Category: Solar energy

What to do when the NSW 60 cent solar rebate ends

60c Feed-in Tariff ends December 2016

The NSW solar bonus scheme and 60c Feed-in Tariff will be ending on 31 December this year. E-Smart Solar was recently a guest on Blue Mountains Radio’s Business Show discussing the end of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT). Approximately146,000 of NSW households will be affected by the changes, if you are one of the many people affected we’ve listed some tips below to help you prepare for the changeover:

  1. Change your Gross Meter to a Net meter – some retailers are offering this for free, otherwise your local Level 2 electrician (yes, that would be E-Smart Solar!) can do this for you.
  2. Look at shifting your energy loads – it’s simple, but sometimes easy to forget. Shifting your energy consumption to when the sun is shining and solar is at its peak is best practice and will set you up with amazing energy habits (if you don’t already have them!). Things like scheduling your washing machine or dishwasher to work during the day will go a long way in saving you money on your energy bill.
  3. Reevaluate your energy retailer – are there better deals out there and can you renegotiate your rate? As always, it’s worth shopping around to see what offers best suit your needs.
  4. Get more solar panels – more solar panels can be a great solution for those not yet ready to commit to battery storage. Solar panel efficiency has increased significantly in recent years – during the 60-cent scheme, the typical output for a solar panel was around 250w. This has now increased to around 320w for the same size panel – a whopping 28% increase in energy output.
  5. Install solar batteries – solar batteries are currently on everybody’s lips courtesy of the Tesla Powerwall. Batteries are a fantastic way to make use of your daytime solar power and use it at night when sunshine’s not available and energy costs are at their peak. Technology such as Reposit  can also work with your retailer and reduce your battery payback period by 30%.

Questions? Shoot us an email or give us a call on 02 4703 5411 (02 ESMART). We’re here to help.

10 ways to improve your eco credentials at home

Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact

Getting started is often the hardest step – whether it be writing your very first blog post (eek!) or reducing your carbon footprint. We hear you!

But often, it’s the culmination of small changes that have the largest impact. As a result we’ve put together a simple list to get you on your way to improving your eco credentials around the home.

Buy in season…

Avoid fruit and veggies that have been flown halfway around the world and shop at your local farmers market. Not only will you be supporting local suppliers, you’ll have less plastic in your life and a far better taste in your mouth!

Fix that tap!

It’s difficult to conceptualise, but a slow leaking tap can waste an incredible 20,000 litres of water per annum. That’s the entire amount available each year to many people around the world.

 Say no to plastic

In excess of 450,000 recyclable plastic supermarket bags are dumped into landfill every hour (horrifying but true!). Be prepared, and bring your own bags when grocery shopping.

 Use the cold wash

About three-quarters of the energy and greenhouse gas emissions from washing a load of laundry comes purely from heating the water. There’s no need to boil your load; manage your settings and just chill.

Use a dishwasher

It’s not a myth, it’s true – washing up by hand with hot water and rinsing really does leave a bigger carbon footprint than a dishwasher.

Fill your dishwasher, put it on an energy efficient setting and go tend to your herbs…

Grow your own herbs

They taste better, give you a chance to get outside in the sunshine, you’ll save money and you’ll never have a bland dish again. Too easy!

Use your (good old Aussie) hills hoist

Reduce your carbon footprint by using the great Aussie invention, the Hills Hoist. Relish the warmth of the sunshine on your clothes. It beats a dryer any day and you’ll have the extra coins in your pocket.

Recycle your plastic bags

Sometimes plastic bags are unavoidable; the good news is that most supermarkets have recycling stations for your convenience. Save your plastic bags and next time you’re at the shops, pop them into the recycling – it’s that simple.

Avoid free bags

How many do you really need? Around the world, we use and throw away a trillion recyclable bags every year. Crazy! Bring your own bags, dust off your Nanna’s trolley, or just carry your shopping in your hot little hands.

Use renewable energy

Electricity accounts for about 53% of the energy used in Australian households but creates around 87% of the greenhouse gas emissions (DEWHA 2008). Limit your greenhouse gas emissions where you can by utilising renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.

Do you have any more tips?

We’d love to know your thoughts and tips for an eco friendly home! Comment below and let us know your tips for reducing your carbon footprint – we love new ideas!