How to go clean
Renewable energy solutions for the home are now more affordable than ever.
More than three million homes across Australia have harnessed the power of the sun to reduce their electricity bills through rooftop solar systems*.
About 17% of energy generated in Queensland is renewable, with a target of 50% set for 2030*.
Clean Energy Council (CEC) Director of Distributed Energy Darren Gladman said it had become easier than ever for homeowners to embrace solar energy.
“The costs of rooftop solar systems have come down a lot due to economies of scale and global demand – it’s actually one of the best investments you can make,” Mr Gladman said.
“An appropriately sized solar system that suits your needs can pay for itself in as little as three to four years, which is an attractive return on investment and for customers who do careful analysis it could make very good financial sense.”
Mr Gladman said battery packs were becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who did not want to rely on the electricity grid.
“Having a solar system with a battery installed means you can become independent of the grid and is really valuable for people who live in areas often impacted by bushfires or storms that bring down powerlines and cause blackouts,” he said.
Mr Gladman said clean, renewable energy was the way of the future.
“The more solar and batteries we have the quicker we can shut down coal power stations which is absolutely crucial if we’re going to meet the zero emissions targets,” he said.
“Connecting your hot water system to your solar system is a very cheap and simple way of storing energy and heating water.
“We’ve only just started to see batteries take off and in the next few years electric vehicles are going to become more popular.
“It’s early days but we’re also looking towards intelligent home management systems that monitor how much electricity is coming from your solar panels, the weather and how much charge is in your home battery to manage power needs effectively.”
Mr Gladman said members considering rooftop solar systems and other clean energy options should ensure they chose a CEC-accredited retailer.
“It’s vital to get an accredited installer so you know your system is safe and installed properly,” he said.
“A CEC-approved retailer provides a five-year whole-of-system warranty so if you have an issue the retailer will take care of any warranty issues on behalf of the customer.”
Mr Gladman said it was important for members to consider their needs and get multiple quotes before choosing a retailer.
“When people buy from door-to-door salespeople they’re often under pressure and pay far too much, so our advice is don’t purchase until you’ve got three written quotes,” he said.
“Well-established, local businesses usually provide the best service and care about their reputation so look for a local business with a good track record.”
*Source: Clean Energy Council
GEM Energy home solar and battery discounts for members
More articles
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.