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- Environment
- Climate change
- Solahart
Sun-powered savings: smart investment in solar energy
Sponsored by Solahart
Investing in solar energy for your home does more than just cut down on electricity bills; it can enhance your property value, builds in long-term savings, and significantly reduces your carbon footprint.
Solahart’s solar water heating systems, with over 70 years of pioneering experience in solar energy solutions, stand out as an excellent choice for homeowners looking to make a smart, sustainable investment.
Solar hot water translates to a reduction of 15 to 25 tonnes of carbon over 10 years, marking a substantial contribution to mitigating climate change.
Energy savings and reduced carbon footprint
Solahart’s solar water heating systems are at the forefront of helping homeowners tackle two significant challenges: high energy costs and environmental degradation.
By harnessing solar energy to heat water, these systems substantially decrease the reliance on conventional energy sources, such as electricity or gas.
“By switching from electric water heaters to Solahart’s solar water heating systems, households could save up to 65 per cent of the energy used to heat water,” says Solahart general manager Stephen Cranch.
This transition is crucial as hot water production can account for up to 25 per cent of the total energy used in Australian homes.
The environmental benefits are equally compelling.
Solahart’s installations provide a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. “A typical solar water heater can save approximately 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per year,” says Cranch. Over 10 years, this translates to a reduction of 15 to 25 tonnes of carbon, marking a substantial contribution to mitigating climate change.
Broader homeowner benefits
But solar hot water is just the beginning.
As one of the first companies in Australia to offer complete solar solutions including, solar hot water, solar power, battery storage, and smart connected water heaters, Solahart has installed over 1 million solar hot water systems worldwide and more than 1 million solar panels across Australia. Their products are not just about energy efficiency but also about enhancing the overall value and functionality of homes.
“Homes with solar water heating systems and renewable energy technologies often see an increase in property value due to the appeal of energy-efficient features,” says Cranch.
Moreover, Solahart emphasises quality and durability in its products. “Solahart’s products are built to last, with premium materials and robust construction, trusted Solahart warranties ensuring peace of mind,” says Cranch.
This commitment to quality assures homeowners of a reliable, long-term investment.
Financial data and long-term savings
The financial implications of adopting Solahart’s smart-connected hot water technology can be significant.
A recent review of Solahart customers using a PowerStore smart-electric water heater revealed average power bill savings of $397 between July 2023 and February 2024. This system leverages excess solar energy to heat water, further enhancing savings by reducing grid energy consumption.
“Solahart solar water heating systems can cut household water heating energy consumption by up to 65 per cent, when replacing a conventional electric water heater,” says Cranch.
These savings highlight not only the cost-effectiveness of the investment but also its role in promoting sustainable energy consumption.
Government incentives and rebates
The federal government’s Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides financial incentives that can be used as an upfront discount. The incentives come in the form of “Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) which are available for solar installations in every state of Australia”, says Cranch.
State-specific programs also enhance these savings. For instance, the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) for installing energy-efficient renewable appliances.
“The NSW government’s Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides a financial incentive given as Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) to install energy-efficient renewable appliances,” says Cranch.
These certificates can be combined with STCs for additional savings, making solar water heating systems even more cost-effective.
Protection against rising energy costs
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in solar water heating systems is the protection they offer against rising energy costs.
Electricity prices have been on an upward trend, and this is expected to continue. By generating their own hot water from solar energy, homeowners can shield themselves from these escalating costs. This financial security is invaluable, providing peace of mind and long-term savings.
Solahart’s approach to solar energy goes beyond just water heating. By combining solar water heaters with other solar technologies, such as solar power systems and battery storage, homeowners can maximise their energy savings and sustainability.
Solahart has installed over 1 million solar hot water systems worldwide.
“Combining a solar water heater with a solar power system provides power to your home and reduces reliance on fossil fuels,” says Cranch.
The role of technology in maximising benefits
Modern solar water heating systems are equipped with advanced technology to maximise efficiency and benefits. For instance, heat pump water heaters use ambient air to heat water, making them an excellent alternative in areas where traditional solar heaters may not be suitable.
“Rather than using roof-mounted collectors, efficient heat pump technology extracts energy from the surrounding air,” says Cranch.
This technology ensures that solar water heating systems can be effective in various climates and conditions.
Investing in solar water heating systems also contributes to energy independence.
By generating their own hot water, homeowners become less dependent on the grid and fossil fuels. This independence is particularly beneficial in regions prone to energy shortages or rising energy costs.
Strategic insights for homeowners
For homeowners considering solar hot water systems, Solahart offers several strategies to maximise both financial savings and environmental impact. Assessing energy needs and choosing the right system size is crucial.
“First, evaluate your household’s water heating requirements to choose the appropriate system size,” says Cranch.
Additionally, homeowners should take advantage of government incentives and rebates to mitigate the initial costs.
Regular maintenance and combining a solar water heater with other renewable technologies like solar power systems and battery storage can further enhance energy independence and savings.
Investing in a Solahart solar hot water system presents a compelling case for homeowners looking to reduce both their energy bills and carbon footprint.
With advanced technology, local customer support, and significant environmental benefits, these systems offer a sustainable solution that aligns with both economic and ecological goals.
For those seeking to future-proof their homes against rising energy costs, while doing their bit to reduce the impact of climate change, adding Solahart’s offerings represents a timely investment.
To learn more, please visit Solahart.