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Renewable Energy
Renewable energy
Renewable energy systems use sources like solar, wind and water (hydro) to generate power.
The most common renewable energy systems used for Australian homes are photovoltaic panels (PVs) and wind turbines. With both of these options, you can still be connected to the main electricity grid for mains power as you need it. You might even be able to sell your excess energy to the electricity company.
GreenPower
Over 900,000 residential homes in Australia are already buying green power. This involves your electricity supplier sourcing some or all of your energy from renewable sources like wind, solar, hydro and even decomposing organic wastes.
The government regulates green power providers and maintains a list of accredited green power products. These government accredited products use the GreenPower trademark. Council is encouraging households and businesses across the City to make the switch to environmentally-friendly power and take advantage of a number of Council rebates on offer as part of a unique Community Power Program.
Solar Power
Photovoltaic panels (PVs) convert sunlight into electricity. They are a good choice for metropolitan areas as they don't make a noise and are usually out of the way up on your roof. PVs have no moving parts, require little maintenance and can be expected to last 20 years or more.
Financial assistance is available to help with the cost of installing solar power, including:
The federal government provides a step-by-step guide to installing solar panels.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines or generators use the wind to turn a propeller, which drives a generator and produces electricity. Larger wind generators are well suited to non-urban areas, as the turbine needs to be mounted on a tower. Most wind turbines make some noise when they're turning but new developments in wind turbine technology are making them quieter.
Renewable Systems and Mains Power
With a renewable energy system you use your own energy first, and can connect to mains power for the times when there may not be enough electricity being generated by your system.
If you don't connect to the mains power grid, you may need storage batteries or a generator to give you a constant supply of electricity when you need it.
If you connect your system to the electricity supply grid, any extra energy you generate can be fed back into the grid. Depending on where you live and who your electricity supplier is, you might even be paid for your excess electricity.
Carbon Offsets, Carbon Neutral and Abatement Schemes
Some community groups and businesses offer schemes that plant trees or do other energy-saving projects to offset your greenhouse gas emissions. Products and services that have offset the pollution from making goods or delivering services are called carbon neutral. You can offset emissions such as those generated by driving your car, air travel or running major events by choosing providers of carbon neutral services or products.
The Department of Climate Change has a list of accredited providers and approved abatement projects.
Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water systems use solar collectors (tubes or panels) to absorb energy from the sun to heat water for your home. The heated water is then stored in an insulated tank for when you need it.
With a solar hot water system, you could get between 50 and 90 per cent of your hot water for free.
Want More Information?
See the Federal Government’s resource about renewable energy: Your home technical manual - renewable energy.
Council Solar Rebates
Council offers a one-off $77 rebate for solar hot water units and $154 for solar panels (photovoltaic cells) is an incentive for residents and businesses to use renewable energy such as solar power.
The rebate is available for existing solar installations as well as new installations and will be reviewed in two years.
If you would like to apply for a rebate, download the Solar Rebate Claim Form and return to:
Solar and PV Rebate
Whitehorse City Council
Locked Bag 2
Nunawading Delivery Centre VIC 3131