Exploring the Relationship Between Energy Efficiency and Solar Power in Perth

For most homeowners, having solar panels installed means a huge reduction in the cost of powering their homes. It goes without saying that the rising cost of electricity has given rise to a growing number of households and businesses exploring alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro. However, in areas of the world like Perth, Australia that enjoy the sun throughout much of the year, solar makes a great deal of sense and is probably the renewable energy source of choice for most people. Together with energy efficiency, most people look to save thousands of dollars a year. It only takes understanding of how to make energy efficiency and renewable energy work together to realise the savings you are looking for.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency

Before actually talking about a solar panel installation, it is important to understand that the size of a system you will have installed is based on your energy needs. If your objective is to cut costs, then it stands to reason that you also want to save money on the cost of installation. The number of solar panels you have placed on your property will have an impact on the bottom line. If your energy needs are reduced, obviously the size unit you have installed will likewise be reduced. Therefore, there is a symbiotic relationship between energy efficiency and solar power.

Cost of Installation of Solar Panels

Solar installations can cost less than $4,000 in Perth, depending on the number of solar panels being used and the size of the batteries needed to store the amount of power being generated. You can get a quote by visiting Renew Energy whose prices start at $3750.

Mounting Environmental Concerns

By this point in time, few people can deny that greenhouse gases are rapidly breaking down the ozone layer and are causing issues with not only the air we breathe but many lifeforms on earth. Not only is the air we breathe toxic but the oceans and the earth itself have unprecedented levels of toxicity and much of this is due to the massive amounts of CO2 being released into the atmosphere. With mounting concerns over the environment, more and more homeowners are looking at alternative energy to do their part in helping to heal the planet. This is another reason why it is important to consider solar power, at least in part, to reduce the destruction humans have been perpetrating within just the energy sector alone.

Keeping Costs Reasonable

As mentioned above, most households are looking to reduce expenses by taking advantage of renewable energy. With the sun freely available every day of the year, it makes sense to install solar power to reduce our dependence on electricity which, in turn, is largely dependent on fossil fuel from regions of the world where there is a huge amount of geopolitical tension. The rising cost of fuel is one of the reasons why electricity is so expensive and why prices continue to rise. Also, fracking has come under fire, so new sources of fuel are not as numerous as the big power suppliers had envisioned.

Reduce needs = Reduce Cost

The only way to really keep costs reasonable is to reduce your need for energy you must purchase, and again, the only way to accomplish that is to harness energy that is freely given like sunshine, water, and wind power.

Tips for an Energy-Efficient Household

So, as you can see, there exists a symbiotic relationship between energy efficiency and renewable energy when it comes to cutting costs. Typically, this means a reduction in the size unit you have installed. Even large households can utilise smaller systems if they focus on being energy efficient. This means using energy-efficient appliances and cutting your energy consumption in other ways as well.

For example, it is advisable to transition to LED lighting throughout your entire household and on the exterior as well. It is even better if you are able to use solar power lights throughout your lawn and garden because those will not need to draw current from your solar system you utilise to power your home. Also, make an extra effort to shut lights off when not in use, unplug any rechargeable electronics once they are fully charged and pay special attention to climate control in the home.

Weatherising Property

When considering having a solar power system installed in your home, you may also want to weatherise your property at the same time. Heavy drapes or tinted windows help as does weather stripping around doors. If your windows are not completely airtight, you will be running your HVAC longer and harder as well. Whether your goal is to save the planet or save your purse, the end result is the same. Energy efficiency and alternative power must work together, or your savings will be minimal. Yes, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, but will you really be saving anything if you are wasting energy? Probably not.