Figure out the specific running cost of each appliance by following these simple steps. 

1. Calculate how much you currently pay per kWh for peak rate electricity.
2. Find out the input power each appliance uses (kWh) (this is usually marked on the appliance itself or in the user’s manual).
3. Calculate the running cost of an appliance by multiplying the cost of your electricity (kWh) by the input power of the appliance.

E.g. 26c per kWh x 2kW (2000 watts) = 52 cents per hour

You can then multiply this by the number of hours the appliance is used in a day, a month and a year.

Heating / Cooling

Cooling your home in summer and heating it during winter can cause a massive spike in energy consumption. These systems are generally the biggest household energy consumers and are likely costing you the most.

Water Heating 

Despite several variables, a hot water system is a costly home essential. Shower frequency and temperature, washing machine use and dishwashing will affect the consumption rate, however it’s generally one of the highest energy consuming appliances.

TV

Our power bills are growing alongside the size of our TVs. The bigger and better models tend to burn through more electricity, making your time in front of the TV more and more expensive.

Dishwasher

It’s come to light that dishwashers are actually reducing water usage when washing dishes, which equates to less energy consumption. Purchase a dishwasher with a high energy efficiency rating and say goodbye to washing the dishes by hand!

Tumble Dryer

Commonly perceived as the consumption king, the clothes dryer actually uses less energy than first thought. Don’t fret in winter, on a rainy day or if you have a larger family; the clothes dryer can still save you time without breaking the bank.

Digital Devices

They’re in abundance in most homes, however thankfully due to their size, digital devices remain in the lower bracket of appliance energy consumption.

How You Can Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Calculating the cost of each appliance is the first step towards cutting back on consumption. We also recommend:

• Assess the energy and water ratings on appliances before making a purchase.
• Run appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine throughout the day during peak solar hours (if you have solar power installed).
• Turn appliances off at the wall when you aren’t using them (especially the TV – energy consumption adds up on standby).
• Switch to energy efficient lights and fans, and always remember to switch them off when they’re not being used!

Learn more about cooling your home efficiently during summer here.

Preparations

• Home assessment 

During the initial home assessment, a member from our team will evaluate your home and ensure it’s structurally sound for solar installation. Prior to this step, our team will run through a pre-solar checklist with you to ensure solar panels are suitable for your roof orientation and power usage. This assessment will include determining which products are best suited to you home.

• Roof preparation

Your roof will undergo a thorough inspection in preparation for panel installation. This includes conducting maintenance and making any necessary adjustments. Solar panels are designed to last for 20+ years, so it’s crucial we ensure your roof is in a condition that will support the lifetime of your solar panels.

Starting the Installation

• Electrical wiring

Once your roof is prepared, our team will begin the electrical wiring process. Wiring involves connecting the electrical panel to the general power system.

• Panel placement 

Once the wiring is in place, a mounting system (to support the panels) is installed onto the roof. Once it’s fixed to the roof, the solar panels are secured into the mounting system. They will be fitted at an angle to receive maximum sun exposure.

The mounting system is generally made from stainless steel or high grade aluminum to ensure its longevity, and it’s the only part of the entire system that will actually come into contact with your roof. We guarantee a strong and reliable mounting system that will effectively protect the panels.

Completion

• Inverter connection 

Lastly, the panels are connected to the inverter(s), which converts DC energy into AC energy to power your home.

• Final evaluation

Once the installation is complete, a final evaluation of the system is conducted. Upon approval, it is then connected to the meter and will start to generate electricity. Depending on the type of meter you currently have, you may be required to purchase a new meter to measure your energy consumption. Our team will verify this prior to installation to ensure there are no surprise costs in the final stages.