SnapSolar: Empowering Sustainable Energy and Protecting the Great Barrier Reef
Here at SnapSolar, we’re not just about selling solar systems—we’re about SnapSolar powering change. Our journey began in 2018 with a simple yet powerful mission: to empower individuals and businesses to transition from paying large corporate utility providers for energy to being self-sustainable with solar energy solutions.
We set out to be Australia’s leading solar company, driven by a deep commitment to providing unparalleled advice, top-quality products, and expert installations. Preservation and sustainability are at the core of our business, rooted in our passion for making a positive impact on the environment.
Fast forward to 2024, and we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with an organization that’s close to our hearts: the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
As avid water enthusiasts, my wife, my family, and I spend countless weekends exploring the waters of North Queensland—kitesurfing, fishing, surfing, diving, and spearfishing. These waters aren’t just our home; they’re our playground, our sanctuary. That’s why we’re passionate about protecting one of the planet’s most precious living structures—the Great Barrier Reef.
Through our partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we’re not only supporting the preservation and restoration of this pristine environment but also making a tangible, lasting impact. For every solar system sold, we’re pledging to plant a piece of coral through a donation to the Foundation. It’s our way of giving back to the place that has given us so much joy and inspiration over the years.
We invite you to join us on this journey of powering change and empowering positive change. By choosing SnapSolar, you’re not just investing in clean energy for your home or business; you’re becoming a part of something bigger—a movement toward a more sustainable future for generations to come. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just business success; it’s about making a difference in the world.
Why choose us? Because we’re more than just a solar company. We’re a group of passionate individuals who believe in the power of collective action to make a difference. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from initial consultation to installation and beyond.
Together, we can create real change. Together, we can preserve the beauty of our planet for future generations. Together, we can make a difference. Join us in our mission of SnapSolar Powering Change—and let’s create a brighter, more sustainable future, one solar panel and one piece of coral at a time.
Solar panels are often touted as a sustainable solution for reducing household energy costs. However, some homeowners find themselves puzzled when their expected savings don’t materialise. So if you’re here wondering, “Why are my solar panels not saving me money?” you are not alone.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore common reasons why your solar investment might not be paying off as anticipated and how you can enhance your savings.
Before delving into the factors affecting your solar savings, it’s crucial that you can grasp how efficient your solar panels are in converting sunlight into electricity.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of a panel’s ability to convert sunlight into usable energy. The average efficiency of solar panels on the market today ranges from 15% to 20%, but this can be influenced by several factors including panel type, installation angle, and exposure to sunlight.
We’ll break this down more for your understanding below.
Several key factors can explain why your solar panels might not be saving you as much money as you expected:
How many solar panels do I need? This is a vital question you should ask before installation. The number of panels and the overall capacity of your solar system must align with your energy consumption needs. If your system is too small, it won’t generate enough power to significantly offset your electricity bills.
The orientation and angle of your solar panels significantly affect their productivity. Panels should ideally be installed where they can receive maximum sunlight, free from shade. Environmental factors like cloudy weather or shorter daylight hours in winter can also reduce the amount of solar energy your panels can harness.
Your household’s energy consumption pattern is another critical element. If most of your electricity use occurs at night or during overcast conditions when your panels are least productive, you’ll miss out on the benefits of solar power, leading to higher grid consumption.
Understanding your electric bill structure and the policies of your energy provider is essential. Some utilities may charge higher fees or offer less favourable conditions for solar energy systems, which can affect your savings.
Here we’ll give you some advice on some strategies you can take to maximise what you get out of your solar panels.
Align your energy usage with peak solar production times. You can use timers for appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and pool pumps to operate during the day. This alignment ensures you use the energy as it’s produced, reducing reliance on the grid.
Investing in energy-efficient appliances can reduce your overall energy consumption. Appliances with a high energy star rating will use less power, allowing your solar system to cover a larger portion of your energy needs.
Ensure your solar panels are regularly cleaned and free from obstructions like fallen leaves or bird droppings. Regular maintenance checks for damage or inefficiencies are also crucial for keeping your system running optimally. Learn more about solar panel maintenance and inspection services.
Adding a solar battery can store excess power generated during the day for use at night, further decreasing your reliance on the grid. This can be particularly beneficial if your energy consumption is higher during non-solar production hours.
Maybe you’re here because you’re curious what problems you may run into while trying to save with solar panels, instead of troubleshooting a problem with a current installation. In that case, if you’re getting ready to consider solar panels, you’re probably curious how much do solar panels cost?
The upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels can be quite significant. In Australia, prices can vary widely depending on the size of your system, the quality of panels, and the complexity of your installation. This initial cost is a critical factor in calculating the payback period of your solar setup and whether it’s worth it for you.
However as a Queensland resident or business you also have some support, as the State Government wants to encourage more investment into green power.
Read more: A Roundup of How the Australian Government Supports Residential Solar
While solar panels offer a promising way to reduce energy costs, various factors can impact the actual savings realised. By understanding these factors and actively managing your energy usage and system maintenance, you can enhance the efficiency of your solar panels and see a more significant reduction in your electricity bills.
In conclusion, solar panels can indeed save you money, but achieving optimal savings requires a combination of smart planning, efficient energy use, and regular system maintenance. Addressing these aspects will help you maximise your investment and enjoy the financial and environmental benefits of solar power. For further assistance or to get a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us at Snap Solar on 1300 628 097, or explore our services for both residential and commercial solar solutions.
SnapSolar is partnering with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to create real change and help preserve the reef by planting coral with every solar system sold.
🌊 SnapSolar’s partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation reflects their commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. By aligning with an organisation focused on reef protection, they are taking proactive action to address the threats facing the reefs.
🌱 By planting a piece of coral for every solar system sold, SnapSolar is not only offsetting carbon emissions but also directly contributing to the restoration of the reef. This initiative showcases their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their core business.
🎥 The team’s plan to document their efforts and showcase the process of planting coral not only engages customers but also raises awareness about the importance of reef preservation. This transparency and educational approach can inspire others to take action.
🙏 SnapSolar expresses gratitude towards their supporters and future customers, emphasising the collective effort required to create meaningful change. This appreciation fosters a sense of community and encourages others to join their mission.
🌍 The company’s vision goes beyond simply selling solar systems; they aim to empower customers and create lasting change. By investing in sustainable solutions and aligning with organisations like the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, SnapSolar demonstrates their commitment to a better future.
🏝️ Preservation and sustainability are the foundation of SnapSolar’s business. Their alignment with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation reinforces their dedication to protecting natural resources and ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Snap Solar installs a new solar system with batteries on a roof, facing east and west for optimal panel configuration. Cables are run from the inverter to each string of panels, and the system is set up to convert DC current to AC current. The team installs 28 black panels with a 25-year warranty and an 11.5 KW PV system with 8 KW inverter and 11 KW of battery power.
💡 Snap Solar chooses an east-west panel configuration for optimal sunlight throughout the day.
💡 Cables are carefully positioned and connected to ensure efficient power flow.
💡 The inverter converts DC current to AC current for household appliances.
💡 The 28 black panels have a sleek design and come with a long warranty.
💡 The installed system has a high capacity with an 11.5 KW PV system, 8 KW inverter, and 11 KW of battery power.
Energy bills are rising in Brisbane. So much so, that we’ve been getting questions from people in South East Queensland about why their electricity bills have not just risen —- but doubled!
However, there’s no need to panic. Take a deep breath, and together we’ll go over the possible reasons your electricity bill has gotten a lot higher than it has been, and even what you can do about it.
“As a reference point, we’ve seen inflation of over 33% in the residential market just last year and expect a further 12 – 18% again this year on July 1st.
Because of the heat and the added electrical load, people are now feeling the full grunt of that pricing change!”
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Inflation is having its influence on the price of living costs everywhere in Australia, unfortunately, its effects are also not spared when it comes to your electricity costs.
According to an Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW report, electricity prices are increasing mainly due to substantial increase in wholesale costs.
The AER outlined the reasons behind these rising wholesale prices when evaluating the Default Market Offer (DMO) price, an indicative maximum price electricity companies can charge customers on standard plans, for 2023-24:
Brisbane experienced its second warmest summer on record from Dec 2023 – Feb 2024, as reported by ABC News. Broader Queensland was also warmer than usual.
It wasn’t the only weather discomfort for our great city. Rainfall was also higher, (251mm higher than average, and 13 days more of rain than average).
Together, these conditions meant hot weather, high humidity, and less relief for sleep with many warm nights.
Meteorologists called this summer season ‘oppressive.’
In one word: demand.
Demand on the energy grid, means extra charges and as a result: higher energy bills.
These charges are what energy companies call Demand Charges.
Energy providers charge these extra costs towards you as a consumer when you are using electricity during times where there’s a strenuous demand on the network. Climate or the time of day, often drives that behaviour. For instance, if everyone decides to wash their clothes in the washing machine at the same time, the electricity used will cost more.
So during a long summer where most people in Brisbane and even wider Queensland were feeling the heat and humidity, it’s not too surprising that there was a major reliance on air conditioning. Unfortunately, this also meant many people also felt this pain reflected as well in their energy bills.
The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) chair Professor Flavio Menezes told InQueensland that the war in Ukraine played a major factor in the increases of wholesale energy costs, in June 2023 in the light of the estimated 2023-24 price increases coming into effect in July 2023.
“Our wholesale energy cost estimates reflect a significant increase in ASX contract prices, driven by market expectations of higher spot prices and greater price volatility.
“This is likely due to higher coal and gas prices, which have been impacted by the war in Ukraine, as well as uncertainty around the availability and reliability of coal-fired power plants, which impacts the supply–demand balance in the Queensland region,” Professor Flavio Menezes said.
There are also other factors that can have had an impact on increasing the costs to your bill, but there factors are more localised to you:
Unfortunately, even with a terribly hot and humid summer out of the way, our energy bills in Brisbane may not be in the clear yet. The DMO price for the 2023-24 financial year increased by 21.5 per cent compared to previous financial year.
For this upcoming financial year 2024-25, many Australians have been calling for reductions in electricity costs to help with the cost of living. However, while Australia’s Energy Regulator the AER announced price reductions in NSW and South Australia, there is little to no relief for South East Queensland.
The regulator flagged another 2.7 per cent increase in the DMO price for households in South East Queensland, and a marginal 0.3 per cent reduction for small businesses in SEQ.
Provided by The Australian Energy Regulator. 19 March 2024.
These Default Market Offers are still indicative only and open to submissions by stakeholders until April 9, this year. It will also only come into effect July 1, 2024 (this year). However, it does not paint a hopeful picture for future electricity prices.
Although the price increase flagged for households in the SEQ area isn’t as substantial a hike as the 2023-24 percentage increase in the default market offer price, is not good news for many Brisbane residents who have already said they’ve been finding it tough.
The Default Market Offer 2023-24 – Final Determination
Sourced from AER. Read more from the Australian Energy Provider’s 2023-24 DMO Fact Sheet
We’re not here to just spread doom and gloom, now it’s time to start talking about solutions.
You may be able to be reimbursed part of your power bills between the 2023-24 financial year. This is through the Queensland Government’s Cost of Living Rebate for Households. The rebate is credited quarterly.
There are two different sums for households dedicated to reducing the strain from power bills, with more money being allocated to more vulnerable households who meet the criteria:
If you are not yet taking advantage of the QLD Cost of Living Rebate, it’s not too late. Every household in Queensland is eligible for the $500 rebate, however if you meet this criteria you may be eligible for a larger payment.
Eligibility Criteria:
Screenshot from the Queensland Government website.
If you already receive the $372 Queensland Electricity Rebate (but in this case, you should automatically be receiving the updated $700 rebate).
The appliances you are using, or how you are using them can also be racking up extra costs on your power bills. If you are concerned about your power bills, you can try evaluating how energy efficient the technology, tools and appliances you and your family are using at home.
Solely relying on the grid is getting increasingly harder for people living in Queensland. You can take advantage of the Government’s Cost of Living Rebate and decide to become more responsible for monitoring and reducing your energy usage.
However, if you really want to save on your energy bill, you can also start using a really unique advantage that living in Queensland puts in your pocket: our abundant supply of sunshine. Yes, we mean it’s time to think about installing solar panels.
Here’s more information to assist you in understanding whether going solar is right for you:
How much money do you save with solar panels in Australia?
The amount varies depending on several factors: the size and how well the system works, how your roof is positioned and if it gets shade, how much sun you get, how much electricity your home uses, and the prices your electricity company gives for any extra energy you produce.
Our solar system packages have helped homeowners and businesses in Brisbane up to $2200, $3200 or $3650 per annum.
If you want to learn more directly from a solar professional dedicated to helping you reduce your energy bills, call 1300 628 097 or get a quote today.
As awareness about the benefits of renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, continues to rise, more and more people are considering switching to solar power.
However, not everyone owns their home, and those who live in leased properties may wonder if it is possible to install a solar system on their property. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to do so – and it can actually be a smart move financially too.
Adding solar panels to a leased property can be a win-win situation for both tenants and owners. However, it’s important for both parties to come to a mutual agreement about the installation process, the cost, and the potential benefits.
In this article, we will explore how you can add a solar system to your leased property and the benefits it has for both the tenant and owner.
First and foremost, always check the terms of your lease agreement before planning to install any kind of solar system. Depending on the terms of your agreement, your landlord or property manager may have specific requirements or restrictions concerning solar installations.
Make sure you discuss the matter with your landlord and obtain their approval before making any arrangements for installation. If there are any issues, they should be addressed before moving forward with the installation.
As a tenant, you have several solar installation options. One option is to invest in a portable, stand-alone solar panel system that can be easily transported and installed without any damage to the property. This type of solar system is perfect for tenants who move frequently or cannot afford to install a permanent solar system.
Another option is to lease the solar system or enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) or solar lease with a third-party solar company. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar power without having to pay for the installation or maintenance of the system. However, these agreements will come with specific terms, so read them carefully.
When it comes to the cost of adding solar to a leased property, it’s important for both the tenant and the owner to come to a mutual agreement.
To reach a mutual agreement, the tenant and owner should negotiate the terms of the solar panel installation, including the cost, the payment plan, and how the benefits will be shared. It’s important to put these details in writing to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings in the future.
There are several agreements that tenants and owners can make when adding solar to a leased property. Here are some examples:
Ultimately, the specific agreement that tenants and owners make will depend on their individual circumstances and goals. It’s important for both parties to have a clear understanding of the costs, benefits, and terms of the solar panel installation before moving forward.
By working together to come to a mutual agreement, tenants and owners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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With the growing awareness of the advantages of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, an increasing number of individuals are exploring the possibility of switching to solar power.
There are various solar providers in the market that offer solutions for leased properties. Some of the things to consider when selecting a solar provider include:
Ultimately, the solar provider you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It’s important to do your research and choose a provider that can help you get the most out of your solar investment.
After installing your solar system, proper maintenance is important to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity. Ask the solar company to provide a breakdown of the system’s maintenance requirements and ensure you schedule regular cleaning and check-ups.
If you are leasing the system, check with the company to know what is covered under the agreement and who will be responsible for maintenance and repair costs.
At SnapSolar, we can help you install a solar system to a leased property with no hassle. We can also help you explore other options to save money on your solar installation costs, and to manage these costs by accessing government rebates and incentives.
We’ve provided this for countless households and businesses in Mackay and the surrounding Queensland area.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you.
More and more business owners are considering solar power, for a ton of very good reasons. It can save money, lead to greater sustainability and energy independence, and it’s good for the environment.
It seems like a no-brainer. For many business owners, though, there’s a big question. Since many business premises are leased, will solar provide a return on investment within the lifetime of the lease? Or could you be forced to vacate your premises before you’ve even made back the money you invested in your solar panels?
In this article, we’ll answer that question. We’ll look at the likelihood of most businesses breaking even on their solar investment before their lease is up, and the factors that play into that.
The first thing to consider is the length of your lease. For most businesses in Australia, a lease tends to last for 8 to 10 years, although there is a lot of variation here.
If you want to install solar panels, you’ll want to at least break even on your investment — and ideally start saving money on your energy bills — before your lease is up. Otherwise, you’re essentially just paying for someone else’s solar panels.
Solar panels can last for more than 25 years, and the technology is improving all the time. But how long does it take for the money saved by your panels to offset your investment? That depends on a few different factors:
So, what’s the average? It’s tough to get an accurate figure, but it seems that most solar customers in Australia take about 4 years to break even on the costs of purchasing and installing solar panels.
However, it can take longer due to the factors mentioned above, and up to 10 years is not unusual. It’s important to consider this in relation to the length of your lease when making the decision to switch to solar.
As a business in leased premises, adopting solar energy can be an excellent choice. If you’re at the beginning of your lease, already use a lot of energy, and pay high rates for energy from the grid, switching to solar might be a great financial decision.
Ultimately, it’s something you’ll have to figure out for yourself. Take the time to assess your spending and look at the cost breakdown of installing solar panels.
Working with an expert can be extremely helpful here. At SnapSolar, we help businesses work out if solar is right for them. We’ll walk you through the many complicated stages of assessing your costs and deciding if solar represents a smart financial choice for your business. We’ve done this for countless businesses in Mackay and the surrounding Queensland area.
Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help and get started today.
Solar power is more popular today than ever before, and as time goes on it looks set to become even more widespread, not just in Australia but around the world. But how long has solar been around?
What journey did it take to get to where it is today? The answer is a pretty fascinating one, and the story starts earlier than you might think. Let’s take a look at the evolution of solar energy (and what’s coming next).
When was solar energy first used? Most people would give an estimate somewhere within the last 100 years, and if we think about solar panels in the way we use them today, they’d be correct.
However, humans have been using energy from the sun to heat their homes for much longer than that. Many thousands of years ago, the Ancient Egyptians designed their houses to store heat from the sun in the walls of their building.
All day the baking hot African sun would pound their homes, and when the sun went down all that stored heat would gradually release, keeping the inhabitants warm throughout the freezing desert nights. It’s not quite photovoltaic cells and solar batteries, but it’s the first chapter in a long history of harnessing solar power.
Fast forward a few millennia and we reach the first stages of the journey to today’s solar panels. The discovery of solar panel technology took place in many stages, with the work of many scientists.
A major breakthrough was the discovery of something called the photovoltaic effect, which happened when a French scientist called Edmond Becquerel found that metal electrodes could use light energy to produce electricity.
Through the later decades of the 1800s, several scientists built on that idea, gradually discovering that selenium could be used to harness the power of sunlight to produce electricity. 1883 saw the invention of the first-ever solar cell by Charles Fritts.
This process was refined over the next century, and in 1954 we saw the first example of what we would recognize as a solar cell today. The first ever silicon photovoltaic cell was created by Calvin Fuller, Daryl Chapin, and Gerald Pearson — and was able to provide enough electricity to power actual devices for several hours.
The later half of the twentieth century saw numerous breakthroughs and advancements in solar technology, as scientists worked to improve the efficiency of solar cells and gradually push them to a point where they made sense as a mainstream energy source for homes.
Today’s solar panels are much more effective than those of the past, and this progression looks set to keep going.
Today, solar is more popular than ever before. We’ve finally reached a point where solar panels are a feasible option for powering entire homes and businesses at a reasonable price point, and given the environmental benefits of solar, more and more people are turning to the technology.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Solar power still faces some challenges — it’s still seen as too expensive for many households (although this is changing fast) and it’s plagued by misconceptions and unfair negative press.
We’re at an incredibly exciting point where impressive advancements in solar technology are happening all the time. New materials are being discovered to make solar panels more efficient, productive, affordable, and durable.
At the same time, new storage methods are being developed to make it easier to power your home even when the sun isn’t shining and move towards full energy independence.
Since solar is a much more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy source compared to fossil fuels, it’s also benefiting from high levels of funding and research and is bolstered by growing interest.
We’re now looking at a future where solar power has a real chance of becoming a major source of electricity, competing with fossil fuels and perhaps even replacing them at some point in the future.
Solar is an incredibly powerful, sustainable, and often surprisingly affordable way to provide energy to your home. As time goes on, it’s likely to become even more effective and widespread.
Don’t wait around. At SnapSolar, we can help you make the switch to solar, providing you with all the information you need to make the decision and get started on your solar journey. Get in touch to learn more.
Solar energy is becoming more popular all the time in Australia, for households and businesses alike. More and more people are wising up to the power of solar to save money on their bills, reduce dependence on the energy grid, and do their bit for the environment.
However, for many people, there’s a problem. Installing solar panels in a property you own is one thing… but doing it in a rented property is another thing entirely. How do you convince your landlord that solar is the right thing to do and that they should invest in it?
Well, worry not. In this article, we’ll show you how to present your solar plans to your landlord in a way that they won’t be able to resist and pave the way to a better energy future for everyone involved.
Before you start, it pays to look at things from your landlord’s perspective and think about what they might be concerned about when it comes to solar and what might be holding them back. This will help you anticipate their objections, address their concerns, and put together a much more convincing case. Here are some examples:
Your landlord may not be aware of the benefits of solar, and may even see it as a fad or unnecessary expense. In these cases, you have a challenge ahead — clearly show your landlord why it’s worth investing in solar.
Take time to research the many benefits of solar, like its ability to save significant amounts of money in the long term and reduce dependence on an often unreliable electrical grid. Be as detailed and clear as possible — collect statistics and data showing how cost-effective and useful solar can be.
This is also a good time to investigate any rebates or incentive programs your local area has for solar panels. Queensland has a number of these programs, and some can allow you to save significant amounts of money.
If you base your case for solar on what YOU want, you’ll probably struggle to convince your landlord. Instead, think about it from their perspective.
Think about your landlord’s priorities and concerns — they want a property that will continue to gain value for them while incurring minimal costs. When looked at from this angle, solar installation is a short-term expense that will yield long-term gains by saving money on utilities and adding value to the property.
Once you have all the information ready to go, it’s time to put it all together in a detailed, professional, and convincing presentation.
This is where you’ll tie together all of your existing research and data and present it clearly, then make a compelling argument for solar.
Remember to make your arguments from the landlord’s perspective — for example, try to find concrete statistics on how solar panels can increase the value of a property and make it more attractive to future buyers.
Clearly outline how much the installation process looks set to cost, and factor in any incentives and rebates you’re eligible for.
Once you’ve done all your groundwork, it’s time to actually meet up with your landlord and present your plan. Try to think about any objections or hesitations they might have, and address these pre-emptively.
This is your opportunity to talk about cost, too — how will you split the cost? Remember that solar panels will add a significant amount to your landlord’s property so you shouldn’t cover the full cost, but be prepared to make a contribution.
It’s also time to consider the savings you’ll make on energy bills and how they will be shared, remembering to consider any other tenants in your building and how they might be affected.
Switching to solar can be incredibly rewarding, and many of the benefits apply even if you’re renting your home or commercial space. Solar energy is often marketed exclusively at building owners, but it’s well worth considering for everyone.
If nothing else, it’s a good idea to do your research and work out whether or not solar could be a viable option for your rented property. Even if you decide it’s not for you right now, you are still well-prepared for the future.
At SnapSolar, we help households and businesses throughout Mackay and the surrounding Queensland area make the transition to solar. We can help you through the entire process — whether you own or rent — and get you on the path to a solar-powered life.
Contact us to learn more and get started today.
More and more Australian households are turning to solar energy as a way to power their homes. Driven by considerations like the rising cost of traditional energy and concerns about the climate, many families see solar as the energy source of the future, and one that’s especially well-suited to sunny climates like Australia.
However, one major drawback for many people is cost. Solar is still perceived as an expensive energy source, and the upfront cost of installing solar panels is seen as too much for many households, even if that cost will be offset over time.
While it’s true that solar requires an investment, there are lots of options to make this cost more manageable. The Australian government has a number of schemes aimed at encouraging people to adopt solar, and there are many ways to save money here.
Let’s dive in.
The RET is a scheme aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, partially by promoting the use of more sustainable energy sources like solar power.
The RET rewards both large-scale power stations and smaller solar users like households by giving them certificates for the power they generate. You can receive a certificate for each megawatt hour of power you generate — based on the power a 5kw Australian home produces, this should take about 50 days.
These certificates are purchased by electricity retailers, so you as a homeowner receive a financial incentive for the solar energy you produce.
The SRES is designed to incentivize smaller parties, like individual households and small businesses, to use more renewable energy like solar power. Similar to the RET, the SRES issues certificates which can then be sold for financial rewards.
Unlike the RET, these certificates are given up front, based on the amount of power your solar system is expected to generate over the next several years.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation — or CEFC — is a state-owned bank, designed to fund clean energy projects on behalf of the Australian Government. CEFC focuses on large-scale projects, but it also works with smaller solar users and households.
CEFC has committed more than $1.1 billion to solar projects since June 2020. This includes working with investors from around the world and bringing new technologies and approaches to the industry.
ARENA was established by the government in 2012 with the purpose of supporting the transition to renewable energy sources and, ultimately, net zero carbon emissions. Over the past decade, ARENA has supported over 600 projects and helped invest almost $10 billion into the renewable energy industry in Australia.
When it comes to solar, ARENA has provided over $230 million to around 130 solar projects, helping make solar more effective, accessible, and feasible as an energy source for businesses and individual households.
Feed-in tariffs are a way for households to receive credit for any excess electricity their solar panels produce. In other words, they have the option to “sell” excess power back to the electrical grid instead of simply letting it go to waste.
Solar panels often produce more energy over the course of a day than your home needs. If you don’t have a solar battery, there is no way to store this excess energy, but feed-in tariffs allow you to get some money back for it, in the form of discounts on your energy bill.
The amount of money you get from feed-in tariffs will vary based on your location within Australia. Usually, it’s somewhere between 7 and 16 cents for each kilowatt-hour of energy you send to the grid.
As you can see, there is actually a ton of support from the Australian government when it comes to solar energy. Even if you feel like the transition to solar is too expensive, it may not be the case — and this will become even more true as support increases in the coming years.
The most important thing is to become as educated as possible on all the support and incentives out there, so you can make the transition to solar in the most cost-effective and smooth way possible.
At SnapSolar, we can help you by giving you all the information and guidance you need to make an informed decision. Get in touch with us to learn more and get started.
