More and more people are discovering the benefits of solar power as a source of clean, green, renewable energy.
Sunlight is a renewable energy source and the conversion of sunlight into electricity via photovoltaic (PV) panels is an environmentally friendly process - one that is silent and produces no greenhouse gas emissions or other polluting by-products.
By using solar power, you can also reduce the amount of electricity you have to buy. Once the equipment has been installed, the electricity generated is free! In addition, PV panels typically have a long life and with no moving parts, they require minimal maintenance.
Why use solar energy?
- Sunlight is a renewable resource, so solar energy is environmentally friendly.
- Solar energy is a clean form of energy: it does not pollute the atmosphere by producing harmful greenhouse gases.
- Generating your own electricity means that you can reduce the amount of energy you have to buy.
- It is suitable for domestic applications.
Choosing AGL solar hot water saves money - and the environment.
With solar hot water you can expect to reduce your household hot water bills by more than 65%. Of course, solar hot water systems generally cost more to begin with. But they can pay for themselves within 5 to 10 years. And after that, you'll be enjoying pure savings on your hot water heating.
[Source: Sustainable Energy Development Authority, Solar Hot Water Brochure, March 2002.]
Save hundreds on a new solar hot water system. And help ensure a brighter future for the environment.
Right now, switching to solar has never been more appealing. That's because when you replace your electric hot water system with a solar hot water system, you could receive a considerable payment from AGL - potentially saving you hundreds of dollars off the total cost.
And there's something else you'll be helping to save - something even more important than money: the future of our environment.
Here's how it works:
- When you use a solar hot water system to replace coal-fired electricity with energy from the sun, you become eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) under the current Federal Government scheme.
- The right to create these RECs can then be transferred to AGL and AGL will reward you with a payment. As at 1 May 2008 the payment per REC is $45 (not subject to GST)
A combination of your Climate Zone and the Model of the new solar hot water system will determine the number of RECs you are entitled to. Visit the website of the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator to determine your Climate Zone and for a list of solar hot water systems and the relevant number of RECs.
How do photovoltaic panels work?
In simple terms, photovoltaic (PV) panels use silicon solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. PV solar cells are made with a positive and a negative layer of silicon. When light falls on these layers, it produces a potential difference (photovoltage) between the layers by causing electrons within the layers to move. If an external circuit is present, this voltage can drive a current through it. This current is then converted to AC current (the type of current used in the home) via an inverter, to power normal household appliances and lights.
The size and type of PV system, as well as the intensity of the sunlight, will determine how much electricity is generated, and how energy self-sufficient your household can be.
At night, when there is no sunlight falling on your PV panels, all electricity is drawn from your usual electricity retailer, via the electricity grid. During the day, if your PV cells are producing more electricity than your household is consuming, you may be able to sell this excess energy back into the grid through a Buy Back agreement with your electricity retailer.
Government rebates
You could also be eligible for generous government rebates. Refer to the websites below for details.
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