Installing solar panels on your property reduces your electricity bills and lowers your carbon footprint.
Here are some tips to get you started on your solar journey today.
The City of Vincent is a Switch Your Thinking Council and residents are eligible for discounts on solar PV panels, batteries and other sustainable products through the rewards for residents program.
If you have installed solar panels you want to be purchasing as little energy from the grid as possible. CSIRO has some ways you can reduce your energy usage and help the environment here.
Solar for Single Dwellings
If you own your own house, it’s a fairly straightforward process investing in solar.
Look at your energy usage
Do you use more energy at night than the day? Can you cut down your energy usage or install timers to run big ticket appliances during the day?
If you are a heavy night time user of power, maybe battery storage will suit you? Visit the Clean Energy Council’s battery storage FAQ’s page for more information.
A useful summary guide for installing solar PV can be found here.
Renew also provides an independent solar advice service that can help determine if solar is right for you. Visit their website for further information.
Being aware of how you consume energy can help you determine what sort of solar system you will need.
Shop around
Choose a few solar panel providers and ask for quotes that suit your situation. The Clean Energy Council website has a list of accredited providers.
Check if you can get a discount with any providers through the rewards for residents program.
Ask a few companies to quote, based on what you want as it pays to shop around.
Choose provider
Once you have the quotes and have checked that they have all quoted on what you need. Choose a provider to come and install your solar system. Remember to consider roof orientation – North facing is generally best and also any shade you may experience from neighbouring properties or trees.
Enjoy benefits
Sit back and enjoy the cost and environmental savings from your solar system. It’s worthwhile tracking how much extra energy you are purchasing from the grid and if you think it’s too high, consider ways you can further reduce your energy usage.
Solar for Rental Owners and Tenants
Rental Owners
Solar panels can be an attractive feature of a rental as it can save tenants a significant amount in their power bills.
Some tenants may be willing to pay a little more in rent and stay a little longer if they are saving on energy bills and costs in the long term. If your rental doesn’t have solar panels it's worth considering.
As a landlord, you can factor the cost of solar PV into the rent that you charge, or negotiate a separate agreement with your tenants to pay only for the solar electricity they consume. Alternatively, there are a number of Australian companies that broker deals between renters and landlords. Solar PV becomes an additional income stream for the landlord, while the tenant buys power at a cheaper rate than grid supply - everybody wins.
To find out more about your options in this area, click below.
Solar power for renters and apartment dwellers
Tenants
If you are renting and your home does not currently have solar panels you do have options. It is worth knowing that there are Australian companies operating that can broker deals between renters and landlords for solar PV systems. Check out Raising the roof: Solar for renters and apartment dwellers published in the Alternative Technology Association's ReNew Magazine Issue 142 (Jan-Mar 2018).
Consider contacting your landlord or your agent to ask about whether solar is an option.
If solar isn’t an option in your rental – you can still cut your energy usage. CSIRO has some tips on their website. Other useful energy saving tips can be found at this website
Solar for Strata
Benefits of solar in a strata dwelling
Solar can benefit everyone in a strata dwelling if it is a shared system and the cost of the panels are distributed amongst the group.
This would usually require less initial outlay per owner than a system on a single dwelling. Energy from these solar panels can be used to power equipment and appliances in common areas.
It may also be possible for non-shared solar panels to be placed on a strata building and wired directly to your apartment.
If you live in a strata, consider raising the benefits of solar at your next strata meeting – point out the long term cost saving benefits and don’t forget about the environmental benefits as well.
Reforms to the Strata Titles Act that came into effect in May 2020 will make it easier to install sustainability infrastructure (like solar panels) or utility infrastructure on common property within a strata or survey-strata scheme.
Note: The following information is general in nature and should not be taken as legal advice. Please consult a lawyer before entering into legal agreements.
Previously, installation of solar PV systems would have to be approved by owners within the strata by a resolution without dissent. Since these reforms, an ordinary resolution is all that is required.
The infrastructure (such as solar panels) can be owned by:
- the strata company;
- individual lot owners; or
- a third party (such as a tenant or energy retailer).
If the infrastructure is owned by individual lot owners or a third party, the strata company:
- Can approve the installation of sustainability or utility infrastructure on common property by passing an ordinary resolution;
- The owner of the infrastructure will have access to the infrastructure through a statutory easement and the details of the arrangement will need to be contained in an agreement called an ‘infrastructure contract’ between the strata company and the owner of the infrastructure. This contract can be prepared by a lawyer, however, contact your strata manager in the first instance.
Solar for Strata Factsheet
For more detailed information on Solar for Strata, view our factsheet below:
Solar for Strata factsheet
Solar Options for Businesses
In order to install solar PV systems it is essential to have the permission of the building owner.
If you own the building, then you can install solar in a similar way to a residential owner-occupier. You will save on your electricity costs and give back to the environment.
If you are ready to buy, businesses within the City of Vincent can take advantage of discounts on solar through the Switch Your Thinking program's Rewards for Business initiative. Check out their solar offers here.
Don’t have the upfront capital to invest in solar for your business?
- Consider a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) where the PPA Provider, usually the solar PV system seller, takes on ownership and maintenance of the solar system and you purchase the solar electricity from them. The rate of supply for a PPA is generally lower than grid electricity because it is supplied on-site and therefore avoids several costs that form part of electricity rates including network fees and market fees. The term of the agreement usually ranges from between 10 and 20 years. The PPA can be reassigned to the new occupier bill payer in the event the business is sold or moves. For more information about a PPA contact a Clean Energy Council accredited retailer. Details can be found here
- Consider a loan to purchase solar PV system outright. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation may be able to assist small business with co-financing.
- You could even lease a solar PV system.
- If all else fails consider implementing these energy saving tips within your business website
More information
Want to know more about how solar can benefit your business? Fill our the form below to register your interest for a complimentary 20-minute online information session hosted by Director of Australian Security and Solar* (accredited Clean Energy Council solar retailer).
*Note: The City does not endorse particular companies or products. Individual circumstances may vary and independent research is recommended before making financial decisions.