Using Solar Power To Save Money and Help The Environment

One wonders whether recent moves to increase energy prices in Australia will spur people to look for alternatives in order to cut their electricity costs.

Solar energy, and wind power are the most readily available forms of alternative energy, and the Australian government is currently offering a rebate of up to $8,000.00 to help cover the cost of converting to green power.

Wikipedia defines solar power Solar energy as “the light and radiant heat from the Sun that influences Earth’s climate and weather and sustains life.”

It also says that solar power is sometimes used as a synonym for solar energy or more specifically to refer to electricity generated from solar radiation.

I’ve become more interested in back to grid solar power systems lately, both because of cost advantages, and also the impact that burning fossil fuels has on the environment.

A close friend of mine recently installed solar panels on his roof, and estimates that it is saving him about 30% on his power bill. He’s so impressed, that he is planning to add more panels early next year.

While there is talk of changing the rebate as early as next year, it is clear that the Australian government is committed to battling climate change, and this is one of the simplest ways to cut carbon emissions.

With the signing of the Kyoto agreement, Australia needs to upgrade it’s power stations to cope with new emissions targets.

Most of the country’s power stations were designed and/or built prior to the 1980’s.

Below: photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity from the sun!

Using Green Renovations To Add Value To Your Home!

On a personal note, apart from saving money, and protecting the environment, I believe that converting to solar power adds value to the family home.

In my view, if my house is actually producing all, or part of the electricity required for every day life, it gives us an advantage in the market over non solar powered homes when it comes time to sell.

Part of the ‘greening’ of our home has so far included rain water tanks for the garden, plans to install a back to grid solar panel system, and the reuse of ‘grey water’ (from showers and the washing machine) in the garden.

This post isn’t meant to be a technical one, and I’m no expert on the subject, but over the next little while I will be writing more on the topic as I learn more.

I have posted links below to media reports of increased energy costs here in Australia.

Energy bills rising to help us keep our cool

Queensland residents in for a shock?

While many will argue the point about global warming, one thing that may help people decide to convert to green energy is pain to the hip pocket nerve.

Subsidies and rebates are available in many countries other than Australia.