If you’re a Gippsland local or someone who visits this stunning part of Eastern Victoria regularly, there’s a chance you’ve noticed more and more rooftops glinting with solar panels? No, this isn’t a sparkle of your imagination; across towns like Bairnsdale, Warragul, Sale, and Traralgon, more and more Gippsland residents are getting on the solar bandwagon.
And why wouldn’t you? With generous rebates available, the rising cost of power, and great Australian weather that is purpose-built for solar PV systems, it’s no wonder so many are making this switch and not looking back.
Of course, it’s easy to feel apprehensive about changes to your family’s home and lifestyle. Let’s break down what’s behind this glowing trend (pun intended) and how you can get involved.
Gippsland solar energy solutions: what’s available for my home?
No doubt, your first question is: what solar energy solutions are available for my property? With solar farm development on the rise and even commercial solar for local amenities like schools in Victoria, there are ways that your household may benefit from solar energy harvesting even without having to invest in solar panels for your home. This is because solar panel owners can sell their excess energy back to your local energy grid, ensuring that wider communities can benefit from green energy gains.
If you want to invest in solar energy for your home and property, however, now is the perfect time to do so, thanks in part to the solar rebates that are currently available through the Victorian State Government.
Let’s unpack a few of the solar options available for you in Gippsland:
1. Rooftop solar systems
Whilst solar panel systems have only been a hot topic issue in the past few years, Australians have actually been installing solar PV (photovoltaic) systems on their rooftops for decades. How do solar panels work? They convert sunlight into electrical energy via photovoltaic effect. When photons from sunlight strike your solar cells, this triggers the movement of electrons which naturally creates an electric current.
2. Solar battery storage
Alongside being able to generate electrical energy, solar PV systems can also be used to power solar batteries. Solar batteries are designed to store the excess electrical energy produced by your solar PV systems. Advancements in solar battery technologies are poised to ensure that solar panel owners maintain the energy they need to power their homes through colder winter months, where sunlight availability grows limited.
3. Hybrid systems
The best of all worlds, a hybrid solar system refers to a grid-connected solar panel and battery system that’s designed to store excess power generated from your panels in solar battery storage to use during lower light conditions. With a hybrid system, your home has flexibility. Use your panels during the day, use your battery at night, and connect to the grid when you need. This added flexibility makes hybrid systems the ideal solar investment option for Aussie homeowners who are looking to futureproof their property.
4. Community solar programs
The Gippsland community is strong, so it’s no surprise that community-led solar initiatives are growing in popularity right alongside rooftop solar gains. As we briefly mentioned earlier, community solar initiatives can refer to developments like solar farms, or even investing in commercial-grade solar panels for local facilities like schools, hospitals, or even large-scale apartment complexes. If you live in an apartment, this is an excellent way to access quality solar systems. Bring it up at your next body corporate meeting if the issue is yet to be raised.
Why is solar booming in Gippsland? The top 3 reasons
So why are Gippsland locals embracing solar? Here are three of the main reasons why our region is leading the way in solar investments:
Rising bills
You only need to turn on the TV or grab a coffee at your local cafe to hear someone mention the cost of living crisis. While it’s an issue we can’t avoid completely, we can limit its influence on our home and household. With electricity and gas prices moving in one trajectory only, the long-term savings you gain from installing solar energy solutions are difficult to ignore.
Gippsland weather
Gippsland enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year; there’s no denying it. Our optimal climate makes solar investments a no-brainer, which is why more and more Gippsland residents are prioritising solar panel installations for their home.
Government support
Unsurprisingly, the Victorian State Government’s generous solar rebates are another huge reason why people are choosing the solar switch in Gippsland. A rebate of up to $1,400 is available to eligible homeowners, along with interest-free loans to help you cover the upfront costs.
The Victorian State Government is also offering rebates expressly designed to accommodate local business owners who are looking to invest in commercial-grade solar panel systems. Head to Solar Victoria to see what rebates are available for you and your household or business.
Getting started: how your family can invest in solar energy
Want to make the solar switch for your Gippsland home? Here’s a quick overview of your next steps.
Assess your situation
Begin by conducting an energy audit of your home to assess your power needs. Check past bills. When are your peak usage times? Do your bills fluctuate from month to month? The more questions you ask, the better you’ll understand your situation, which can help ensure you find a suitably sized solar PV solution that caters to your home and family.
Find your local provider
Once you have a clearer idea of the system capacity you need, it’s time to begin looking into your local solar installation specialists. Start researching who your local solar installers are, and what systems they can offer you. Keep in mind that some solar installers may have exclusive access to solar manufacturer products, so be sure to shop around and choose wisely. At a minimum, your selected installer should be accredited and approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
Investigate financial options
Before you make any concrete decisions regarding your solar panel installation, you should absolutely visit Solar Victoria and find out what rebates and loans are available to you. A quality provider will be able to guide you through the rebate application process as well.
Install and start saving!
With everything else in place, this is the final, satisfying step. Once you’re installed (which should only take a day or two), it’s about kicking back and enjoying greener, cheaper energy. Gippsland, you got this.
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