Common energy tips and tricks

Understanding the Impact of Looming Energy Price Increases on Your Home

, ,

It doesn’t take an economics degree to notice that the cost of living is increasing. All you need is a pair of eyes and a bank account. However, simply observing this phenomenon is not equivalent to comprehending it fully.

In Australia, individuals are grappling with elevated energy prices and widespread hikes in their cost of living, which has left a lot of homeowners in challenging situations with bills piling up left, right, and centre.

As energy prices continue to rise, homeowners are increasingly concerned about the impact on their household budgets. The impact of these price increases can be significant, from increased utility bills to rising prices for goods and services. This article explores the potential impact of rising energy prices on your home and provides some tips for managing and reducing energy costs.

 

Understanding the Impact of Rising Energy Prices

The impact of rising energy prices on your home is a complex issue that can be affected by various factors. Some of the most important factors to consider include the type of energy being used, the size of the home, the efficiency of the home’s heating and cooling systems, and the climate in which the property is located.

 

The Impact of Rising Energy Prices on Utility Bills

An increase in utility bills is one of the most immediate impacts of rising energy prices on your home. As the cost of electricity, natural gas, and other forms of energy rise, the amount you pay for your monthly utility bills will also increase. This can be incredibly challenging for homeowners on a fixed income or who are already struggling to make ends meet.

House Values

The Impact of Rising Energy Prices on Home Values

Another important consideration regarding rising energy prices is the impact on home values. As energy prices rise, homes that are less efficient and more expensive to operate may become less desirable to potential buyers. This can lead to decreased home values and a more challenging housing market overall.

Have a question?

Strategies for How to Manage and Reduce Energy Costs

There are a variety of strategies that homeowners can implement to manage and reduce their energy costs. One of the most effective approaches is to improve your home’s energy efficiency by upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and lighting. This can significantly reduce the energy your home requires to operate and save you money on your monthly utility bills.

Another strategy for managing energy costs is to implement a home energy monitoring system, which can help you identify areas of your home that use the most energy and provide recommendations for reducing energy consumption. This can be especially useful for homeowners looking to make targeted improvements to their energy usage and reduce their overall energy costs.

Finally, consider alternative energy sources, such as solar power. While the initial investment in these systems can be significant, over time, they can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and save you money on your monthly utility bills. To get even more out of their solar, households can add solar batteries to store excess electricity, this can be used at night meaning you can use your own generated electricity day and night.

By implementing these strategies, homeowners can take proactive steps to manage and reduce their energy costs, helping to protect their household budgets and improve the overall efficiency and value of their homes.

 

households can add solar batteries to store excess electricity…

Taking Action to Mitigate the Impact of Rising Energy Prices

As energy prices continue to rise, it is more important than ever for homeowners to take action to mitigate the impact of these increases on their homes. Whether you are looking to save money on your monthly utility bills or increase the value of your home, you can implement various strategies to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your overall energy costs.

To learn more about a solar solution to help you become more energy independent call the Solar Battery Group on 1300 223 224.

Contact us
/by

BREAKING NEWS: Power bills to rise by up to 31% as energy crisis hits home

, ,

Electricity bills for hundreds of thousands of Australian households are set to soar by up to 31 per cent this year, even after the federal government’s emergency intervention brought down wholesale prices and avoided larger possible rises.

On Wednesday, the Australian Energy Regulator released its draft decision on increases to the main caps on consumer energy bills from July 1, which are expected to increase standard power bills between $300 and $564 per year.

The regulator’s so-called “default market offers” – price caps on what retailers can charge households and businesses that do not take up special deals or bundle utilities bills – would rise in all states across the east-coast electricity grid.

Are solar batteries right for me?

Starting from July, default offers will increase by up to 19 per cent in Queensland, 21 per cent in South Australia and 23 per cent in NSW. Households in Victoria, where the state’s Essential Services Commission determines its own default offer, the price cap for households will rise by 31 per cent, or $426.

 

“Energy prices are not immune from the significant challenges in the global economy right now, that’s why it’s more important than ever that we strike a balance in setting the default market offer to protect consumers as well as allowing retailers to continue to recover their costs and innovate.” – Australian Energy Regulator chair Clare Savage

 

The looming retail power bill hikes are being driven by sharp rises in the cost of wholesale electricity across the east-coast grid. The wholesale increases last year – from an average of $85 a megawatt-hour to as much as $264 a megawatt-hour – resulted from coal-fired power plants breaking down during peak demand periods, as well as sharply higher costs of coal and gas as a result of the war in Ukraine.

 

Source: The Age, Wed 15th March, 2023

Contact us today

 

Solar Battery Group Icon

/by

How to reduce your energy use in 2023

,

With more Australians around the home now, chances are your household is using far more electricity during the day than it normally would. This will result in some higher than average electricity bills for most households. We are sure you would like as much money in your back pocket as possible. There are plenty of things you can do to help keep your energy bills down, so here are a few simple tips to help you save money on electricity. 

 

Reduce energy used in the kitchen 

A household’s fridge runs 24 hours a day and is one of the most expensive appliances to run. You should ensure that your fridge is sealed properly so that no cool air is escaping and causing it to use more electricity to keep it cool. Optimum temperatures for your fridge are 4 or 5 degrees and minus 15 to minus 18 for the freezer. 

The dishwasher also uses a large amount of electricity to run each cycle. You should try to ensure you use the economy cycle and only run it when it is full. 

 

Heating can account for over 30% of your bill and every degree above 20 degrees celsius can add 10% to your heating bill.

 

Save Energy in 2023

 

Managing your heating and cooling 

When using your air conditioner this summer, only cool the rooms that you need and close doors and curtains to keep the cool air in. By setting your air conditioner between 23 to 26 degrees you can keep your home cool and costs down. Some ducted cooling systems allow you to turn off the air conditioner in the rooms you are not using. Remember to turn off your air conditioner when you leave home, too.  

Throughout winter, heating can account for over 30% of your bill and every degree above 20 degrees celsius can add 10% to your heating bill. Set your heating between 18 and 20 degrees to reduce your energy usage. Some systems also allow you to turn off the heating in rooms that are unoccupied to make their use more efficient. Also, try to keep curtains and blinds closed to retain heat more effectively and block drafts. 

 

Save Energy in 2023

 

Use energy-saving globes 

By using energy saving LED globes around the home, you could save up to 80% off your lighting costs. Not only do they use less power than traditional light globes, they will also last longer meaning you will spend less money and less time replacing them. 

 

You can use your own generated electricity day and night. 

 

Produce your own free electricity with solar 

By installing solar, your household can become more energy independent and produce its own electricity during the day to minimise electricity drawn from the grid and receive a payment for excess produced, resulting in a lower bill. To get even more out of their solar, households can add solar batteries to store excess electricity, this can be used at night meaning you can use your own generated electricity day and night. 

To learn more about a solar solution to help you become more energy independent call Solar Battery Group on 1300 223 224. 

Contact us

 

Solar Battery Group Icon

/by

Expand your rooftop system

Ever since you installed a solar PV system on the roof, you’ve been supplying your home with renewable energy every day. That system has worked perfectly, and you have been saving money off your electricity bills… until now. You may have increased your consumption with the addition of new family members or different appliances. You may have lost a premium feed-in tariff. The stress is evident in the higher monthly bills and some scary news in the media – increasing electricity prices will inevitably hit all residents; you must do something!

Fortunately, your roof is spacious enough to fit in a few more panels, and you are wondering, “Can you upgrade an existing solar system?”

Yes, you can upgrade an existing solar system. In many cases, that’s exactly what people do when they are using more electricity than they generate. As a matter of fact, various reasons can lead to this decision, for example if you’re looking to produce more energy so you can charge a battery for night-time consumption. No matter the reasoning, it is important to understand that you still need to meet the standards outlined by the policies of your state and network provider.

Solar panels have been available in the Australian market for decades, and more popular than ever thanks to the advances in technology that have made them more affordable and reliable. Ever increasing electricity bills really make expanding your rooftop system an option to consider. Fortunately, you have a few options available for adding more solar panels to your home.

 

Learn more about PV Solar Solutions

 

Keep the same inverter, just add more panels

There are different ways you can expand your solar generation. The easiest option is to have your original installer add more of the same solar panels that you already have to your existing system and inverter.

Many people don’t know this, but a solar inverter can be connected to a system of panels that exceeds the inverter’s rated peak power up to 133% – this is because of the natural power lost in transference from the panels into the inverter. For example, you can safely have a 6.6kW array of panels connected to a 5kW inverter.

This option is possible only if you can hire your original installer to add the exact same panels to the existing system, and you still have some wiggle room in the existing inverter.

Inverters

 

Replace your inverter with a larger one, then add more panels

Practically every year, there is newer and more efficient solar technology hitting the market. There’s the chance that your system may be due for an upgrade, especially if your system is older than 7 years. In that case, you can replace your existing inverter with a bigger, more reliable one, which in turn will also allow you to add more panels, combining an array of new panels with your existing one and having them connected to the same inverter.

Replacing your old inverter can do wonders at increasing the overall efficiency of your system. Keep that in mind!

Install a completely new separate system to your existing one

Probably the most straightforward option to expand your solar energy generation. You could add a completely new inverter and solar panels as a new system, independent from your existing one. Both your old and new solar PV systems can then work together to feed into a battery for example, further reducing your reliance on grid electricity.

The new system can either use a string inverter system or a micro inverter system. The advantage of this approach is that it doesn’t alter your original system, which means you can leave the old system running, without it being brought up to current standards. This is a good approach if your existing system is working well.

There is the possibility that this option is limited by your electricity distributor (the ones in charge of the poles and wires), maybe even export restricted, which then means you wouldn’t be eligible for a feed-in tariff for any excess generated. It is best to check your individual circumstances to gauge the pros and cons of doing this.

I want to expand my system. What’s next?

If you’re interested in any of the options described above for expanding your PV system at home, you’ve arrived to the right place!

Whatever your energy needs, we will give you an appropriate, budget-friendly solution to allow you to escape the grid’s electricity prices as much as possible. Stop giving away your hard earned money to the major energy companies. Have a conversation with our team and allow us to help you. Please contact Solar Battery Group on 1300 223 224 or send us a message.

 

Get a free quote to expand your existing system today

 

/by

Add a solar battery and save

Solar batteries have been available in the Australian market for decades, and reality is battery storage has never been as affordable, safe, and accessible as it is today. Solar batteries are the future for thousands of suburban households across the country and with ever increasing electricity bills, solar batteries are a no brainer if you want to save.

A rooftop PV installation allows you to generate free electricity from the sun. However, there are times when your rooftop PV installation won’t be producing energy and saving you money – like at night. It is at those times that you can experience high charges from grid consumption.

 

Without a solar battery

Without a solar battery

 

Adding a Solar battery to your original Rooftop PV system makes sense, especially in Australia, since we pay some of the highest rates to buy electricity from the grid in the world. Simply put, any power you use at home that comes from your solar and not from the grid will provide savings in your energy bills – and a battery will allow you to extend the benefits of your solar, storing the energy generated throughout the day so you can use at times like at night.

 

With a solar battery

With a solar battery

Get a free solar battery quote now

 

 

You’re better off utilising your FREE solar power rather than selling it for a standard feed-in tariff and then having to buy your electricity back at a much higher rate to power your home at night. The combination of rooftop solar system and battery will help lower your energy bills dramatically and lead the way to a more renewable future, while reducing your carbon footprint.

A solar battery can store excess solar generation instead of sending it straight to the grid. Once the battery is charged, you will still get a feed-in tariff. (Are you shopping for a better feed-in tariff?)

 

SBG-AddBattery

 

Use your own solar power at night, reduce your reliance on grid prices

As we mentioned before, you’re better off utilising your solar energy rather than selling it for a standard feed-in tariff and then having to pay your electricity retailer a much higher rate to power your home at night.

Keep your home powered even when the grid fails, if you choose a model that offers blackout protection. Since this is not a part of a standard installation, we recommend you talking to our solar superheroes about blackout protection at the time of quoting. If you already have a battery that supports blackout protection that hasn’t been wired, we can help you organise for an installer to come and enable it.

It is important to remember choosing the right-sized battery will maximise these benefits.

Want to learn more about how much money you can save by adding a solar battery?

Then talk to our Solar consultants at Solar Battery Group on 1300 223 224 and let us help you.

 

Get a free solar battery quote now

 

/by

Shopping for a better feed-in tariff

If you’re a solar homeowner and you’re connected to the grid, you may be very familiar with the concept of feed-in tariffs. While you are still charged for your energy consumption from the grid and a daily supply charge, most electricity retailers offer a feed-in tariff, or FiT, as the payment that you receive in exchange for any excess energy you feed back into the grid. Consider it an incentive for generating clean energy and allowing others to use it.

However, as solar becomes more popular, FiT’s have been steadily decreasing. More than 10 years ago, FiT’s that residential households were eligible to receive were a lot higher than what’s offered today. Take the state of Victoria for example, where this tariff has gone from 60 c/kWh back in 2009 to 5.20 c/kWh starting 1 July 2022 – a reduction of over 91%!

We have talked before about solar batteries being a great way of maximising your PV generation, as they allow you to store some of that excess energy and use it when you need it most, like at night.

 

Does a solar battery make sense for you?

 

Even so, especially with a big enough solar system, you might be able to charge your storage AND still send some excess energy to the grid. When it comes to clawing back from rising electricity costs, every single cent counts.

 

Who sets the feed-in tariff you get paid?

Minimum feed-in tariffs are updated every year by governmental bodies or independent regulators depending on your place of residence – like the IPART in NSW or the ESC in VIC.

However, the entity that ultimately pays you a FiT is the one that also sends you a bill: your electricity retailer. Electricity retailers must offer the minimum FiT mandated but can offer any amount above that if they choose to do so.

Therefore, the feed-in tariff you get paid can vary from retailer to retailer, and in some instances, from plan to plan even within the same retailer. There is a myriad of options out there, with some rates tied directly to the wholesale market spot price, time-varying vs flat or plans that require the household to have a solar battery or electric vehicle. So how do you go about choosing what’s best for you?

Fortunately, there are tools to help you navigate these complexities and compare between retailers’ offers like the Victorian Energy Compare and the Energy Made Easy websites (for VIC and non-VIC residents respectively). You usually enter information about your address and current energy usage, and in exchange will get a list of different energy plans available to you.

If you identify a more suitable plan for you, you simply need to contact your new chosen retailer and arrange for your electricity service to be switched over.

 

FiT

 

So, a plan with higher feed-in tariffs is better?

Not quite. Some retailers may offer a high feed-in tariff in a plan that has higher electricity rates too. Before switching it is important you analyse the rate plan as a whole, taking into account:

  1. Electricity rates and your usage times (especially important for time-of-use plans)
  2. Any limits to export at certain feed-in tariff rates. There are plans in the market that offer a tempting FiT that is limited to a capped amount of kWh’s a day
  3. Daily supply charge, which you pay regardless of the amount of electricity you consume from the grid
  4. Any conditional discounts (like ‘pay on time’ or ‘bundled’ plans)
  5. Early termination, late payment or disconnection fees
  6. Other relevant terms and conditions

 

FiT

 

Is there an easier solution?

No matter how hard you look, feed-in tariffs are designed to be lower than the electricity rates you pay to your retailer. That is why using as much of that free energy you already generate at home is a more straightforward way to save on rising living costs.

By using your own solar power, there are no overheads, no transmission costs, no tricky sales conditions. Solar PV requires little maintenance and is an investment you can maximise for decades.

Even better, solar batteries allow you to squeeze the most out of your solar, gain independence from the grid (and those pesky electricity retailers), as well as providing other bonuses like protecting your home from blackouts and added monitoring capabilities that put you behind the steering wheel of your life once again.

 

Take charge. Check our solar battery range and ask for a free quote today

 

/by

Service, maintain and clean your solar panels

Installing solar panels on the roof is arguably one of the best investments any homeowner can make. One of their best features is that solar PV systems are not difficult to maintain, mainly because they have been designed and built to withstand all kinds of weather, remaining outdoors throughout most of their product life.

However, to get the most value out of your solar panels and ensure they last you for the next 25-30 years*, it’s important to understand your PV system’s required regular maintenance needs. So, whether you are thinking of adding new panels to your home or have had them for a while, read on and we’ll explain what you need to keep everything in tip top shape.

 

Your step-by-step guide on solar panel maintenance

 

Step # 1: Keep your panels in full sun

Sounds obvious, no? Technically, this is not related to the maintenance of the panels themselves, but it should come as no surprise that ensuring your panels receive as much sunlight as possible is very important for maximum energy generation.

For this one, keep an eye out on trees and other structures that may partially block your PV system. Remember: if you don’t have microinverters (and most systems don’t), the efficiency of the whole array will be reduced to the weakest performing panel!

microFX

 

Step # 2: Your panels should be cleaned at least once a year

Your panels are exposed to the elements day and night; as you can imagine then, dust, bird droppings, leaves and all kinds of debris can build up quickly and obstruct the surface of the panels – blocking sunlight which will impact your system’s performance.

A golden rule is that once a year, you need to get on your roof or pay for your panels to be cleaned. This will vary depending on the climate, the tilt of your panels, etc. For example, if the solar panels are completely horizontal, they’ll need cleaning more often than when they’re angled.

If you decide to do it yourself, we recommend you doing some prior research on solar cleaning kits, as some domestic cleaning products can be too harsh or leave scratches on the panel’s surface that will have the opposite intended effect of maximising your solar output. Also, stay away from pressure washers or walking on top of the panels!

If you prefer to organise for your solar panels to be cleaned by a professional, simply search for reputable companies near you and get a few quotes in. Professional cleaning can cost you up to $20 per panel, but that cost should be easily covered with the electricity savings you enjoy throughout the life of your PV system.

 

Solar-panels

 

Need a service? Contact us

 

Step # 3: Pay attention to your monitoring app

We know it is not possible to be on the roof looking at your panels every day – enter your solar monitoring app. Keeping a regular eye on the app of your solar (and battery) will serve as a good first indicator there could be an issue with your system.  Be on the lookout for any drops in production or other irregularities for no apparent reason – this is a common signal your solar may need some maintaining. It is a good idea to check on the panels themselves, search for cracks or scratches, or perhaps it may be time for a clean. In very rare cases, you could identify a technical issue with your panels; your solar installer will need to be contacted to arrange a home visit.

 

MonitoringAPP

 

Step # 4: Organise a regular inspection of the system

We recommend you hiring a professional to inspect your system once a year. Essentially, during a solar panel inspection, someone – could be your solar installer, a licenced electrician or a Clean Energy Council-accredited entity, will come to your home and ensure every component of your PV system is working properly. You can even ask to combine an inspection with the annual recommended clean to save in travel costs.

An annual inspection should ensure:

  • Panels are clean, free of defects and secure on the roof
  • Switches and wiring have no defects and are securely attached
  • Electrical checks are passed for safe operation
  • There is no corrosion or deteriorated parts
  • Any recorded faults in the inverter display panel are reviewed
  • Access to the isolator switch is maintained
  • Emergency procedures for shutdown and isolation are clearly displayed

It is important to note that most solar panel warranties require proper maintenance of the panels for full coverage.

 

Panels-Maintenance

 

The bottom line

Solar panels require very little maintenance since they are designed for outdoor use and have no moving parts. In most cases, your PV system won’t need much outside of an annual inspection and cleaning. It is also a good idea to trim trees around the house that may be shading your panels.

The best indicator that your system is in need of some additional maintenance is a sudden drop in energy output. Your app – and even your bill, can help you identify a problem early on, in which case you should schedule a service appointment with a professional.

Depending on your solar panel installer, you may have a number of maintenance visits included in your purchase, or discounts that cover regular maintenance and cleaning. The cost of these regular visits will be minimal, and in turn ensure your system lasts you for a long, long time.

 

Contact us today and get your free solar PV quote

 

* 25-30 years is an indicative average product life for solar panels, but this will ultimately depend on the brand, quality of installation and harshness of the elements where you live. Please refer to your solar installer for specifics regarding your PV system.

/by

Hot tips to reduce your energy bills this winter

The Australian winter throughout most parts of the country is unbelievably cold, resulting in most households turning to increased use of heaters, to stay warm. Unfortunately, this often leads to higher energy consumption and higher bills during winter, and with ever increasing energy prices throughout the country and the cost of living increasing. Using the tips below, you’ll be able to help keep your energy bills down this winter.

How solar batteries work?

Put up window covers, close windows and doors

To stay warm and save money on your gas bills this winter, consider fitting draught seals on the opening of windows and doors.  When the heater starts to heat up to more extreme temperatures, it can be best to keep windows and doors closed during the day when the outside temperature is far hotter than inside the house. Once the outside temperature is higher than inside, you can start to open doors and windows to cross-ventilate air to continue to heat up your house.

Program your thermostat

When using your heater, only heat the rooms and close doors and curtains to keep the warm air in. By setting your heater to between 18 and 20 degrees, you can keep your home warm and reduce costs. Every degree higher than this temperature can add around 15% to your gas bill.

Solar Battery Group

Use energy efficient globes

There are plenty of options when it comes to energy efficient lighting which can help to maintain an energy efficient household. By choosing the appropriate lights bulbs, you can ensure your home is energy efficient and saving you more money on energy bills.

Turn off non-essential appliances at the switch

This winter, a simple flick of the switch can save money and energy. When not in use, turn non-essential appliances such as computers, printers, televisions, and entertainment systems off at their power points. Electronic devices can use up to 10% of your household’s electricity on standby (called phantom power).

Solar Battery Group

Run a full load of washing

Are you looking to stay on top of your washing and energy bills this winter? Try waiting until your washing machine and dishwasher are full before running a cycle. For greater savings, choose cold wash and the shortest washing cycle when you can.

Does a solar battery make sense for you?

Install Solar + Battery 

The Winter conditions are ideal for households with rooftop (PV) solar with a solar battery fitted. With rooftop solar, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also producing your own free energy which can be used to power your home and appliances during the day. So, by meeting your energy needs with the solar power your system produces you’ll be able to pay less for the power you use. Rooftop solar systems produce more electricity over summer and combined with a solar battery can store electricity to use at night when the sun goes down, meaning households can draw less electricity from the grid. With the cost of living increasing, it is a no brainer.

Contact us

 

Solar Battery Group Icon

/by
Australian Owned and Operated
Solar Battery Group
Solar Battery Group

Looking for something?

Prefer to talk to a real person?

Call 1300 223 224