Home &Lifestyle | PAGE 9 Owner and operator of Solahart East Gippsland, Rob Rawlings, has set up a booming trade in the area, offering a personal service to his customers. Rob recently found himself in need of a reliable truck which would cater to his expanding business needs, after noticing other companies opting for smaller trucks for their solar equipment and saw it as an advantage for his own business. Rob ended up choosing the Hino Hybrid Electric, which fitted perfectly with his business of replacing older technology with environmentally-friendly products. There are many advantages to going solar, many of which should be considered when undertaking a home renovation. 1. Increase the energy efficiency of your home Going solar is an investment that can help reduce your energy consumption by harnessing the sun's free energy to deliver power for your home, instead of relying only on the grid. This means that by considering a clean and green source of energy in your renovation plans, it could actually help you keep more money in your pocket over time, and protect you from increasing grid-energy costs. According to research, cutting down power bills is a key priority for customers who choose solar power (71 per cent). With the installation of a 6kW solar power system, a typical family could save approximately $1500 on their annual energy bills. Also, the same family could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by up to seven tonnes per year. 2. Reduce the energy you use to heat water Installing a solar hot water heater can help you make a big difference to your energy consumption. This will ensure you are taking advantage of the abundant Australian sunshine to produce the hot water required for your home. A conventional water heater typically makes up about 25 per cent of a household's energy use in Australia. You could save up to 65 per cent of your hot water energy use if you replace your current gas or electric water heater with a solar water heater. 2017-18 saw 23 per cent growth in solar generation, indicating there is a significant shift towards increased energy productivity. 3. Increase the value of your home According to research from realestate.com.au, installing solar products has the potential to increase a home's value; and other than improving our lifestyle, adding value to our real estate, is a nice side effect to have when embarking on a renovation project. In fact, the survey positioned solar technology as top-of-mind when it came to green living. Some of the findings were: - 85 per cent of Australians say that solar panels would add value to a home. - 78 per cent of Australians say that solar hot water would increase a home's value. - Two in five renters would pay up to $10 extra per week for a home with solar. - Solar technology helps homeowners realise that certain aspects of their home, such as the roof, can be a great asset, especially when living in a country where sunshine is abundant. 4. Go green and help save the planet Did you know 60 per cent of the electricity consumed by the average Aussie household is generated from coal? But there is a smarter way to power your home. Like using energy free from the sun. Solar helps you make a significant contribution to the environment, as it uses a natural power source to deliver energy and hot water for your home. As a result, you are also doing your bit to reduce greenhouse emissions. For example, a Solahart solar water heater can help you save up to 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. So, your next renovation is a great opportunity to make a difference. For more information, reach out to the local experts at Solahart East Gippsland. Make solar part of your next renovation
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