The Ultimate Home Energy Solution for Australian Families: Beyond Solar Panels
Wherever you are in Australia, you will see plenty of homes with solar panels installed, as Aussies are choosing solar to help them reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions in response to the high cost of living and the rise of electrification.
However, did you know that a total home energy solution involves more than just panels? In addition to generating your own power, you can heat water and store energy, all thanks to the sun. Plus, you can bring it all together with a Home Energy Management System to maximise your savings.
In this article, we will explore how the different systems can work together to ensure you get the most out of your solar investment.
1. Solar Power: The foundation of your energy solution
Installing solar panels is a great first step in reducing your reliance on the grid. However, everyone’s needs are different, and your local Solahart Dealer can recommend the right size system for you with a free in-home assessment, which takes into account different factors, including:
- Your current and future energy use: It is important to think about a solar power system that can also cater to future energy demands, especially as electrification gathers momentum in Australia due to factors such as government incentives, reduced energy bills, and environmental benefits.
- Understanding your home’s physical features: Your Solahart Dealer will need to assess your home’s location, orientation, roof space, and any shading issues before installing a solar power system.
- Discussing your budget and savings: Solahart will recommend a solution based on your budget and the energy savings you wish to achieve.
With advancements in solar technology, panels are becoming more efficient, generating more power per square metre and making full use of the roof space available.
2. Battery Storage: Don't let your solar power go to waste
In many households, solar panels generate more electricity than is consumed during the day. This is because people are not at home when the solar is being generated or don’t need to use their energy outside of the peak morning and evening periods. This unused electricity is sent back to the grid for little or no return.
A home battery presents a solution as it stores excess solar power, which you can then use when the sun isn’t shining, enabling a better return on your solar investment. Instead of relying on the grid, you can tap into more of the energy your solar system generates to offset your electricity costs.
Solahart is home to a range of batteries to suit different energy needs. Learn more here.
3. Electric Vehicle Charging: Driving towards a greener future
With the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) continuing to grow, integrating an EV charger as part of your total home energy solution is a smart move, as charging from the grid could be a costly exercise. An adequately sized solar power system enables you to charge your EV in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
4. Efficient Water Heating: Energy savings
Water heating makes up around 25% of an average Australian household’s energy consumption.¹ By installing an energy-efficient hot water system, you can confidently run your showers, do your washing and other household activities while reducing your reliance on the grid.
Solahart provides three great water-heating solutions:
- Solar hot water: The original solar battery, pioneered by Solahart in 1953. A solar water heater uses collector panels to capture the sun’s heat and transfer it to the water stored in a tank - either ground or roof-mounted - for future use.
- Heat pump: An efficient solution that captures energy from the surrounding air to provide hot water. It can often be installed as a direct replacement for your current electric storage water heater using existing plumbing and electrical connections. It is also an excellent alternative for homes that may not be suitable for solar water heating due to factors such as shade or roof space.
- Solahart PowerStore®: Australia’s first solar-smart electric water heater. Solahart PowerStore® works with your solar power panels to capture excess solar energy and uses it to heat your water rather than sending it back to the grid.
5. Home Energy Management System: Optimise your energy use for maximum savings
So, you have renewable energy solutions, but how do you know you’re getting the most out of them? Adding a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) is a smart move. HEMS orchestrates your home’s connected appliances and can minimise energy costs by:
- Managing solar export limits: HEMS diverts electricity generated by your solar system to connected home appliances such as your water heater, battery storage, and EV charging.
- Solar-self consumption: HEMS optimises key connected appliances in your home to operate when solar production is at its highest.
- Using the cheapest grid energy possible: HEMS shifts loads away from expensive peak times whenever you need to use grid energy, based on your energy plan with your Energy Retailer.
With HEMS, you can access real-time data and insights about your energy production and usage.
At Solahart, we’re committed to innovation in total home energy solutions, helping our customers achieve maximum efficiency and savings. From a free in-home solar assessment to post-installation support, we’re there every step of the way, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.