Knowing where your energy comes from, what uses energy and how much it costs you means you can make smarter decisions for your household.
By making some simple changes, you can save money from your energy bill while reducing your impact on the environment.
Producing your own energy at home is a great way to reduce your bills and your emissions. See the below links for commonly asked questions about installing solar panels on your house and what steps you need to take.
Solar Savers for Monash residents
Solar Savers provides eligible homeowners and renters with access to affordable loans for the installation of high-quality rooftop solar systems by a team of professional solar installers.
Through Council's involvement in the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action, Monash households can install solar, take control of their bills and protect themselves from future price rises.
Renters and rental property owners can also reap the benefits of solar systems by accessing the State Government’s Solar Homes rebate for rentals.
The Solar Savers program is helping rental property owners access a rebate and loan, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installing a solar system. If your property is valued under $3 million and does not already have a solar system, or if you are a renter and would like to find out more about the program and your eligibility, register at solarsavers.org.au/rentals to speak with a Solar Savers representative.
For more information, visit the Solar Savers website or phone 1300 548 598.
Small-scale Technology Certificates
Through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme your solar panels or solar hot water system may be eligible for small-scale renewable energy certificates. These certificates can then be sold to recoup a portion of the cost of buying and installing the system.
Appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and televisions can be responsible for up to 30% of your home energy use. Choosing energy-efficient appliances can help you avoid costly bills.
On average across Australia, 40% of the energy we use at home is for heating and cooling.
Lighting consumes between 8 and 15% of the average household electricity budget.
Tips to become more energy efficient:
- Change to energy-efficient lighting – this could save you up to $19 per globe a year
- Keep appliances that need constant power connected to one plug. Turn off other appliances at the wall when not in use
- Remove one globe from multi-globe fittings
- Turn off lights when you leave a room
When building or renovating your home, there are many useful ideas for saving energy and making your home more comfortable. For more information, see:
'Renew' online magazine through Monash libraries
Monash libraries offer access to the 'Renew' magazine through their digital catalogue.
Renew is a magazine focused on practical and cost-effective technologies for environmentally sustainable Australian homes and lifestyles.
There are over 20 issues available to view covering topics, including solar and battery systems, electric vehicles and self-sufficiency.
For more information, please see: Renew magazine
The State Government's Energy Saver Incentive offers discounts and special deals on selected energy-saving products and appliances.
Visit the Energy Saver website to learn how to save money on your energy bills.
Buying renewable energy
If your home isn’t suited to solar panels or you’re not ready to make the investment, you can consider buying your power from a renewable source.
To find out how to switch to renewable energy visit Green Power, a voluntary government-accredited program that enables your electricity provider to buy renewable energy on your household's or business's behalf.
If you are looking for an energy retailer that supplies electricity from renewable energy sources, Choice recommends the Green Electricity Guide.