Residential and commercial solar panels are on the rise in Australia. According to recent data released by the Federal Government [1], solar is now the largest source of renewable energy in Australia, at 9 per cent of total generation and up from 7 per cent in 2019, with one in four Australian homes now having solar – the highest uptake in the world. If you are considering getting solar panels in Geraldton, but are still unsure, here are some great benefits you should consider:
Save money on your electricity bills
A solar panel system can also help you to save money on your electricity bills, but please be advised that the amount you save will be affected by several factors. This can include your energy consumption, the size of your solar power system, where you live (some areas will receive more sunlight than others) and a range of other factors. Feel free to give us a call to discuss this point in more detail, we’re always happy to help!
Solar rebates and incentives
Another great benefit of installing solar panels in Geraldton is solar incentives! The Federal Government provides a financial incentive for the installation of renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels, through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Under the SRES, a number of online certificates, known as small-scale technology certificates, can be generated once an eligible renewable energy system has been installed. The number of certificates created per system is based on the amount of electricity in megawatt hours that is:
- Generated by the small-scale solar panel system; or
- Displaced by the solar water heater or heat pump.
The number of certificates generated can also depend on the installation date of your system and your geographical location.
The certificates are created and validated through the REC Registry; an online-based registry managed by the Clean Energy Regulator.
There are several eligibility criteria to be eligible for small scale technology certificates, including that they must meet Australian and New Zealand standards and have been installed by a Clean Energy Council accredited solar panel installer (we are CEC accredited and all our in-house installers are qualified CEC electricians).
Environmental Benefits
Solar power is a renewable source of energy and is produced when energy from the sun is converted into electricity. Installing solar panels is one way we can all reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources which are finite and release greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere (the effects of which are far-reaching and long-lasting).
According to the National Grid Support Service [2], on average Australian households generate 18 tonnes of GHG emissions per annum and it is estimated that a family with a 5-kilowatt solar panel system could save more than 8,000 tonnes of GHG emissions each year.
Solar panels also do not require water – one of our most scarce resources – to produce electricity which is another win!
Add value to your property
If you are planning on selling your house or business in the future, solar panels are highly attractive to prospective buyers. A 2018 survey of 1,005 people from all states and territories in Australia [3] found that 77 per cent of Australians consider a house with solar to be more valuable than those relying on traditional energy sources. 57 per cent of homeowners surveyed also stated that they would pay up to $10,000 more for a home with solar panels.
Solar panels are long-lasting
These days most modern solar panels are designed and built to last and produce electricity for many years (often between 25-30 years) with minimal maintenance required.
However, solar panels are not indestructible, and a solar panel could potentially be damaged due to hail, fallen branches or due to debris in an intense storm. If your solar panels have been damaged and you live in Geraldton, Jurien Bay, Cervantes or Kalbarri, call Geraldton Solar Force today, we have the experience and skills needed to safely repair solar panels.
Why Geraldton Solar Force?
Geraldton Solar Force is a 100 per cent Western Australian owned and operated solar installation and solar repairs company. Our team members are locals like you and have been selected for their impressive skills, technical abilities and vast experience. We have a Webberton office and warehouse, which means that we can do everything solar-related in-house and to keep things local. Give us a call today to organise a solar system for your home or commercial property!
References:
[1] ‘2021 Australian Energy Statistics (Electricity)’, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction The Hon. Angus Taylor MP, 2021.
[2] ‘The Advantages And Disadvantages of Home Solar’ by Michael Kamay for the National Grid Support Service, 2021.
[3] Origin Good Energy Report – April 2018
