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If reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving energy and saving money on your bills are your main reasons for installing solar power, other cost-effective options could also be considered:
Energy efficiency
Reducing overall household electricity consumption will not only save money, but also greenhouse gas emissions. Some simple ways to become more energy efficient include:
- Turning off your second fridge
- Replacing standard light bulbs with energy-saving compact florescent lamps
- Buying high star-rated, energy efficient household appliances, especially fridges
- Committing to turn off standby power loads consumed by televisions, computers and microwave ovens Installing insulation and summer shadings on west-facing windows
- Incorporating passive design techniques to reduce the need for heating and cooling
- Using gas rather than electricity for heating and cooking
Target hot water
Switching from electric storage hot water to solar water heating can save even more greenhouse emissions than installing a 1kW solar power system.
With State and Federal government rebates for solar hot water installation, the average household could save up to three tonnes of greenhouse gas each year and yet could spend less than $2,000 after rebates. Even switching from electric storage hot water to natural gas or heat pump technologies will save a similar amount of greenhouse emissions as installing solar power – and the upfront cost is less.
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