Generate your own electricity
If you install Small Generation Units (SGU), such as small-scale solar photovoltaic panels, wind and hydro electricity systems, you can minimise the greenhouse gas emissions generated by your household. This saving is estimated to be approximately six tonnes of CO2 per annum.
In addition to the environmental benefits there are other good reasons to install solar photovoltaic systems in your home including:
- Reduced electricity bills. For an average Australian household this represents a saving of over $1,000 per year for the next 20-30 years (ABS 4102.0 Household Expenditure Patterns by Life Cycle).
- You maybe entitled to Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) if your SGU is eligible. These certificates can then be sold and transferred to a STC agent (usually electricity retailers) or sold in the STC market or through the STC Clearing House. A STC agent will offer you a financial benefit such as an up-front discount or delayed cash payment when you assign your STCs to them. A majority of owners take this option. Learn more at the Australian Government's Office of Renewable Energy Regulator website.
- Insulate yourself from future electricity price rises. It is expected that electricity prices will rise substantially in coming years. If you create your own electricity, you wont be affected.
- Improve the value of your home. The addition of solar photovoltaic systems in your home will increase the value of the property.
How to do it now!
Renewable energy is an easy way for you to actively contribute to a more sustainable community. Find out how you can cut your carbon footprint and save hundreds of dollars each year.
The Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme rewards households and other small electricity customers that install solar power (photovoltaic - PV) renewable energy systems, by paying for excess electricity generated. Visit Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme for more information.
Solar electricity is now easier than ever to install into your home. Visit the EnviroIndustry Business Directory to locate local suppliers.
Ensure the solar PV system is the right size for your household - The size of your solar PV system will depend on:
- the physical unshaded space available for the installation of your modules
- how much you are prepared to spend
- what portion of your electrical demand you wish to generate
If your goal is to provide enough energy to run all your electrical appliances all year round, then you need to know your household electricity use for the year. This is measured in kW and is documented on your quarterly electricity bill. From this figure you can calculate your average daily electricity consumption that is, the amount your PV system needs to produce (on average) to cover your electricity needs.
Receiving financial benefits from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme is a Federal Government initiative to support housholds to install renewable energy systems. The scheme can provide financial support of up to $6,200. Many retailers selling and installing solar panels will include or manage the application and reciept of this financial support, as part of their service. Learn more at the Australian Government's Office of Renewable Energy Regulator website.
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) does not provide a rebate or feed-in tariff and is not a rebate-based scheme. For information about Federal Government SGU rebates, contact the Energy Efficiency, Solar and Water Initiative on 1800 808 571. For information about feed-in tariffs, visit Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme.
Check out Rebates and assistance page for more details.
Why is this action important?
To promote a sustainable future, we must harness renewable, local and abundant energy sources - such as sunlight. This action can ensure the electricity you are consuming at home comes from a clean, non-polluting source with a cost-effective investment in sound technology and a generation of long-term financial, environmental and intergenerational returns.
