Energy and Solar Panels
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.
Solar Panels
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: Your partner to electrifying everything
Solar Savers is now offering much more than just solar.
Through Council's involvement in the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action, residents can now access expanded council-backed and vetted products and services to upgrade their split-system heating and cooling, induction cooktops, hot water heat pumps, insulation, draught proofing, EV chargers, including access to home energy assessments.
It’s a FREE service. Simply register at Solar Savers website to receive up to 3 competitive quotes for each energy upgrade.
For more information, visit the Solar Savers website or phone 1300 548 598
Information for tenants
How to reduce energy bills: Solar Victoria - Information for renters
Energy efficiency information for tenants: Renters Guide to Sustainable Living
Apartments
Approval to install solar panels also include an additional layer of agreement from body corporates or strata schemes.
More information for renters and rental providers: Solar rebates - rental properties
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.
Energy efficiency
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
Energy Bills
The State Government's Energy Saver Incentive offers discounts and special deals on selected energy-saving products and appliances.
Visit the Victorian Energy Upgrades for Households 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.