Solar energy is energy that’s created by the heat and light of the sun. Solar power is produced when this energy is converted into electricity that can be used to power your home. Solar energy is not only sustainable, it is also renewable which means we can never run out of it! Australia has the highest average solar radiation per square metre than any other continent and consequently is one of the best solar energy resources in the world.

On average, Australia receives approximately 58 million PJ of solar radiation per year, which is roughly 10,000 times more than its total energy usage. As a result, large-scale solar power is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. In fact, more than two million Australian homes currently have a solar system installed on their roof.

What are the benefits of Solar?

Uses Less Water

In Australia, water is one of our most precious natural resources. We live on the driest continent on the planet and, as a result, we’re at risk of running out of fresh water in the future. Every year, traditional electricity production uses thousands of litres of water for cooling generators, processing and refining fuel and transporting fuel through pipes. On the other hand, electricity generated through solar panels uses no water whatsoever, which reduces the strain on this precious resource.

Reduces Air Pollution

Traditional electricity generation from fossil fuels results in harmful greenhouse gases being released into the environment, consequently lowering the quality of air we breathe. Breathing poor quality air over long periods of time can have devastating consequences for our health. Unlike traditional sources of electricity, solar energy is green, clean and renewable. When using electricity sourced from solar energy, no greenhouse gases or other pollutants are released into the air.

Reduces Your Home’s Reliance on Fossil Fuels

In Australia, solar energy supplies are huge! The sunshine used for solar energy production is free and there is a lot of it. On the other hand, the supply of fossil fuels is running out. By reducing your reliance on these limited resources and leveraging from the abundant, free source of energy, such as sunlight, you can lower your energy prices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable energy future.

Helps Slow Climate Change

The release of greenhouse gases into the environment doesn’t just contribute to air pollution, it also contributes to the enhanced Greenhouse Effect (i.e. climate change). Although the Greenhouse Effect is a natural process which results in the warming of Earth’s surface to a liveable temperature, certain activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have significantly increased the amount of greenhouse gases currently in our environment. This has resulted in an enhanced Greenhouse Effect, which is warming our planet faster than ever before.

Generating electricity from solar panels produces no greenhouse gas emissions whatsoever. Therefore, if solar energy is widely adopted we can help to reduce the effects of climate change on our planet.

Reduces Your Home’s Carbon Footprint

Solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy available to you, and it’s an extremely effective way of making your home more efficient and sustainable. Using solar energy instead of the grid also reduces the need for carbon dioxide emitting energy to be produced for the grid on your behalf. If you’re living on mainland Australia, you could offset up to one tonne of carbon dioxide for every megawatt hour of solar energy you use.

With even a small residential system installed on your roof, you could help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and personally contribute to the Australian Renewable Energy Target.

Save Money. Earn Money.

Solar systems have financial benefits that occur over time. There are initial start-up and set-up costs for a solar system but it’s important to look at these costs as an investment, as there are many ongoing benefits that will make up for the initial costs. First: as you begin to create your own energy, you use less energy from the grid which saves you money on your power bills. Second: if your panels start to generate more electricity than your household uses, the excess electricity can be sold back to the grid.

As a producer of your own electricity from a renewable source, you will be able to reduce your home’s dependence on fossil fuels which, as a result, protects your home from future electricity price increases by traditional energy retailers. Moreover, a solar system is a capital investment that will add desirability and additional value to your property, which could be a future  real estate selling point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’d love to help!

These are the most common questions we get every day.

How can I verify and track my savings?

Solar systems come fitted with online monitoring systems that let you know how much energy your panels are producing on a quarterly basis, which you can then use to compare to your old power bills. Speak to one of our Brokers to find out more about how that works!

When will I see my savings?

In most cases, our members see their savings immediately upon receiving their first new solar power bill.

How much can I save with solar?

Our members can save between 50 and 100% annually on home energy costs. However, there are many variables that can affect this. Our Brokers will work to find the best possible solar solution for your home, in order to maximise your savings.

How does solar work?

How solar works is simple. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity which is used to power your home.

What are the environmental impacts and benefits of solar energy?

Great question! From reducing greenhouse gases, improving our air quality and conserving our precious water sources, solar energy comes with a range of significant environmental benefits. For a detailed explanation of how solar energy can help our planet, you can read more here.

Has anyone in my area switched to solar?

The answer to this is likely YES! Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. In fact, over 2 million Australian homes currently have solar installed on their roof.

Will solar still work if my area is foggy, wet or cloudy?

Although we don’t often see this type of weather prolonged on mainland Australia, we of course see the occasional day (or days) of poor weather. Rest assured, even in poor weather your solar panels can generate energy savings and we will take this into account when we calculate your estimated energy savings.

What’s the first step to go solar?

If you haven’t already, join our community and see how much you can save here. Once you’ve joined, you can request to speak with one of our Brokers so we can get the ball rolling for you.

Why choose Australian Solar Brokers?

We’re brokers! This means we work for you and only you, not the installers or distributors. We’ll help save you the most amount of money and facilitate the installation of a solar system that best complements your unique home. And we’ll do all of that free of charge!

What if my roof is shaded?

Shade reduces the amount of electricity your solar system can produce. We will work to position your panels where they will get maximum sun exposure. However, in some cases we do find a roof that is too shaded to make solar feasible.

Will solar increase the value of my home?

Installing a solar power system is a capital investment similar to installing a pool, modern kitchen or bathroom. It will add desirability and additional value to your property. New research has shown that Australian properties with sustainable features, such as solar panels, have been selling faster and at higher prices than homes without this sustainable feature!

What happens on the day of installation?

The solar installation team will come to your home with all the necessary equipment needed to install your new system on your roof. The installation timeframe can vary depending on the size of your system and the complexities of your roof. However, most residential systems take 1 day to install.

Do I need to be home?

Yes. We always recommend that at least one member of your household is present during the installation process.

Building a Sustainable Future

Responsible Australians embrace Solar energy. Using a Solar Broker is a great way to help you invest in the future of your community and our future generations. Solar energy is not just a great financial investment, it’s also an investment in our planet. After all, there is no Planet B!

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