Going
Solar
Going Solar
Rooftop solar uses energy from the sun to power your home during our long, sunny Aussie days. A group of solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) cells to absorb the sunshine, and then work together with an inverter to convert that sunlight into usable electricity for your home. Utilising the sun’s readily available energy in your own home has a myriad of benefits including lower electricity bills, reduced environmental footprint and less reliance on energy retailers.
Solar pays off
Going solar allows you to generate your own free electricity and use it to power your home while the sun is shining. But the benefits of solar don’t just stop there.
Over the last 12 months, most Australian states have seen a significant increase in their electricity bill, while many with solar are paying less than those without. If your rooftop solar is generating more than you need during the day, you may also be able to sell that power back to your electricity retailer and earn credit on your electricity account. These credits can really come in handy to help combat rising power prices.
Increase the value of your property
National real estate research has shown homes with energy-efficient systems like solar are selling 4% faster, at up to $125,000 above median price. The same report found that energy-efficient homes receive 8.7% more online views, with a solar system acting as its own marketing advertisement for your property. Overall, solar-equipped homes tend to have a higher energy efficiency rating, which boosts their appeal on the market, while also attracting buyers who are aware of rising energy prices.
Generate free, clean energy
Going solar with Redback Technologies is a great first step in reducing your environmental footprint, as the carbon footprint of solar power is significantly less damaging than the carbon footprint of non-renewable energy.
Unlike fossil fuels, solar power generation produces no harmful emissions or pollutants, making it an invaluable asset in the fight against climate change. Solar panels harness energy from the sun, which is an abundant and virtually limitless source of power. Solar energy also uses far less water – one of our most precious natural resources – compared to burning fossil fuels.
Can solar panels power an entire home?
Using the sun’s abundance of energy, solar panels have the potential to power an entire home while the sun is shining. Factors such as local sunlight availability, solar system size, home energy efficiency, and the utilisation of energy storage solutions can influence the amount of solar-generated power accessible for home use. However, in general, solar energy certainly has the potential to provide enough power to meet your needs while the sun is shining.
Getting the most out of your solar
You can take some small steps to maximise your self-produced solar energy while saving the most on your power bill. One effective approach is to operate larger appliances (like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers) while the sun is shining, harnessing your solar power to the fullest. Briefly pre-cooling your home (with an air conditioner) is also best done during the bright daytime hours to ensure you’re cool and comfy in the evening without paying to run the air con through the night.
Utilising Redback’s Smart Load Control feature can also help you make the most of your solar. It works by allowing a single large load (like a power-hungry appliance) to run when there is excess power being produced by your solar system, and intuitively switch it off when excess power is unavailable. This is especially handy to minimise the amount of electricity you will need to purchase from the grid.
The next step after solar
Adding battery storage to your existing solar system gives you all the benefits of solar, plus the ability to store excess solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining. This stored energy reduces the need to purchase electricity from the grid, further lowering your electricity bills.
Battery storage can also support you by kicking in during a blackout, while also giving you more autonomy from energy retailers. If you’re keen to take the next step in your solar journey, you can learn more about battery storage here.
