Any home renovation is exciting. The anticipation of seeing the final result makes all the thinking, planning and work worth it.

The ultimate goal of a renovation project, no matter how big or small, is to improve a home and see aspirational ideas come to life. This includes increasing its value, energy efficiency, and comfort, which helps us connect to our home on a deeper level.

Did you know that by going solar, you can tick all these boxes? In this article, we will explore some key reasons why solar technology should be part of your next home renovation.

1. 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% of Australians say that solar panels would add value to a home
  • 78% 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.

Also read: Looking to go solar? Five questions you should ask a potential solar provider

2. Increase the energy efficiency of your home

Going solar is an investment that would help you reduce your energy consumption by harnessing the sun’s free energy to deliver power and hot water 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.

Key stats:

  • A conventional water heater typically makes up about 25%1 of a household’s energy use in Australia. So, installing a solar hot water heater can help you make a big difference to your energy consumption.
  • In fact, you could save up to 65%2 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% growth3 in solar generation, indicating that there is a significant shift towards increased energy productivity.

Also read: Is solar hot water worth it? 3 key benefits and debunking common myths

3. Go green and help save the planet

Did you know that 60%3 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 year4. So, your next renovation is a great opportunity to make a difference.

4. HomeBuilder Grant

In June 2020, the Australian government introduced the HomeBuilder grant. This scheme provides eligible owner-occupiers with $25,000 to complete a home renovation or new build.

The HomeBuilder grant now provides eligible homeowners with the opportunity to add a complete solar package solution including solar hot water, solar power and battery storage to complement their renovation plans.

Recently, the federal government extended the construction commencement requirement from six months to 18 months for all existing HomeBuilder grant applicants. Find out more about the grant, here.

So, there are Solahart’s four key reasons to include solar products as part of your renovation plans and improve your home.

Looking to make the switch to solar? Organise a Safer Home Assessment with Solahart today by completing the form below or contacting Solahart on 1300 721 984.

Planning a renovation? Get in touch with Solahart today. Complete the form below or call Solahart on 1300 721 984

The following errors were found:

Disclaimers:

1. https://www.energy.gov.au/households/energy-basics-householders as at 13/05/2020.

2. Energy savings of up to 65% shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Solahart 302L and using a medium load in Zone 3 and apply when replacing an electric water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of Solahart system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. Maximum financial savings off your hot water bill are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on continuous tariff. Refer to solahart.com.au for further information.

3: Australian Government | Department of the Environment and Energy | Australian Energy Update 2019: https://www.energy.gov.au/sites/default/files/australian_energy_statistics_2019_energy_update_report_september.pdf 

4: Greenhouse Gas Emissions savings of up to 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Solahart 302L and using a medium load in Zone 3 and the Scope 2 and 3 electricity emissions factors for purchased electricity by end-users published in the 2018 July edition of the National Greenhouse Accounts Factors handbook, and apply when replacing an electric water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of Solahart system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, and hot water consumption.