POWER UP TO SAVE

Thinking about solar power? The economic case for making the change has never been stronger

Rising power bills have dominated the headlines of late, with skyrocketing energy charges heavily impacting the cost of living for ordinary Australians. With no end to the household budget crunch in sight, it has sharpened focus on the financial advantages of solar power. If you’re feeling the pinch and considering the switch, we’ve answered the most common questions.

Q

What are the KEY BENEFITS OF having SOLAR POWER installed? A Some of the advantages that people prioritise are ecologically-driven, such as reducing carbon emissions and lowering your carbon footprint. But increasingly, given the ongoing rises to power bills – and with no relief in sight – people are looking to the economic benefits of solar power, the chief of which is lower power bills.

DOLLARS ADD UP Without solar, 100% of your power spend is on energy from the grid. With solar, your power bill is offset, which could create savings you can put towards your payment plan. When your system is paid off, you can then use these savings for other purposes, whether it’s for investment, a holiday or even funnelling it into your superannuation.

Q

What are the perceived obstacles? A

The investment in solar power can be costly upfront and finding those funds can seem daunting or unachievable. That’s why Aussie sustainability financier Brighte offers payment plans (see How it works, below right) to make solar more accessible sooner and put people on the path to energy savings faster. As an example, an average 4KW rooftop solar system could be paid off in less than five years as the savings from lower energy bills can be used to offset your repayments.

Q

CAN YOU GET SOLAR IN METRO AND RURAL areas? A

Yes. In fact Brighte has a national network of trusted tradies who cover quotes and installation in both urban and regional locales.

Q

What kind of properties can solar be set up on? A It’s always best to seek expert advice, but a solar system can generally be set up anywhere with appropriate space and orientation for maximum sunlight. Picking the right system depends on factors like energy use and requirements. Talk to an accredited solar installer from Brighte’s network for guidance.

Q

Is it reliable all year round? A

It is. In summer, you’ll likely see the strongest energy generation, given the longer days. Then, in winter, when there is less sunlight, a solar power battery can be used to store excess energy generated in the day for use later. Batteries also have a wider advantage in that being able to store energy makes you less reliant on the grid – and less susceptible to soaring costs. With these benefits in mind, the take-up of batteries is set to skyrocket in coming years.

Find out how to get solar sooner at brighte.com.au, where you can estimate your average repayments for a solar power system.