefits of solar power

Australia is one of the sunniest locations on earth which makes it an ideal place for the generation of solar power.

The advantages of installing a solar power system include

• Saving around $200 a year on the average household electricity bill for a well-located1kW system.
• Saving up to 1.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas a year for a 1kW system, more than what a typical car produces in 3 months.
• Householders with solar power can sell excess energy back into the grid under EnergyAustralia’s Solar
• Buy-back tariff, for customers who live in the EnergyAustralia network area.
• Generous Federal Government rebates of up to $8,000 for households and $12,000 for community organisations are now available for grid-connected systems.
• Providing support for the renewable energy industry.

• Solar power systems still have a high upfront cost ranging from $4000 - $6,000 for a 1kW system after rebates.
• They do not suit all homes or sites as they require unshaded, north-facing roof space.
• A household-sized solar power system is unlikely to reduce energy bills to zero. Typically, a 1kW solar system will reduce average household energy bills by 25% (excluding hot water).
• Other energy-saving measures such as installing solar water heating systems or reducing overall household electricity consumption can result in similar greenhouse gas and cost savings.
• Reducing electricity use by being more efficient is the lowest cost way to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.

• How solar power works
• Is it suitable for your home
• How much will you save
• How much does it cost
• Where to find a solar power installer
• What else you can do to reduce your energy use and environmental impact
• Maintenance of solar power systems