When solar power first hit the Australian market, there were a number of government incentives on offer, encouraging homeowners to install solar panels into their homes for a reasonable rate. While there aren’t as many incentives on offer in 2020, solar power still has many benefits compared to traditional means of electricity both to you and your wallet.
As a system that is wholly powered by the sun, it makes complete sense to consider solar power in the ‘Sunshine State’. Whether you use more electricity during the daytime, or at night, there are a number of ways you can get a solar powered system to work for your home and lifestyle. Keep reading to hear our top 5 reasons to go solar in the 2020s.
1. Save money
There’s no denying that installing a solar power system is a significant investment. In Queensland, it can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 to purchase and install a brand-new system. And again, solar is not the guaranteed investment it was in the days of government incentives like the Solar Bonus Scheme, however it can still save you money in the long-term.
Those who go solar shave hundreds off their energy bills each year. While it may take a few years to pay off that initial investment, you’ll notice the everyday savings immediately. There are also options for those who generate more power than they need – you can sell this back to the electricity grid in what’s known as a solar feed-in tariff
Due to the upfront costs of installing a solar powered system, it’s something we recommend considering when planning a new home build. When you’re already spending the money on your dream home, the costs can be added to your building quote and you won’t have to worry about making your money ‘back’.
2. Better for the environment
Solar energy creates clean, green power from the sun and produces no greenhouse gas emissions while running. While it may require other forms of energy to install, once your solar powered system is in place, you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint every single day.
Opting for a renewable energy source that doesn’t use up finite resources is a great way to do your bit for the planet and futureproof your home. As fossil fuels become harder to source, the price of fuel and electricity will undoubtedly increase. Those who have already invested in a solar powered system for their home will be glad when that day comes.
3. It’s ideal in Queensland
It makes complete sense for Queenslanders to consider solar energy. Especially on the Gold Coast, which has around 300 days of sunshine every year, solar power is the obvious choice. But don’t worry if it’s cloudy or rainy – contrary to popular belief, solar panels will still produce energy on these days. Your panels will accumulate energy the entire time the sun is up, producing electricity from dawn to dusk. Depending on how much electricity you use, your panels can create more energy than you can use, so you’ll be able to feed-in to the main grid.
4. They’re durable
Solar panels are a durable choice for your home. With no moving parts and no reliance on external power poles or wires, an interruption in service is unlikely and maintenance is low. When it comes to installation, we recommend selecting a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer as they will provide a five-year warranty should anything go wrong with your system.
5. Solar is cool
If you’re interested in the idea of a passive home – that is a home that is correctly insulated to minimise the need for artificial heating and cooling – solar power may be a great option. A study in 2011 found that solar panels can actually insulate your home, keeping you up to 5 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler in summer and keeping heat in at night and in winter. This will help you save even more money as you’ll reduce any air conditioning or heating costs and your home will be kept comfortable throughout the year.
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At Cunningham Constructions we recently completed a luxury duplex build on the Gold Coast powered by 6.6kw of solar panels. We worked with the team at Eco Electrics QLD to ensure this home will run efficiently and effectively, saving the new owners money for many years to come.
