Solar may seem like old news to some, with millions of Aussie homes already adopting the technology. But so much more can be added, and subtracted, from your home to make it truly self-sufficient. Cost of living increases have pushed many to consider moving off the grid. Let’s explore how you can make some simple, and not-so-simple, steps to reduce your reliance on energy retailers.

5 steps to make your home self-sufficient

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for each home, we’ll cover some steps on what you can do to reduce or eliminate your energy bills.

1. Install solar panels

If you haven’t already, the question we have is why not?! Installing solar on your home is one of the most important steps to self-sufficiency. Harnessing the free energy from the sun and using it to power your home is really a no-brainer. Solar is also the cheapest it has ever been in Australia. Federal subsidies, and some state rebates and incentives, as well as access to financing, can make going solar cash-flow positive from day one for many. Your daytime electricity usage will likely be completely covered, which leaves us with your nighttime usage to take care of.

Check out the following recommended solar panel and inverter manufacturers and follow the links to get FREE quotes:

2. Battery storage

We know – battery storage is an expensive addition in most cases. But, true self-sufficiency requires your nighttime electricity usage to be taken care of. Solar plus battery storage is a winning combination that should see all of your electricity consumption accounted for. If you get the balance right, you may even be able to remove your electricity connection. This would mean that you would no longer have to pay a supply charge.

Check out the following recommended battery storage manufacturers and follow the links to get FREE quotes:

• GoodWe
• Enphase
• Sungrow
• LAVO
• Sigenergy
• Fronius
• Tesla

3. Removal of gas – electrification

A little while ago, the thought of removing all gas appliances, and your gas connection, would be almost unthinkable. Electrifying your home has never been easier, more affordable, or accessible. Replacing your gas hot water system with a heat pump will save you thousands over the course of its lifespan. Changing your gas heating and gas cooktop/oven to their electric counterparts will also see a huge shift to your wallet. Pairing electrification with your solar system plus battery storage will allow you to take control of all the energy usage in your home. You can kiss goodbye to the gas supply charge and say hello to a healthier home. Studies have shown that cooking with gas is detrimental to your health. 

4. Swap the old for the new and improved

Free swap programs for lightbulbs and showerheads have been around for years. If you took advantage of them at some point, chances are your lighting is now due for an upgrade. Swap out all of your old, inefficient lighting for new and improved LED lights. The change to your electricity usage can be profound over the course of a year. But the swaps don’t end there. Take stock of the powerboards, appliances, devices, chargers, and other small details around your home. Upgrading your home to smart devices might be a small investment now but the benefits will see you saving money for years to come. 

Imagine being able to fully control your interior climate, all lights, your washing machine and clothes dryer, and just about anything with smart-device capability! You could time the washing of your clothes from the convenience of your smartphone during hours that maximise your solar generation.

5. Wave goodbye to the petrol bowser

Electric vehicles (EVs) are definitely a greater investment, but worth considering if you are looking for a new car. Installing your very own home EV charger will save you time and money. Imagine returning home from work, plugging in your EV, and returning to it in the morning either fully charged or with enough juice for your daily travels. Pairing your EV with your solar and battery storage system will see much, if not all, of your mileage covered by free energy from the sun.

Check out the following recommended EV charger manufacturers and follow the links to get FREE quotes:

• GoodWe
• Enphase
• Sungrow
• SunPower
• LAVO
• Sigenergy
• Fronius
• Tesla

Doing it right from the start

Retrofitting your home is a fantastic way to achieve energy independence, but there is a better way! Designing and constructing your home sustainably will see you saving from the day you move in. You will also see a greater home energy rating. Here are some ideas to consider when designing your new home:

• Passive heating and cooling: The best way to save on air conditioning is to mostly eliminate the need for it! The way you design your home can achieve consistent 20-25°C interior temperatures throughout the year. Making your home comfortable can be achieved through insulation (roof, walls, flooring, etc), the orientation of your home, material choices, and ventilation. 
• Wiring your home for the future: It is far cheaper to run conduit throughout your home when it is being built than to retrofit it. If you don’t have the funds to immediately install solar, battery storage, and/or an EV charger then consider wiring your home for future connection. 
• Light it up: The careful placement of windows and doors will reduce your reliance on artificially lighting spaces. Windows can often create challenges themselves, with too many reducing your ability to passively heat or cool. However, selecting windows and doors with double glazing can double as insulation and soundproofing. Natural light is not only healthier for your home but also free!
• Sustainable building materials: While some materials you choose to construct your home with may not save you money in the long run, they will have a positive impact on the environment. The construction industry is responsible for 37% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and anything we can do to reduce our impact is a positive step forward. Have a chat with your builder about sustainable alternatives. You might find that some are even cheaper!

Reduce your reliance on the grid

Ultimately, the aim is to move away from grid reliance. We spend a good portion of our lives in our homes, and even more so if we work from home. Creating a comfortable space is paramount, and saving money in the process is a huge bonus! 

We encourage all Australians, who are able, to install solar on their homes. Generating your own electricity will save you thousands on your bills and decrease your own environmental impact.

Energy Matters is ready to help you with this important step. We provide Australian homeowners and businesses with FREE quotes for solar systems, battery storage, and much more. This is a no-obligation service, so it will cost you nothing if you don’t wish to go ahead! We will connect you with local installers who will run through your needs, electricity usage, and future plans to design a system to best suit your home. Click the link below to begin this free process today!

The post The Ultimate Solar Home Setup: What Does A Self-Sufficient Home Look Like? appeared first on Energy Matters.

Looking back on 2023, it has been phenomenal to see how Australia has tracked with renewable energy uptake. Rooftop solar boomed, yet again, and the adoption of battery storage has been overwhelming and encouraging. Electric vehicle uptake and the makes and models reaching our shores were truly wonderful to see. Investment into large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage travelled steadily. Though, we would love to see more projects given the green light in 2024.

This coming year holds so much potential and exciting opportunities. I thought I would give you some insight into how Australia is tracking, what I would love to see change, and what is in store for Energy Matters in 2024.

Residential solar matters

The final figures for 2023 have been published by SunWiz and it was another bumper year for residential solar. 2022 added 310,352 new systems to Aussie rooftops and 2023 finished with 336,344 installations, which is a remarkable increase. 

What I will be looking to see implemented this year is the greater adoption of high-wattage panels (450W+), PERC technology, split cells, solar tiles, and the use of micro-inverters where required. Australian suburbs are cramming as many houses as possible into new subdivisions. This means that shading from your neighbour’s home is now more likely. Couple this with architecturally designed roofs with limited space for solar panels and the average Aussie may now be looking at the need to adopt alternative technology to accommodate these challenges. Traditional roofs call for traditional systems, but tradition is making way for new design and technological challenges.

I highly encourage anyone with shading and limited roof space to explore the technology available through Enphase (micro-inverters), GoodWe (solar tiles and highly efficient string inverters for up to 3 roof directions), Sungrow (highly efficient string inverters for up to 4 roof directions), and high performance/high wattage solar panels from REC, LONGi, and SunPower Maxeon.

Battery storage on the move

Battery storage is finally super affordable and also allows for expansion with lots of great modular units on the market. This allows for a small unit to start with and adding more modules as required. Not only are they very easy to install and add to, but the initial outlay and investment are more affordable.

Modular batteries are available from the following recommended manufacturers:

Goodwe, Sungrow and FIMER, with larger expandable batteries available from SunPower, sonnen, and Enphase.

Excess energy stored in your battery can now be monetised by enrolling in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Guaranteed annual returns are offered by Origin Loop, helping offset the investment of the battery and providing additional incentives, such as a better feed-in tariff. This is a great way of participating in a VPP with low fuss, no lock-in contracts, and a great financial return.

My hope is that more Aussies with existing solar systems will consider battery storage this year. Electricity and gas prices continue to go up, with no reprieve in sight. Battery storage is one way for Aussies to take back control of their expenses.

Electric vehicles (EVs) changing Australia’s automotive landscape

EVs are here to stay and are the future. Where Tesla once cornered the EV market, more and more manufacturers are entering with their own hybrid or full BEV models. Starting from $40k and going all the way up to luxury models, there’s an EV available for most Australian individuals, families, and lifestyles. While some incentives and rebates have ended, there are still generous federal and state programs available to help Australians make the switch.

For those who live in apartments, rentals, or homes without the means to have a charger, there is a growing number of public charging options and charging networks available.

If a new vehicle is on the cards in 2024, I encourage you to seriously consider an electric vehicle. MG offers Australians all the benefits of an EV at a very affordable price, whilst Volvo offers great mid-range models and BMW and Jaguar services the premium corner of the market. You can read and watch our reviews here: MG, Volvo, BMW, and Jaguar.

Electrification is the very real future for all Australians

Electrification of the home is experiencing a huge push both federally and primarily by most state governments. Incentives and rebates are ongoing for heat pumps, air conditioning, refrigeration, as well as lighting, to name a few. Australia’s push away from gas is an important one. Electrification of the home provides Australians with a practical way to control the cost of running their home whilst heavily reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Matters has provided Australians with handy guides to begin the electrification process. Read about how to electrify your home and the costs associated with disconnecting from gas.

Making the right choices from the start: New smart builds

For renovations or new builds, so many energy-efficient ways and strategies exist to electrify and build sustainably. Start the process with a smart build. Select a builder who will consider orientation and layout, materials, insulation, natural lighting, windows and doors, etc. Having a 7+ energy-rated home will keep your energy consumption lower from day one and reduce the amount of renewable energy technology your home needs.

While many changes have been made to building regulations to increase energy efficiency, the buck stops with the choices YOU make. As recently reported, the simple choice to go with a light-coloured roof, rather than a dark one, will reduce not only your heating and cooling needs but reduce community heat emissions.

TV shows helping Australians make better choices

Watch our TV shows this year as we showcase the latest technology, home design and techniques being used to achieve net zero:

• Renovate or Rebuild – commences March 2nd
• Open Homes Australia – Late March
• Energy Matters’ own TV show, Energy Matters, is in pre-production and currently identifying new technology, incredible homes and businesses, and projects to showcase. If you would like your business featured on this new and exciting show, enquire here.

All-in-all, all of us here at Energy Matters are incredibly excited about where Australia is heading this coming year. Our new TV show will help Aussies understand the available technology available in Australia, as well as provide important information and advice to make an informed decision.

I thank you all for helping Australia move towards a zero-carbon future!

The post Message From Energy Matters’ CEO: Looking to the Future appeared first on Energy Matters.

Australia has come a long way from the backfiring of the Datsun 180Bs at 3 o’clock in the morning, the neighbourhood kids playing under the sprinklers on a blistering summer’s day, and the casual littering by passing cars on the side of the road. For better or worse, our attitude toward the environment has shifted. Many choices were made for us, with the stark shift in the automotive industry towards efficiency and sustainability. Some were a result of water restrictions from periods of drought. And others were the inevitable, and very welcome, cultural and societal changes in our understanding of self-responsibility. 

All roads have led to the very real and practical opportunity to become energy-independent. Where we were once shackled to the fluctuating energy markets, we now have the option to move away (partially or completely) from the grid.

Reflecting on Australia’s journey and changing attitudes towards the environment, the practical opportunity for energy independence emerges. As you consider this shift, Energy Matters offers a seamless path forward. Get FREE solar quotes now, transforming the notion of becoming energy-independent into a tangible and tailored reality for your home or business.

Stepping away from the electrical grid

It was once thought only possible with a very healthy bank account to finance the endeavour. Now, energy independence is a real prospect for everyday Australians. According to the Australia Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), over 30% of Australian homes have rooftop solar installed. As of 2023, 3,523,739 homes have solar, which is over a doubling of 2013’s figure of 1,187,783. This is a testament to not only the societal shift towards cleaner energy but also the fantastic credibility and reputation of solar.

Moving away from the grid has never been easier or more viable. But it is a multi-step approach.

What do I need to do to achieve energy independence?

Energy independence is usually defined by 100% off-grid self-powering. While this is something we should all be striving for, we can begin to rely less on the grid.

1. Get Solar Quotes 2. Install a Solar System 3. Add Solar Batteries 4. Buy Electric Vehicle

Energy independence begins with getting quotes for solar. 

Energy Matters has teamed up with local installers to bring you FREE quotes.

Get FREE Quotes

Solar PV systems provide your home with free electricity to use, export, or store for use at night. To store electricity, you will need a solar battery.

Get FREE Quotes

Battery storage allows you to capture all unused electricity generated by your solar system and use it at night and during blackouts.

Get FREE Quotes

Electric Vehicles drastically reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and make further use of your solar system and battery storage.

Get FREE Quotes

1. Get solar quotes

This one seems obvious, but it is the starting point! We always recommend shopping around for the best retailer. Yes, the best retailer – not so much the very best deal. Your system will be a long-term investment, and you will want it to last for as long as, if not beyond, the warranty term. Professional installation, customer service, and aftercare are of paramount importance. A cheap system may seem appealing, but you need to consider the people installing it and whether they will be around for any repairs or warranty claims. Energy Matters has a free solar quote service that provides you with up to 3 free quotes from trusted local installers.

Get FREE Solar Quotes

2. Install a solar system

Once you have settled on a quote, it is time to install your solar system. You may think this is it, but the other piece of the puzzle is to ensure that you will get the maximum return while you are connected to the grid. The feed-in tariff you receive will be dependent on where you live in Australia as well as the electricity retailer you are with. We highly recommend shopping around for a new energy plan every 6 months. Energy Matters has a free energy comparator that will allow you to compare your current gas and electricity bills with new plans available.

FREE Energy Bill Compare

3. Add solar battery storage

Often overlooked due to the price, battery storage is a key component to energy independence. Solar cannot work at night, so you will need a way to power your home once the sun sets. Battery storage will capture all the unused electricity generated by your solar panels. While battery storage has been historically expensive, and well out of reach for the average Aussie, this is quickly changing. The influx of new brands and technology has created competition, thus bringing down the price of battery storage. More financing opportunities have also popped up in recent years. Green loans, interest-free financing, PPAs, and state-specific loans have all opened doors of opportunity to own battery storage.

Get FREE Battery Quotes

4. Purchasing an electric vehicle

Many Aussies are spending $100 or more on petrol each and every week. Imagine dropping that figure down to around $20! In fact, with solar and battery storage, that $20 could be even less. EVs have been an incredible leap forward in Australia’s path to electrification. In South Australia, bidirectional charging is also an option. This allows for the EV battery to serve as a home battery when needed. Bidirectional charging will be slowly rolled out across Australia, and many EVs will have bidirectional charging as an option.

Book a FREE EV test drive

Additional steps

Most Australian homes use a mix of gas and electricity to run. Gas hot water heaters, gas ovens, gas cooktops, and gas heating are all appliances that can be swapped out for electric alternatives. You can read more about the electrification of your home here.

Why is a move away from the grid necessary?

Environmental reasons aside, it all really comes down to money. Unless you’re still living in lockdown, you will have no doubt seen the impact of international and national shifts on our energy market. The flow-on effect has impacted everything from food to entertainment. When looking at your monthly expenses, utilities will likely be up there as some of the greatest costs behind mortgage/rent payments. Our energy consumption is one of the few things we can control the cost of.

If you haven’t yet made the move to solar, or you are up to step 3 or 4 in your energy independence journey, let us help you make the change! Follow the links in the buttons below or give us a call on 1800 362 883.

FREE Solar Quotes

FREE Energy Compare

The post The Road to Energy Independence: How to Ditch Fossil Fuels appeared first on Energy Matters.

Some say that there’s nothing better than cooking with gas, and I used to think so too! So, the thought of swapping out my gas stove for an electric one was not at all appealing – until I investigated what it would mean for my cooking, health, and utility bills. Victoria recently announced that they are steaming ahead with electrification and bidding farewell to new gas connections from January 2024. This move was a shock for some, but a very welcome opportunity for Australia to really start chipping away at our net-zero goal.

Why should you replace your gas appliances with electric?

Go to any white goods store and compare the prices of gas appliances to their electric counterparts. You’ll no doubt find that gas is the cheaper option. The four gas appliances you’re likely to own are:

1. Gas cooktop/stove
2. Gas oven
3. Gas heating (wall or central)
4. Gas hot water system

Their electric alternatives are usually more expensive for good reason. Older gas models have few electric parts and are simple to manufacture. New electric appliances contain new technology and innovations that take the control of the appliances to the next level. You can often control your appliances remotely with Wi-Fi!

The main reasons to upgrade your gas appliances to electric

Efficiency

Old gas appliances are usually inefficient and can be costly to run. Upgrading to electric appliances will increase the efficiency of the appliance – not only with the cost to run but the effectiveness of the appliance.

Gas stove tops have long been the preferred method of cooking – the saying ‘now we’re cooking with gas’ didn’t come out of nowhere! But many studies have shown that gas is not ideal for conducting heat. Electric, on the other hand, provides better thermal contact with the cookware – making for even and fast cooking.

Heat pumps and reverse cycle air conditioners (split systems) are more efficient and cheaper to run.

Operational savings

The golden days of gas are long gone. 1MJ of gas holds less energy than 1kWh of electricity. A standard gas oven will use 12MJ per hour of gas compared to 2.3kW per hour of electricity for a standard electric oven. Using Victoria as our example, the average cost per MJ of gas is $0.04 and the average cost per kWh of electricity is $0.2095. The average daily usage of gas in Victoria is 48.3MJ and the average daily usage of electricity is 18kWh.

Gas:                   48.3MJ x $0.04 + $0.82 (daily supply charge) = $2.752 per day

Electricity:      18kWh x $0.2095 + $1.00 (daily supply charge) = $4.771 per day

Keep in mind the number of appliances that use gas vs electricity in your home. Most of your home uses electricity to operate – with the high consumption items often being gas (heating/cooling and hot water system).

If your hot water system is 170L 6-star gas, it will be using an average of 16,175 MJ of gas per year.

If your hot water system is a 170L mid-efficient heat pump, it will use an average of 1,771 kWh per year.

Gas hot water: 16,175MJ x $0.04 = $647 per year

Heat pump hot water:   1,771kWh x $0.2095 = $371 per year

Switching your gas appliances to electric will see significant operational savings over the course of a year.

When you pair electric appliances with a solar system, the operational costs will further be lowered.

Environmental/health impact

My recent blog about electrification highlighted the health implications of using gas in your home. The environmental impact of gas is often a hot topic. Prior to the nationwide adoption of renewable energy, and the high emissions from electricity generation, gas was thought of as the better option for emissions. The last 10 years have seen a significant shift in our electricity generation, which has resulted in electric appliances producing less emissions over their life cycle.

A study by Renew Magazine found that changing to electric appliances is almost always a better option for the environment – with the significance of the emissions being most prevalent in South Australia and Tasmania.

How to make the switch: replacing gas appliances with electric

Deciding to electrify your home will not be a cheap task, though it will be better for your home and your hip pocket in the long run. Most states have a rebate or assistance scheme to help you save on the cost of upgrading your old, existing appliances. Remember that your new appliances will also come with warranties.

Hot water systems

I highly recommend upgrading your gas hot water system to a heat pump. Heat pumps are the most efficient hot water systems currently available. Before making the switch, find out what rebates and incentives are available in your state. Your heat pump will also be eligible for federal STCs, further reducing the upfront cost of the system. You can get FREE quotes for heat pump hot water systems here.

Heating and cooling

Swapping out your wall or central gas heaters for reverse cycle air conditioning will increase the efficiency of the heating, provide cooling in summer, improve the interior air quality, and lower your utility bills. Installing split systems in strategic parts of your house will also create climate zones – further increasing the efficiency of the systems. Split systems may also be eligible for a rebate in your state.

Switching to electric cooking

Induction stove tops are the best thing since sliced bread, in my humble opinion! Heating is almost instantaneous, the cooktop is cool to the touch (fantastic for little, exploring hands), heating of your pots and pans is even and efficient, and the ongoing savings are very high.

Most homes already use electric ovens, and this is due to them being surprisingly cheaper than gas ovens. If you need to upgrade to an electric oven, look for the energy star rating to ensure that you are selecting the most efficient available.

Disconnecting from gas

The day you can disconnect gas from your home is the day you can say goodbye to the daily supply charge. With it creeping up to $1 per day, that’s almost $365 of savings alone. Ultimately, you want to achieve energy independence, and that cannot be done with a gas connection.

Solar plays a pivotal role in electrification and a move away from grid reliance. I would go so far as to say that it is the most important change that you can make to set your home up for energy independence. Just like the gas appliance switch, you will see a return on investment in no time. 

Hitting the gas on a cleaner future

Electrification is just one way that Australians can take the future into their own hands and charge towards a cleaner future. Electrification may not be a feasible option for some, and renters may feel like the choice is out of their hands, but we can all make small changes to decrease our environmental impact, as well as our bills!

Complete our quick quiz to get FREE quotes for solar, battery storage, and other renewable energy technologies. We will connect you with trusted local installers.

The post Say Goodbye to Gas: How to Electrify Your Home appeared first on Energy Matters.

The cost-of-living crisis in Australia seems to intensify by the minute. Most Australian states are feeling the pinch of electricity price increases, and there’s no relief in sight. Since 1 July 2023, Electricity rates have increased by 20-30% in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. It’s no wonder that many Australians are desperate to find ways to save.

Episode 7, Season 6 of Open Homes Australia presented an incredible home with a huge solar and battery system. While exceptional, this home showcased the possibilities when maximising solar and battery storage. The system, installed by SunEnergy, has been a game-changer for the family – allowing them to effectively live off the grid.

Investing in your home’s future

We’ve spoken many times about Australia’s move toward electrification, and the importance of future-proofing your home. Solar is an essential and vital aspect of moving your home away from the grid and reliance on fossil fuels. Becoming self-sufficient not only reduces your carbon footprint but it allows you to live outside of the ever-increasing costs of running your home.

The stunning Adelaide home called upon SunEnergy to find a solution for their energy woes. Four air-conditioners, along with a pool, and an array of electrical appliances all created high electricity bills. SunEnergy discreetly installed 20kW of solar panels on the roof; hidden away from street view. To allow the homeowners to use part of the 80kWh of energy generated a day at nighttime, SunEnergy installed 2 x 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall batteries. The 27kWh of battery storage will run the home throughout the night and provide exceptional battery backup during Adelaide’s infamous blackout events.

This home will almost surely operate off-grid most days of the year. This means that no electricity will need to be drawn from the grid. The average Australian home uses 18kWh of electricity every day, so this home is positioned to serve as its own power plant!!

How to afford solar in a troubled economy

I can hear you now, ‘But how can I afford solar at a time like this?’

It’s a fair question and one that many prospective solar customers ask solar retailers across the country. Fortunately, going solar does not have to break the bank. In fact, many solar retailers offer $0 upfront payment plans. Here are just some of the ways that you can begin your solar journey with little to no upfront costs:

• $0 upfront, interest-free finance through your solar retailer
• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
• Green Loans
• State-specific loans

$0 upfront, interest-free finance through your solar retailer

Almost all solar retailers have a finance option available. The financing is usually in the form of a $0 upfront loan with no interest charges for the length of the loan. This means that you will be charged a set fee (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, etc) for the term of the loan. These are a popular option and, while they are interest-free, a merchant fee is usually built into the total cost of your system. Finance is subject to lending criteria.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

PPAs have been available for years and are a fantastic option for homeowners looking for hassle-free solar. There is usually no upfront cost involved and you will be guaranteed a regular payment for the system installed on your home. It is important to note that you will not own the system. You are essentially leasing out your roof space for a return. The benefits of a PPA, beyond the ongoing payments, are that the system will be maintained by the retailer whom you have the PPA with.

Powow is a PPA and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) provider that Energy Matters highly recommends. You can read more about their available offers by clicking here.

Green Loans

Green Loans are offered in all states for the purchase and installation of renewable energy technology and products. They are offered by all the major banks, as well as many other lenders. Financing is usually available for loans between $2,000 and $75,000. The benefits of a green loan, compared to a personal loan, are that you can usually pay off the loan faster with no additional fees, and the interest rate is usually lower. It is important to note that the lending criteria for green loans is strict. The item you wish to purchase must meet the lender’s specifications for energy output or efficiency.

State-specific loans

Victorians are spoiled for choice with the recent implementation of solar battery loans. Eligible Victorians will be able to apply for a loan to cover up to $8,800 of the cost of a battery installation. Find out more here.

The Australian Capital Territory can also benefit from loans ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. Eligible households can use these zero-interest loans to purchase a range of renewable energy technologies. Find out more here.

Going solar with the right installer

Energy Matters is proud to partner with SunEnergy. Offering a plethora of energy-saving solutions, SunEnergy is a company committed to its customers. They are 100% Australian-owned and operated, with 30-plus years of experience! They’ve installed over 70,000 solar systems in Australia, making them one of the industry’s leading retailers. SunEnergy services SA, WA, VIC, and QLD.

SunEnergy offers their Pay As You Save (PAYS) program which allows their customers to start saving immediately. The $0 upfront financing and fixed repayments provide you with the assurance that your solar will be working to save you money.

Find out how SunEnergy can provide your home or business with an energy-saving solution.

www.sunenergy.com.au

1800 786 765

The post Maximising Your Solar and Battery Storage: Eliminate Your Power Bills appeared first on Energy Matters.

Whether you’re a Victorian or not, the recent announcement by the Andrews government about electrification surely piqued your interest. For those not in the know, Victoria will require all new homes built from January 2024 to be all-electric. Any new homes applying for planning permits must not be connected to the gas network. This is one part of Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap and it has seen many commentators buzzing on both sides of the aisle.

So, what does electrification mean for Australia and why is it important? In this blog, I’ll take a look at the pros, some of the cons, and how this move will shape Australia into the future.

Gas: fast becoming a dirty word

Australia is ranked 16^th in the world as a producer of natural gas. We produce 2,384,327,540 MMcf of gas each year, resulting in around $92 billion of exports (1). With 3.4% of Australia’s GDP resting on gas production (2), it’s no wonder that it has been a tricky thing to discuss leaving behind. Natural gas accounts for around 35% of energy consumption in Australian manufacturing. Approximately 18% of residential electricity is generated from gas and 40-60Mj of gas is used by homes each day. 70% of all Australian homes are connected to the gas network.

For something so widely used and relied upon, there’s little information known about its safety by the average consumer.

Many studies have shown that using gas, especially for cooking, is detrimental to our health. The burning of natural gas results in the release of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde. In addition, fine particulate matter and ultra-fine particles are released that can enter the nose and throat. According to CHOICE (1), a ‘2018 study estimated that exposure to gas stove emissions is responsible for 12.3% of childhood asthma in Australia’. An early study found that there is a 42% increased risk of childhood asthma for children exposed to gas cooking in the home. A 2018 New Zealand study found that children living in homes with ducted gas heating, flued or unflued, were ‘more likely to suffer from acute respiratory infections than children living in homes heated with electricity’.

The move away from gas not only sounds like it will benefit our health but there are also economic and environmental benefits.

Gas, no longer the cheaper option

Long gone are the days of gas being the cheaper alternative. As Australia adopts more renewables, our reliance on fossil fuels is lessening. In fact, fossil fuels accounted for 64.4% of the National Energy Market (June 2023), which is down from 68% (June 2022). Renewable energy from solar and wind is limited due to grid capacity, which resulted in 61MW of generation lost over the last year (4).

As more Australian households adopt rooftop solar, government and businesses invest in large-scale renewable projects, and industry adapts to the changes, the Australian energy landscape will change.

Electrification is necessary for Australia

Australians are consuming more energy than ever before. Natural population increases, as well as shifts in the way we live, work, and play, have seen our demand for electricity skyrocket. Electric vehicles are now a viable option for many individuals and families, which further adds demand to the grid. With more people working from home post-covid, the location of our electricity usage has also shifted. So, it begs the question, how will we power our homes now and into the future?

Home solar is really a no-brainer. It is becoming so commonplace that rooftop solar increased by 30% since June 2022. Nearly 1 in 3 Australian homes have solar, with most new homes adopting the trend. Almost all homes with solar will see a return on investment in 3 to 5 years. With solar panels lasting 25+ years, and inverters cranking out electricity for 10+ years, it really is a sound investment. A 10kW solar system will generally produce around 40kWh of electricity per day. This is huge! The average daily electricity usage of an Aussie house is 18kW. To put this in perspective, 40kWh can heat approx. 2 full houses via ducted heating/cooling for a day!

When you consider how many appliances and devices you could power with solar, moving away from gas makes sense.

Making the swap: gas to electric. Some of the pitfalls of electrification

Change rarely comes without a price. One of the greatest barriers to electrification has been the cost to swap out gas appliances for electric. While electric appliances can save households $9,000+ in bills over 10 years, the upfront cost of the change can stop you in your tracks. This is where state and federal incentives and rebates play a crucial role.

Victoria is leading the charge with their incredible incentives and rebates.

$1000 rebates are available for heat pumps and solar hot water systems to replace existing systems that are 3 or more years old. In addition to this, the systems will also be eligible for federal STCs – further reducing the cost. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program (VEU) further provides all Victorian households rebates for various upgrades of appliances and energy-efficient products such as insulation. For example, upgrading your eligible clothes dryer will attract a $60 rebate. To find out what rebates and incentives are available in your state, visit our information page.

Many voices opposing electrification cite the struggling electricity grid as a cause for pause. While it is true that the electricity grid is aging and barely able to keep up with the ever-increasing demand, there is an answer. Residential rooftop solar can provide most, if not all, of the electricity a household needs.

Future planning your home

One message that I share with all those who will hear it is that we must all be planning our homes for the future. You don’t want to invest in solar now only to have to upgrade in another 5 years’ time to meet your energy needs. Electrification provides you and your family the opportunity to reduce the future impact of gas and electricity price increases. Becoming self-sufficient and energy-independent means that your home will not be impacted by the ebb and flow of the national energy market. It also means that you can feel free to add electric scooters, lawnmowers, and whatnot to your arsenal of tech!

One really practical way to plan for the future is to oversize your solar system. This means that if a 6.6kW system will meet your current energy needs, install a 10kW system instead (roof space permitting). I can not tell you how many people have told me that they wish they installed a bigger system 5 years ago. This means that you can also add features you might otherwise overlook. Pools, spas, ducted heating/cooling, etc are all luxuries that many find expensive to run. A large solar system, and timers to have these running during daylight hours, will see your dreams become a reality.

Batteries are an important element of electrification

Another option to consider is adding a modular battery to your solar system. Modular batteries, like those available from GoodWe, allow you to add battery storage as your home’s needs increase – saving you thousands in upgrades in the long run. Adding a battery to your home may seem like an unnecessary expense, but if you’re looking to move completely off the grid, and use your solar electricity at night, it’s an expense that can become an investment.

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are the next step in community self-sufficiency. VPP events currently tap into the stored electricity in home battery storage when the electricity grid requires a boost. This is a win for the community as well as a win for the homeowner, who is paid a premium rate for the electricity used. Community batteries are also a fantastic initiative that sees many homes connected to a central battery.

Electric vehicles changing the energy landscape

Many Australian households already have electric vehicles sitting in their driveways. The huge shift to EVs has been a result of several factors:

• Australia’s love of new technology
• Skyrocketing fuel prices
• Environmentally conscious consumers, and
• Fantastic subsidies and tax cuts for EVs

Electrification of homes allows EVs to be truly green, with the electricity charging the battery coming directly from the sun. But one feature of EVs is often overlooked: partly due to the lack of availability of the technology, but also due to the lack of awareness.

Bi-directional charging, also known as Vehicle to Grid(V2G), is set to truly integrate electric vehicles into the home energy system. The average capacity of an EV battery is 40kWh. Using this battery to serve as nighttime power for the home will be a game-changer. The technology already exists and is available to South Australians for the time being.

Moving towards net-zero

Australia is slowly but surely moving towards net zero. The decisions homeowners, renters, business owners, industry, and local, state, and federal government make now will impact all of us going forward. Making the switch to solar, batteries, all-electric appliances, and electric vehicles are just some of the ways that we can make an individual impact on our environment and our nation’s future.

Why not begin or extend your solar journey with FREE quotes for solar, batteries, hot water systems, and other renewable energy technologies? Click here to begin the quick quiz.

Sources:

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1340528/australia-lng-export-value/
2. https://www.gasenergyaus.au/gas-facts.html
3. https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/kitchen/cooktops/articles/are-gas-appliances-for-cooking-and-heating-bad-for-your-health
4. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/27/australian-energy-prices-down-emissions-record-low-prices

The post Electrification: Australia Forging Ahead With a Move Away From Gas appeared first on Energy Matters.

Rewiring Australia follows the success of the Rewiring America movement that aims to illustrate the positive outcomes for the nation and the world to mobilise decarbonisation and electrify everything. Now, the movement is getting closer to reaching its goal. 

The deal between the Greens and Labor will speed up Rewiring Australia’s plans to electrify homes and small businesses in the country. 

What is the deal between the Greens and Labor?

The deal involves the introduction of domestic price caps on coal and gas for a year following the Labor party’s announcement that The Greens would back the law in exchange for funds to support the electrification of the nation.

The Greens will help with the plan by knocking off around $200 on the expected price increase on energy bills for an average home next year. Even if energy bills are still expected to rise, the trade-off could still lead to homes getting concessional loans to switch their appliances to energy-saving alternatives and switching to electric vehicles. 

The federal government will work with the Greens to develop measures to help homes and businesses transition from gas to electric. 

You can use our free electricity bill comparison tool to compare local offers from Australia’s major energy retailers and help you make the switch in a few quick steps. All you need to get started is a recent energy bill.

Rewiring Australia welcomes the move

Saul Griffith, the founder of Rewiring Australia, welcomes the adoption of the Greens and Labor. “I think this can be a great policy for the government and The Greens because it will help achieve two goals,” said Griffith. 

One is that the policy will help bring down household and vehicle emissions, and the second one will reduce the burden brought by energy prices during a cost of living crisis. 

Griffith also thinks the plan is better than subsidising fossil fuels to reduce energy prices. 

Facing criticism about the electrification agenda

Ever since Rewiring Australia’s plans were launched in 2021, it has met criticism. Many criticised the goal as being a subsidy only for the rich because of the high upfront costs. 

Rewiring Australia is now addressing the issue by creating a policy that will enable households with financing challenges regarding the upfront costs of solar energy. Griffith also said that including the policy via social housing programs is an excellent move. 

“But maybe the biggest win of all would be the Australian government using something like a loan guarantee to help every Australian household afford to buy these things that are expensive upfront but cheap to run on renewable electricity,” Griffith said. 

Rewiring Australia’s pilot program

Now, Rewiring Australia is moving to launch a pilot program in Wollongong in New South Wales, specifically the suburbs with the postcode 2515. 

It can also be recalled that the Greens also suggested a trial in areas that require rebuilding due to major climate disasters, such as Ulmarra and Lismore. In fact, they said that they would ask the Australian Renewable Energy Authority to administer the project and partner up with a local distribution network. 

The Greens will use the $25 billion FutureGrid fund to make this happen. 

What electrification means to Australians today? 

Electrification means every home will be fitted with renewable energy, such as house solar panels and batteries. It also involves the replacement of appliances that run on gas with electric alternatives. Furthermore, it includes switching petrol vehicles with electric models. 

Check out the video below of Saul Griffith’s plans to electrify Australia:

https://youtu.be/FQ8-uAhG-zs

A report by Rewiring Australia last year stated that a $12 billion investment in household electrification over the next five years could eliminate a third of the country’s emissions. At the same time, it will save homes $40 billion a year by 2028. 

The report also showed that there are ten federal electorate seats that will benefit the most from this. Casey, Holt, McEwen, La Trobe, Menzies, and Aston were among them. 

It also submitted several recommendations, such as having the Australian Renewable Energy Agency implement four pilot programs covering 300 to 500 homes per pilot in urban and rural communities. 

“With any change, we need to show people how it works and iron out any issues before we move towards the mass electrification of the country,” Griffith said. 

To encourage homeowners to switch to solar, they will receive support and subsidies for new electric appliances, batteries, solar, electric vehicle, and energy control system. 

Energy Matters has over 17 years of experience in the solar industry and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.

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The post Rewiring Australia: Greens and Labor Deal Closer to Electrifying Nation appeared first on Energy Matters.