More Tasmanians are making the switch to solar energy, enabling them to tap into the most abundant source of energy on Earth. Like other renewable energy sources, solar is great because it helps reduce your carbon footprint. You can steer clear of the pollution created by electricity generation with a clean energy source that releases no harmful carbon emissions. Solar is also becoming more affordable thanks to government rebates, while helping to lower your annual bills as you become less reliant on the grid.
It is essential to consider the drawbacks associated with an investment in solar energy. Although government rebates are helping to reduce costs, the upfront price is still an expensive venture. It also may not work as productively depending on your climate and how much sunlight you receive.
What Is Solar Energy?
Renewable energy created from the heat and light of the sun is known as solar energy. Solar power is produced when energy from the sun is converted into electricity, usually through photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on rooftops. These panels contain multiple solar cells that capture sunlight and generate electricity. As the energy moves within the cells, it creates an electrical current that powers household appliances. Solar energy can be used in many ways and locations, from powering homes and businesses to supporting large-scale solar farms. Its popularity continues to grow each year, with solar now accounting for 15%-16% of Australia’s total electricity generation.
10 Advantages of Solar Energy
Harnessing solar energy can be beneficial for the following reasons:
Reduces your electricity bill
Solar energy has great potential to reduce your annual utility bills. Because the energy generated from the sun is free, you won’t need to rely as heavily on buying electricity from the grid. Depending on your energy usage and the size of your solar system, you may even be able to eliminate your electricity bills altogether. Plus, if your system produces more energy than your household requires, the excess can be sent back to the grid for credit.
Reduces your carbon footprint
Switching from grid electricity helps reduce your impact on the environment. Traditional electricity is often generated through the large-scale burning of coal, oil or natural gas, which releases harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. In contrast, when your solar system generates power, it produces no harmful emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy source.
Great for the environment
Solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning it comes from nature and is replenished far faster than it’s consumed. In practice, this gives you an endless supply of energy, so you’ll never need to worry about running out of power. In fact, the sun produces more energy in just one hour than the world uses in an entire year. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal or oil, which are finite and in high demand, solar offers a sustainable and reliable way to power your home for the future.
Improves your home value
Homes that are installed with solar energy systems are highly valued by buyers, which can increase their property value. A recent survey from Origin Energy found 85% of Australians believe a house is more valuable when installed with solar. Therefore, if you’re thinking about selling your home, consider adding a solar system to help your property stand out.
Government rebates and incentives
Thanks to support from the federal government, households can access the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) program, which offers generous discounts. When you install a solar system, you create STCs, which have a value that can be redeemed by selling them. Your solar installer will typically handle these steps, which can help reduce your total costs by around 30%. Both of these government programs make solar energy more affordable.
Low maintenance costs
Once installed correctly, solar systems require relatively low maintenance. They don’t need frequent cleaning and can last at least a decade or two before their efficiency starts to decline, a clear advantage over other energy sources such as wind or hydro, which experience greater wear and tear. Despite the low maintenance requirements, it’s still recommended to arrange an annual clean and check-up by a solar professional to ensure your panels are operating at peak efficiency.
Store solar energy for when you need it
When you team your solar panels with a battery, you can prioritise energy for when the sun isn’t shining or during peak energy times, such as in the evening or during weekends. You can also draw from this energy during a blackout, meaning, unlike grid-reliant homes, you can continue using your home appliances. Great for regions that are prone to frequent power outages or want to reduce their electricity use during peak hours.
Solar buyback
When you produce more power than you need, you may be able to sell these back to your electricity company for credit. This is known as a feed-in tariff (FiT), allowing you to earn money by selling off your excess energy. This process is designed to encourage households to use as much renewable energy as possible. Your feed-in tariff rate will depend upon your location, with Tasmanians receiving a minimum of 10 cents per kWh of excess electricity.
Solar energy can operate quietly
Because your solar system has no moving parts, it can operate without making a noise, unlike loud generators. This makes them perfect for quiet, residential areas.
Solar systems work in a variety of climates
Even though solar panels work at their best in sunny conditions, they can still work in a variety of conditions. Even during cloudy days, advancements in panel technology have improved low-light performance. Because solar systems generate electricity through sunlight and not heat, cold does not impact production. It is important to still be aware of how the weather can affect your system. For instance, if you live around the central highlands, ensure snow doesn’t build up on your panels that can dip performance.
4 Disadvantages of Solar Energy
With any new purchase, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons. Here are four potential drawbacks to solar energy:
Solar energy is still expensive
Arguably, the biggest challenge for Tasmanians is the initial cost. Although this has dropped in recent years, the cost for a 6.6 kW system is usually between $5,000 and $8,000. This price factors in the various system components, including panels, inverter, batteries and the cost for the installation itself. Even with government rebates, it’s still a significant investment that requires a long-term commitment to recoup your costs through electricity savings.
Weather dependent
The nature of solar energy is that if there’s no sun, your system won’t be able to operate at full capacity. At night, your panels won’t produce electricity, and during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter, you may have to rely on grid electricity. Within Australia, the sun’s intensity varies by location, with Tasmania particularly vulnerable to low sunlight due to its high latitude. These issues can be offset by adding a solar battery, which allows you to store energy for when the sun isn’t shining.
Doesn’t work for every roof type
Because your solar production is dependent upon the direction, angle and orientation of your panels, not every roof can deliver maximum performance. For example, your entire roof may be blocked off by shade, or it may not have enough space to support the right amount of solar panels. Weight can also be an issue, particularly for older roofs, which can make it difficult for some homes to support a full system. Many of these rooftop challenges can be managed with the right solutions. Contact the team at Tasmanian Safer Solar (TSS) for support in maximising your available rooftop space.
Production of solar equipment can be harmful to the environment
Although solar panels create renewable energy, producing these components can be environmentally damaging. This is because solar panels need high amounts of energy when manufactured, which is often sourced from fossil fuels. Especially during the mining process for raw materials such as silicon, glass and metal. Large-scale operations such as solar farms also require significant space for installation. If extensive land clearing is needed, it can disrupt natural habitats and potentially cause environmental damage.
Is Solar Energy Worth It?
Yes, absolutely. For most Tasmanians, the benefits of solar energy far outweigh the negatives. Although solar energy can be expensive upfront, the government has pledged to continue supporting renewable energy sources, with initiatives that help bring costs down. Furthermore, because you pay less on electricity bills, the accumulated savings mean you may be able to pay off your solar investment in under 10 years.
We understand that some households may not have the roof capacity to install solar panels, or they may not be financially ready to invest. Please reach out to the team at TSS if you’re still unsure if solar energy is worth it. We’re committed to helping all Tasmanians make the switch to solar and overcome any barriers along the way.
The benefits of solar energy should entice any household to jump on board. With savings on electricity bills, improvements in home value and a chance to improve your impact on the environment. Although they are expensive to install, and not everyone’s roof is compatible with solar panels, the benefits should make them a worthwhile investment. If you’re thinking about installing a solar system, reach out to the experts at TSS, who are ready to help you through each step of the process.
1300 655 808
