Low emissions, low water consumption, no waste, 100% renewable and increasingly affordable… Interested? Here’s what you need to know to go solar.
In the last decade, solar technology has gone from fringe to mainstream. According to the Clean Energy Council, over two million Australians have switched to solar – and are saving about half a billion dollars a year because of it. And there’s more to come – Solar Choice say another million homes will use solar energy by the end of this year.
Not only do renewables provide clean, reliable energy sources that help wean Australia off our dirty fossil fuel habit, renewable energy generation has enormous potential for Australia.
Thankfully, the upfront costs of solar panels are decreasing. The Clean Energy Council says solar panels being installed on rooftops today are more than 500 times less expensive to produce than the solar cells of the 50’s, leading to the large uptake of solar panels by families in low-to middle-income suburbs. And those who are unable to go solar shouldn’t feel left out, because renewables are also playing a role in driving down energy prices for all Australians.
Not only are solar panels becoming more affordable, they’re helping create thousands of jobs around the country. In 2013, over 18,000 Australians were employed in the solar industry across 4,300 businesses, many of them small family firms.
With clean energy becoming a viable and affordable option for consumers, it’s time to truly embrace the place renewables hold in Australia’s future.
How do I get started using solar energy?
Going solar may seem like a daunting task – that’s why we’ve put together a list of the essential guides that will help you get started. Take a look!
- Read the Clean Energy Council’s detailed and informative guide to using solar power at home
- Find out more about payback times with CHOICE’s solar power guide
- Make sure your solar panels are safe and reliable by choosing an accredited installer
- Find out if you’re eligible for government scheme assistance here
- Use the Solar Simplified calculator to find out how much you’d save by switching
With millions of Australians joining the solar energy revolution in the last few years, it’s clear that solar power is in Australia’s future. But like all revolutions – this movement is facing stiff opposition from those with business interests in the dirty fossil fuel industry. You can help: tell your energy supplier not to the pull the plug on solar today!