Seize the opportunity to save up to $950 in the next 12 months with solar power!

Seize the opportunity to save up to $950 in the next 12 months with solar power!

More Electricity Price Increases Coming in 2024

This year we experienced a rise in electricity prices up to 30%. Forecasts indicate another 17% increase in electricity prices next year. For an average home with 2023 electricity costs of $2,500, this could mean a jump to $,2925 with the increase.

Rebate Drop Alert

Every January 1st, solar power rebates decrease. Starting next year, a 6.6kW solar power system priced at $4,600 will cost around $4,950. Act now to save $350 on a 6.6kW system or $700 on a 13.3kW system before January 1st.

This time of year sees a surge in installations due to the rebate drop, leading to quickly filled schedules. I encourage you to make your decision in the next few weeks to secure your installation slot.

If you’ve been considering the switch to solar, now is the ideal time. Reach out today for your free proposal and take the first step towards substantial savings with solar power. Should you have any questions or if there’s anything we can do to assist with your electricity bill, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re passionate about reducing energy usage and costs and are here to help.

Simple tips to cut pool pump energy usage

Ever thought about your pool pump’s energy appetite? A standard pool pump’s usage equates to about 20% to 30% of the average electricity bill (where a pool is present). Yep, that’s a chunk!

Your pool pump is like that friend who eats the most at the buffet. It’s one of the hungriest electricity eaters in your house.

But here’s the good news, you can slim down that energy bill!

Here’s how:

Invest in a variable speed pump

If you don’t already have one, a variable speed pump can save up to 70% of your existing pool pumps’ energy usage, when run at the lowest speed needed for health and cleanliness. Variable speed pump’s are reasonable investment but in the savings you will generally get your money back in 2-3 years. They are a stellar investment and don’t forget you can currently access a government rebate for any devices that reduce energy consumption. If you use that they are an even better option and might only cost you a few hundred dollars to save a hundreds of dollars per year.

Keep it Clean

Regularly clean your skimmer and pump baskets, plus your pool filter. It eases the pump’s load and saves energy

Robotic pool vacuum cleaner

Cleaning a big or debris-prone pool can be time-consuming. But with a robotic pool cleaner, you’ll save time and money on energy bills, as they work faster and use less electricity, than a creepy crawly attached to your pool pump. If you are thinking of a variable speed pump, a robot vacuum with its independent energy source, means you don’t have to be running your bigger energy hungry pump, in order to be cleaning debris from your pool.

These simple steps will help you dive into energy savings while keeping your pool sparkling.

Best Retailers for FIT and Energy Prices

Best Retailers for FIT and Energy Prices

Last July this year, we experienced a significant increase in electricity prices up to 27%, for most retailers. Some retailers are still implementing a distributed increase up to December of this year, until 2024.

One option to avoid paying higher energy costs is choosing the best retailer and plan that fits your consumption and export. This means being charged with the lowest usage rate and paid with the highest feed in tariff rate. It is also helpful to have your electricity bill analysed so you will understand more about your consumption, export and rates. To help you, below are the updated electricity rates and FIT rates.

Retailers and plans with the lowest rates.

*Retailer*	*General Usage*	*Daily Charge*	*Specific Plan*
GloBird Energy	26.46c	103.50c	GloSave Plan
Ampol Energy	25.74c	119.35c	Powering On
Origin Energy	28.84c	120.59c	Go Variable Online Offer
Energy Locals	27.50c	131.00c	Online Member/Local Member
OVO Energy	31.41c	79.30c	The One Plan
AGL	32.10c	133.36c	Solar Savers

Retailers and plans with the highest feed in tariff rates.

*Retailer*	*Min Solar FIT*	*Max Solar FIT*	*Conditions*
Origin Energy	5.0c	16.0c	Higher FIT on Solar Boost Plan, capped at first 14kw per day
Red Energy	5.0c	16.0c	Higher FIT capped at 5kw per day
AGL	5.0c	15.0c	Higher FIT on Solar Savers Plan, capped at first 10kw per day. Limited to systems up to 10kw.
Energy Australia	6.6c	12.0c	Higher FIT on SolarMax Plan, capped at first 15kw per day.
GloBird Energy	5.0c	11.0c	Higher FIT on SolarPlus Plan, capped at first 10kw per day.
Energy Locals	6.0c	10.7c	High FIT on the first 10 kWh daily export
Alinta Energy	8.0c	8.0c	PV system is limited to 5kW inverter capacity

Most retailers do not offer lock in, so you can always change again. Be extra careful also when talking to retailers. You should know what specific plan you want and make your own calculations.

If you are receiving the 44c premium feed in tariff rate, there are retailers that pay over and above the 44c, you just have to meet their conditions to become eligible.

How much solar power will you need to charge an EV?

How much solar power will you need to charge an EV?

The main motivations to purchase an electric vehicle is for their fuel-saving abilities and environmental benefits.

On average, Australians drive 36 km per day. A standard EV can travel about 6.5km on 1kWh of battery charge. That means around 5.4 kWh is needed a day to charge the electric car from your solar panels.

Example for a Tesla Model 3

1. How many kWh of electricity do you need to travel one kilometer?

Cars model	Battery capacity, kWh	Range, Km	Kwh / Km
Tesla model 3	75	500	0.15

You will need 0.15kWh per day for every kilometer drive.

2. How many kWh you will need if you travel on average km daily (36km)?

Cars model	Km / day	kWh / km	Total kWh per day
Tesla Model 3	36	0.15	5.4

You will need 5.4kWh per day to charge your electric vehicle.

3. How much solar power do you need to charge your electric car?

Cars model	Total kWh	Peak Sun hours / per day	Solar power system size, kW
Tesla Model 3	5.4	4.2	1.3

You will need 1.3 kw of solar daily to charge your electric vehicle.

4.

How much power does a solar system produce?

Solar system sizes and electricity production (average)

Size of solar panels system in kilowatts	Kilowatt hours of electricity produced per day
6.6kW	23.10kWh
10kW	42kWh
15kW	63kWh

In summary, if you are traveling an average of 36 km per day, you will need 5.4kWh per day to charge your electric vehicle. This means you will be needing an additional 1.3kW solar power if you choose to charge it using solar during the day..

If you currently have solar, and 6.6kw system size. Let’s say you are using 9kWh for the household, during the day, and you are feeding 14kWh into the grid. You can now use that excess 14kWh to charge your EV if you charge it during the day.

However, it would be different if you were to recharge it at night. For night time charging, you will be needing a battery so you can store some of the 14kWh excess power and use it for night time charging.

This however applies to average travel distances. If you are traveling longer than 36 kms per day, let’s say 120 km per day, you will need 18kWh to charge your EV with solar. In this case, you may need to upgrade your current system to meet your energy needs. Another 5kW of solar power would be required for enough energy to charge your vehicle during the day.

What happens if you cannot charge through the day?

Let’s say you work away from your home and you can only charge on the weekends. You will need enough solar power to potentially charge your car in two days. If you drive 36km per day you will need a system capable of providing for your home energy needs as well as another 27kWh for your EV.

What happens if you can’t charge your vehicle during daylight hours on the weekends?

Option A: For those of you with smart meters…Some retailers are starting to offer lower rates for charging during non peak hours for example midnight to 6 am

Option B: Another option maybe to store energy in a battery during the day to draw down at night. The disadvantage of this option is the large capital outlay for the extra batteries, as well as the extra panels to generate the energy to be stored.

About Battery Backup when the grid goes down & Essential Circuits

About Battery Backup when the grid goes down & Essential Circuits

We all rely on electricity to power our homes. However, during unexpected power outages, having a battery backup can make a significant difference.

If you have the right battery storage system, when the grid goes down, your battery backup system kicks in to provide power to essential appliances. This ensures that crucial things like lighting, refrigeration, or heating and cooling remain operational when the lights go out, especially during nighttime outages.

When you have a battery installed, the installer will work with you to identify which appliances or circuits you want to prioritize during a power outage. This customization allows you to have power where you need it most when the grid goes down.

It’s essential to note that not all inverters can support this type of battery backup configuration. Also, of those that do, they vary in the amount of power that can be supplied in the event of a grid outage. Therefore, when considering a battery system, ensure it’s compatible with your specific needs and preferences.

Here’s how it works: During the day, the energy generated by your solar panels replenishes the energy used from your battery during the night.

In the event of an outage, your inverter will switch over to procide energy only to the back up or essential circuit of the home, as mentioned earlier. How long your home can last, will depend on what you are running on the backup circuit, how much energy those devces use and how much battery storage you have.

When the outage ends, your inverter will switch back over to the grid and again supply all the energy needs of your home.

Having a battery backup can bring peace of mind during power outages, making sure that essential functions in your home remain operational when you need them most. Working out the correct system and sizing to match your needs is imperative.

We are still offering FREE electricity bill savings checks!

We will analyse your bill for you, compare it with other retailers, and let you know who to change to and how much you will save!

On average, you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances when you can save up to $700 or $800. It depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid if you already have solar power.

How? Click here

Simple Ways to Save Energy on Heating and Cooling

Simple Ways to Save Energy on Heating and Cooling

Did you know that heating and cooling are the biggest energy hogs in the average Aussie home? On average, they can make up about 40% of your energy bill! But don’t sweat (or shiver) – we’ve got some simple tips to help you save energy and keep comfy.

Here’s how to cut down on heating and cooling costs:

Pick the right-sized heating or cooling gadget for your space. Don’t overdo it; you’ll waste energy.
Choose appliances that are energy-efficient. Look for the stars!
Use weather strips around doors and windows to keep the comfy air in and the outside air out. It’s like giving your home a warm or cool hug.
Install insulation in your walls and roof. It’s like putting a warm sweater on your house in winter and a sun hat in summer.
Thick curtains are like shields against the elements. They keep the heat out in summer and trap it in winter.

A few more tricks to keep in your back pocket:

Set your thermostat to 18-20°C in winter and 24-27°C in summer. Every degree you go up or down can make a big difference.
Put your thermostat in the rooms you use most and away from hot or cold spots.
Only heat or cool the rooms you’re actually using. Close those doors!
Keep windows and doors shut when your heater or air-con is running. Let the fresh air in when you need it.
Close your curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day in summer and chilly evenings in winter.
Block drafts with door stoppers or sealant.
Don’t leave your heating or cooling on overnight or when you’re out. Use a timer if you want a comfy house when you return.
Don’t forget to service your heaters and coolers regularly. Clean those air filters for top-notch efficiency!

These simple steps will help you keep your home cozy while saving on your energy bills. Go ahead, give ’em a try!

We are still offering free electricity savings checks!

We will analyse your bill for you and compare with other retailers and let you know who to change to, and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid, if you already have solar power.

How? Just click here

Should You Add a Battery Now?

After working with some of our other clients…we have found that installing batteries isn’t all about economics. There are several more valuable motivations. So here are some questions you might like to ask yourself

1. What is your energy consumption and export

Do you export a lot of energy into the grid, that you could be storing in batteries to offset night use?

If not, the first step might be to upgrade your solar power system so that you have considerable surplus energy. Having more solar generation than you need can have a couple of extra benefits;

It can help you to produce more on cloudy or rainy days to continue to meet your homes energy usage
It can help you to charge your batteries quicker, when you have them. More solar panel production = Faster charging. This will again particularly help on cloudy days when there is limited solar power being produced.

How much electricity are you utilising a during night time hours?

This is the main reason for installing a battery. It allows you to store excess energy generated during the day and use it when needed at night. Or it can be used when there are cloudy or rainy days to reduce or eliminate the energy you currently buy from the grid during those times

2. What is your home ownership timeframe?

How long do you plan to be at your house?

The current average payback time for batteries is 7-10 years. So you would ideally want to own the home for that time to access all the savings.

You might also consider that having a battery on your home will make it more saleable (and even more valuable) if compared to a similar property without a battery.

3. The importance of insuring against further increases?

How important is insuring, against energy cost rise to you? With battery storage, you’re guaranteed . Many of our current battery clients wanted to say goodbye to worrying about rising electricity rates.

Investing in a correctly sized battery insures them against future price increases, so they now have a worry-free energy experience for years at a fixed cost.

4. The importance of having energy security?

Increasingly many clients are motivated to install batteries to ensure their electricity supply and have energy independence. In this way no matter what happens in the world, or with the grid, they will always be able to power their home.

5. How important is environmental impact to you?

The use of batteries can reduce your carbon emissions, by not relying on fossil fuels, to provide energy for your home. So you get to save money, take control and feel good that you are contributing to a more sustainable future.

Battery Financing Options

We are still offering free electricity savings checks!

We will analyse your bill for you and compare with other retailers and let you know who to change to, and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid, if you already have solar power.

How? Just click here

Save up to 70% less energy for lighting, with LED lights

Save up to 70% less energy for lighting, with LED lights

Did you know that you can save a bunch on your energy bill by switching to LED lights? It’s true and super easy!

Lighting can eat up about 10% of your energy bill. But here’s the cool part: LED lights (those little bulbs you see everywhere) can help you save up to 70% on lighting costs.

LEDs are great because they use way less energy than those old halogen bulbs, and they last way longer. You won’t have to change them as often, which is good for your wallet and the planet.

And guess what? The cost to switch to LEDs isn’t much, and you’ll make that money back in less than a year. So, you save money in the long run! Nowadays you can even replace your old halogen downlights with LED that have a plug top, so that next time you need to replace them, you will be able to unplug them and just plug in the new downlight, as easy as plugging an appliance into a power point!

Here’s how to make it even better:

Use Sensors: Some LED lights have sensors. They turn off when nobody’s in the room or when there’s enough natural light. Smart, right?
Solar-Powered Lights: If you have outdoor lights, get some solar ones. They soak up sunlight during the day and shine all night. Plus, they’re kind to the environment.

Switching to LED lights is like having your own money-saving superpower. It’s easy, it’s smart, and it’s good for your wallet and the Earth.

So, what are you waiting for? Light the way to savings with LED bulbs!

Easy Steps to Save Energy and Money from Water

We are still offering free electricity savings checks!

We will analyse your bill for you and compare with other retailers and let you know who to change to, and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid, if you already have solar power.

How? Just click here

How to Increase Payback and Return on Investment?

How to Increase Payback and Return on Investment?

Have you ever wondered how to boost the payback and ROI from your solar investment? It’s possible, and here’s what you need to consider.

Currently, purchasing electricity from the grid can cost around 25-40 cents per kilowatt depending on where you are and the plan you are on. While the feed-in tariff is approximately at best around 12 cents per kilowatt. This means you save more by using the energy generated by your solar system instead of buying from the grid.

While it’s true that feeding extra energy back into the grid can yield savings, using your solar-generated energy directly during the day (when it is being generated) is even more financially beneficial. For those with batteries, utilising stored energy at night instead of relying on the grid can further enhance your investment.

What you can do to Maximise your ROI

1. Optimising Solar Energy Usage

To use energy that has been generated from the solar panel system, during the day , when the sunlight is hitting your solar panels. Limit using energy from the grid during these times. If you use a lot of energy during the night time, try to think of creative ways to move that consumption during the day with the use of timers or invest in energy efficient appliances that have built in timers. There might be an investment involved in doing so but if you can do it will reduce the cost of your battery outlay when you decide to do that.

Easy step to save energy and money from water

2. Proactive Maintenance for Cost Reduction and Performance Optimisation

Taking good care of your solar system is also important. This means less repairs, which lowers costs and makes your investment better. Monitor your system regularly and make sure it looks like it is producing as expected. Undiagnosed down time will cost you on your electricity bill and as a result impact your return on investment. Be sure to periodically visually inspect your panels to check for any damage to cables or cracks in isolators and switches.

Get More from Your Solar and Save Money

3. Check out different energy prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

We are still offering free electricity bill Saving Check

we will analyse it for you and let you know who to change to and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid. If you already have solar power

How? Just click here

Easy Steps to Save Energy and Money from Water

Easy Steps to Save Energy and Money from Water

You can save big by making a few changes in your daily routine, like taking shorter showers and using hot water more efficiently.

Did you know that 31% of the energy used at home goes into heating water? By making some small adjustments, you can save around $100 per month and conserve 13,140 liters of water per person each year.

Here’s what you can do:

Shorter Showers: Try to limit your shower time to just 4 minutes.
Use Cold Water: Use cold water for tasks where hot water isn’t essential.
Fix Dripping Taps: A dripping tap can waste a lot of hot water. Fixing it can save you money and water.
Choose Efficient Hot Water Systems: Consider a hot water system with low running costs, like solar or heat pump options. This can cut your energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%.
Optimise Dishwasher Use: Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher. A half-filled dishwasher uses as much energy as a full one. You can save up to $40 and 130 kg of CO2 a year.
Use Energy-Saving Settings: If your dishwasher has economy or energy-saving settings, use them for maximum efficiency.

While hot showers are enjoyable, especially in the winter, making these changes can help you save money, conserve water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet.

We are still offering free electricity bill Saving check!

we will analyse it for you and let you know who to change to and how much you will save!

On average you can save $200-$500 per year, but there are instances that you can save up to $700 or $800, it depends on your energy usage and how much you feed into the grid. If you already have solar power

How? Just click here