Australians are more and more aware about the environmental benefits of having solar power systems creating energy in their homes, and using solar power to heat their hot water. Solar power uses far less electricity and theenvironmental costs of manufacturing a solar PV systemare offset after only 1 - 2 years post-installation - ensuring that solar is a long term environmentally friendly solution.
But as consumers, most of us want to know not only about the environmental benefits but also the financial benefits. These financial benefits come in two forms:
1. Reducing short, medium and long term costs of electricity or other energy uses
Electricity is already expensive, and gas is a more environmentally friendly option but can also be expensive. All reports in the media are that the costs of electricity and gas will continue to rise across the board - up to 64% over the next 3 years in NSW.
Buying a solar power system is purchasing your energy up front and offsetting any future increases, but it's also a cheaper option overall.
2. Asset growth - your home becomes more valuable
Your solar PV system is not like a swimming pool in the way that it adds value to your home. Swimming pools are features that add value to properties but are also high maintenance and high cost. A solar PV system is low maintenance and ongoing costs are minimal.
This means that the amount you invest into your solar PV system up front will be returned to you if you sell your home. In addition, with the introduction of compulsory energy ratings on houses for sale(in Victoria at least), a solar PV system can ensure that the consumers who are looking for 'greener' homes will identify your home as an ideal purchase. And we all know that the more people there are that are interested in your property, the higher the price it's likely to go for at auction or private sale.
To find out how much up front investment there is on a solar PV system or solar hot water system, post your query here and get up to three quotes and advice from top quality Solar professionals.
I hear that the government plans to bring in compulsory home energy ratings every time that you sell or rent out a home. Actually I think that they are already doing in in the ACT???
over a year ago by David
This means that people would have energy ratings on homes the same way that they do on whitegoods. You could see which homes have a 5 star energy rating, and which ones are really innefficient.
In theory that means that people would pay more for your home if it has a 5 star energy rating, and that if you have a poor energy rating you might struggle to sell your home at all.
I heard that too... I think I read an article here somewhere actually. But the point is that at last people who've been making sustainable choices for ever will have something to show for it.
over a year ago by Jason