Posted in solar power
Increases to electricity pricing
5% increase to their Peak tariff
16% increase to their Off-Peak tariff
66% increase in Supply Charge
What does this mean for the average household?
- A 13.6% total increase to the average power bill*
- The average Australian will be $190 extra out-of-pocket*
Whilst it is likely that prices may be reduced slightly with the removal of the carbon tax, we will have to wait and see how energy providers approach this change. Regardless of the outcome, energy will continue to rise and there is no better time than now to evaluate your energy usage. If you would like carry out a review of your household's electricity usage - SolarGreen is offering a FREE Energy Audit to all residents in SE Queensland & Northern NSW. All you need to do is follow this link to our assessment tool - www.solargreen.com.au/energy-audit.
For any other enquiries about ways of saving energy, feel free to Contact Us today!
| Posted in:solarpvsolar energysolar power |
Helpful energy saving tips for winter!
SolarGreen has developed the following list of helpful hints and tips for all Australian families to consider for the upcoming colder months.
Don’t overheat your home
- Keep your thermostat set to 20ºC in winter. You shouldn't need it any warmer than this.
- Program your heater’s thermostat so it only works when you need it. You can buy an affordable timer from any hardware store.
- Consider installing a reverse cycle solar air conditioning system and save up to 50% of your running costs.
- Think about what you're wearing before turning on your heater. If you're not wearing a jumper, pants and socks then you probably don't need your heater on at all!
FACT: Turning your thermostat down by 2ºC you could reduce your energy bill by up to $150 per year.*
Keep the heat in your home & don't let it escape
- By closing all doors to rooms that you do not need to use, you could save up to $60 a year*.
- Seal draughts and gaps around external doors and windows and save up to $40 a year*.
- Keep curtains and external blinds closed at night and on cloudy days to keep the cold out.
- Open curtains when the sun is shining, especially for windows facing north.
- Consider installing double glazed windows
- Installing or topping up your home insulation will keep you both warmer in winter and cooler in summer. By doing so will reduce your heating and air-conditioning costs, and could save you up to $350 a year.* Click here to read about SolarGreen's insulation products.
FACT: Up to 35% of your home’s heat can escape through doors, windows, walls and ceilings.
Use hot water wisely
- Wash clothes in cold water and you will save considerable amounts of energy.
- Fix any leaking hot taps and you’ll save both energy and water.
- Avoid rinsing dishes under running hot water. Scrape your plates first and then use a plug in the sink to wash your dishes.
- If you don't already have a front-loading washing machine, consider investing in one. They use less energy and less water than top loading machines.
- Consider installing solar hot water to significantly reduce your hot water costs.
- Reduce your shower time! By reducing the time spent in the shower from 7 minutes to 4 minutes could save up to 13,800 litres of water each year and a considerable amount of money.*
- Install a 3 star showerhead and the average household can save up to $150 a year.*
FACT: Installing a solar hot water system can reduce your hot water costs by up to 90%. Find out more!
*www.SaveEnergy.vic.gov.au
| Posted in:solarsolar energysolar power |
Stop the Newman Government cutting the feed-in tariff
 "Stop the Newman Government cutting the feed-in tariff")
Dear Solar Owners,
Sign the petition now - www.solarcitizens.org.au.
Unfortunately there is more bad news on the horizon for solar owners, with Energy Minister Mark McArdle announcing today that the Newman government will be completely removing the 8 cent feed-in tariff, effective as of 1 July this year.
If this policy is introduced then the only way to negotiate a feed-in tariff will be directly via a retailer, which we feel is a lose-lose for the 40,000 solar owners throughout Queensland.
Queenslanders have managed to stop the government implementing unfair solar charges in the past and we are hoping that we can do it again. If you feel these proposed changes are unfair and may affect you, or people you know, please sign the Solar Citizens Petition today!
Regards,
Robert Wichgers
General Manager
| Posted in:solarsolar power |
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