Why solar should be part of your next Home Renovation
Any home renovation is exciting. The anticipation of seeing the final result makes all the thinking, planning and work worth it.
The ultimate goal of a renovation project, no matter how big or small, is to improve a home and see aspirational ideas come to life. This includes increasing its value, energy efficiency, and comfort, which helps us connect to our home on a deeper level.
Did you know that by going solar, you can tick all these boxes? In this article, we will explore some key reasons why solar technology should be part of your next home renovation.
1. Increase the energy efficiency of your home
Going solar is an investment that can help you reduce your energy consumption by harnessing the sun’s free energy to deliver power for your home, instead of relying only on the grid.
This means that by considering a clean and green source of energy in your renovation plans, it could actually help you keep more money in your pocket over time, and protect you from increasing grid-energy costs.
Key stats:
- According to research, cutting down power bills is a key priority for customers who choose solar power (71%)1
- With the installation of a 6kW solar power system, a typical family could save approximately $1,500 on their annual energy bills
- Also, the same family could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by up to seven tonnes per year2
2. Reduce the energy you use to heat water
Installing a solar hot water heater can help you make a big difference to your energy consumption. This will ensure you are taking advantage of the abundant Australian sunshine to produce the hot water required for your home.
Key stats:
- A conventional water heater typically makes up about 25%3 of a household’s energy use in Australia.
- You could save up to 65%4 of your hot water energy use if you replace your current gas or electric water heater with a solar water heater.
- Solar generation has grown by an average of 28% per year over the last 10 years.
Also read: Is solar hot water worth it? Learn how much you could save
3. Increase the value of your home
According to research from realestate.com.au, installing solar products has the potential to increase a home’s value; and other than improving our lifestyle, adding value to our real estate, is a nice side effect to have when embarking on a renovation project. In fact, the survey positioned solar technology as top-of-mind when it came to green living.
Some of the findings were:
- 85% of Australians say that solar panels would add value to a home
- 78% of Australians say that solar hot water would increase a home’s value
- Two in five renters would pay up to $10 extra per week for a home with solar
Solar technology helps homeowners realise that certain aspects of their home, such as the roof, can be a great asset, especially when living in a country where sunshine is abundant.
Also read: Looking to go solar? Five questions you should ask a potential solar provider
4. Go green and help save the planet
Did you know that 60%⁴ of the electricity consumed by the average Aussie household is generated from coal? But there is a smarter way to power your home. Like using energy free from the sun.
Solar helps you make a significant contribution to the environment, as it uses a natural power source to deliver energy and hot water for your home. As a result, you are also doing your bit to reduce greenhouse emissions.
For example, a Solahart solar water heater can help you save up to 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.6 So, your next renovation is a great opportunity to make a difference.
So, there are Solahart’s four key reasons to include solar products as part of your renovation plans and improve your home.
Disclaimers:
1. Solahart, (2019). 2019 Solahart Brand Tracking Report. [online] Available at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VNEDxINydyx54tokxUAP-51o6Z8_Py8f/view?usp=sharing [Accessed 1 March 2021].
2. Your Home (2020). Energy. [online] Available at: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy#:~:text=The%20average%20household%E2%80%99s%20
energy%20use%20generates%20over%207,technologies%2C%20and%20behaviour%20that%20focuses%20on%20energy%20conservation [Accessed 30 November 2020].
3. https://www.energy.gov.au/households/energy-basics-householders as at 13/05/2020.
4. 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.
5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions savings of up to 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Solahart 302L and using a medium load in Zone 3 and the Scope 2 and 3 electricity emissions factors for purchased electricity by end-users published in the 2018 July edition of the National Greenhouse Accounts Factors handbook, 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, and hot water consumption.