Solar Powered Homes are Back – Here’s Why
It was only a few years ago that solar powered homes across Australia were immensely popular. In fact, Australians are the biggest users of solar panels in the world. Their popularity was driven by a government rebate at the time, which reduced the price to approximately $2,000 for a complete system using five to six solar panels installed on the roof of a typical home. Fast forward a few years and solar powered homes became less economically attractive due to the scaling back of government incentives and much lower feed-in tariffs from energy suppliers.
Technological advances in renewable solar powered battery technology and solar roof tiles are bringing back their popularity in a huge way. Their enhanced effectiveness and attractive street appeal will revolutionise the way we use our homes and the impact our homes have on the environment.
Until recently, all power that was generated by solar powered homes was either consumed by the occupier or sent back into the power grid. However you can now install a lithium ion battery in your home, which enables solar energy produced during the day to be stored and consumed in the evening, or used in the event of a power outage. This simple concept significantly reduces (and potentially eliminates) electricity bills, whilst minimising environmental impact.
Investment bank, Morgan Stanley calls renewable solar powered home storage “The next big play”. Rather than the amount of electricity pulled from solar panels being unpredictable, the storage facility has made it a predictable source of energy. They predict that up to two million Australian homes will be using battery energy storage in their home within the next three years and that electricity prices will drop by 40%.
There are a variety of battery storage options available at various price points, however the new Tesla Powerwall is said to be a game changer. The sleek contemporary design and trust in the Tesla brand has given it traction, however the ability to power your home in an environmentally friendly manner ‘off the grid’ is what many see as most attractive.
Australia was one of the first countries to be able to buy the Powerwall and they have recently released a second version with double the capacity as the original. With an abundance of sunlight, Australians are in a perfect geographic location to harness the sun’s energy to power their homes and even their cars.
Tesla have also released solar powered roof tiles, which are made from glass yet look very similar to normal roof tiles and have the ability to harness the sun’s energy, eliminating the need for traditional solar panels. Tesla are so confident in their product that their warranty period is the life of your home or infinity, whichever comes sooner!
Competitors have jumped on the battery technology bandwagon, so we can look forward to seeing developments from other companies. This should help push prices down and make it easier for the average family to become almost entirely self-sufficient in their energy usage.
Are you planning to build a solar powered home?
The team at Gentify are passionate about protecting the environment and building environmentally friendly, sustainable homes.
If you are interested in building an environmentally friendly, solar powered home, ARCA would love to help, so call us on 1800 GENTRIFY or email us at enquiries@gentrify.com.au to book your free consultation.
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