Going solar has many benefits. You can:
Another significant advantage of going solar is its benefit to the environment. According to The Australia Institute Climate of the Nation Report 2019, 83% of 18-34 year-olds are concerned about climate change. In addition, 81% of Australians are worried that climate change will result in more droughts and flooding, up from 78% in 2018.1 As solar uses the sun as a renewable energy source to either power your home or heat water, going solar helps you reduce your carbon emissions, leading to a more sustainable lifestyle.
In this article, we will explore how solar works to help you reduce your carbon emissions, as well as the extent to which you can make a positive contribution to the environment.
Producing energy with the use of fossil fuels generates carbon dioxide, which leads to increased pollution and climate change.
Australia has the world’s highest solar radiation at 58m petajoules per year, approximately 10,000 times larger than its total energy consumption(2). So, there is an incredible opportunity to use the abundant sunshine to power our homes, heat water, and help reduce the risk of climate change.
Currently, approximately 15,000 panels are installed daily in Australia, evidence that the upward trend in solar is continuing. Solar comes in the form of solar power and solar hot water. Both allow you to generate energy free from the sun, thus reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and the grid to power your home and heat water.
Solar panels are made up of many photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity so it can be used in the home or stored in a battery for later use. Specifically, the panels convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC), which is then fed through an inverter and turned into usable electricity to power your home. Solar power produces energy free from the sun – a resource that doesn’t run out. Using the sun to generate power means less toxic emissions are released into the air, reducing your carbon footprint in the process.
Traditional electricity production can use thousands of litres of water each year, due to activities such as cooling generators, processing fuel and transporting fuel through pipes. Approximately 10% of energy is lost when electricity is transported between power stations to homes.3 In contrast, photovoltaic cells only use the abundant natural resource that is the sun. As Australia is one of the world’s driest continents, conserving water is of great benefit to the environment.
Solar hot water also uses the sun to produce energy. In contrast to solar power, solar hot water stores energy from the sun in the form of hot water, which is ready for use at a later time. As the sun heats the water in the solar collectors, the increase in temperature causes the water to rise and move through an insulated pipe into a storage tank.
With solar hot water, you can enjoy your showers, complete the washing and other household activities, knowing you are doing your bit to reduce greenhouse emissions. In fact, a Solahart solar water heater can help you save up to 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.4 Also, if you replace your current gas or electric water heater with a solar water heater, you could save up to 65%5 of your hot water energy use, based on a 300-litre Solahart roof-mounted system in zone 3.
Solahart was one of the first companies in the world to recognise the value of the sun’s free energy. We pioneered solar water heating in Australia in 1953. Since then, we have installed over 1 million systems in over 70 countries and over 600,000 solar power panels.
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So, there is your guide to how going solar is an environmentally-friendly move. By going solar, you can make a positive difference to the environment, in addition to significantly reducing your energy consumption. If you are thinking about solar for your home, speak to Solahart today to find out more. You can call 1300 721 984 or contact us via the form below:
Solahart Solar-Ready water heater is a smart choice because it provides an immediate solution to your hot water needs right now and also gives you the flexibility to upgrade and save on your energy costs in the future.
Whether you need a simple solution to get back into hot water quickly, a solar water heater from day one, or the option to upgrade to energy-saving solar in the future, you’re in control.
And no matter which option you choose, enjoy the extra peace of mind with a 10-year cylinder warranty.
1: Solahart Warranty Details: 10/3/2 warranty; 10 year cylinder and collector supply, 3 year cylinder and collector labour, 2 year parts supply including labour; applies to a single family domestic dwelling only. All other applications have a 3/1/1/1 warranty; 3 year cylinder and collector supply, 1 year parts supply, 1 year labour.
2: Energy savings of up to 65% shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Solahart 302L and using a medium load in Zone 3 and apply when replacing an electric water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of Solahart system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. Maximum financial savings off your hot water bill are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on continuous tariff. Refer to solahart.com.au for further information.
3: For a Solahart Solar Hot Water system, each STC represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity displaced over a 10 year period. The number of STC’s which may be created for the installation of an eligible solar water heater varies with the size and model of the solar water heater and the region (or zone) in which the unit is installed. The value of an STC is not fixed and varies depending on market factors.
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At Solahart, we’re proud to be leading Australia’s solar charge. Helping smart Aussies make a real difference to the planet, reducing their reliance on the grid, cutting their energy bills, and connecting them to their smart energy future.
Since 1953, we’ve been the trusted name in Australian solar, installing over a million solar hot water systems in over 70 countries, and over 700,000 solar power panels in Australia.
