Declining feed-in tariffs: why and what you can do
Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) are declining everywhere. More importantly, we should probably brace for the fact that they’re about to drop further as we enter a high-supply, low-demand spring season. This could even lead to negative FiTs, where you have to pay to export energy. Generally, a negative FiT period occurs when the grid is so well supplied that exporters (including big power plants as well as solar homes) are penalised for exporting energy. The good news is these negative tariffs are typically only a few cents per kWh. Should you switch providers? If you export more power than you use, finding a higher FiT could save you money. But if you use most of your solar energy at home, it’s better to focus on getting the best usage rate instead. As electric vehicle uptake increases and the “electrify everything” movement progresses, there’ll be more demand for your solar exports, and we expect this to eventually lead to a rise in feed-in tariffs. Whilst we believe FiTs will likely trend down as more solar panels are installed, the increased demand from electric vehicles and other factors like electrification may eventually push them up. What to do to get the most from your solar: Maximize usage: Adjust home systems to use more solar power during the day. Electrify your home: Consider switching to electric appliances, like a heat pump for your hot water, and vehicles. Explore solar curtailment: Check if your inverter can reduce exports during negative FiTs. Invest in a home battery: Store excess solar energy for use when it’s more valuable, especially during peak demand. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. Find out how you can save more with upgrading to the heat pump hot water system or installing a battery! Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
DuluxGroup
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Solar PV Systems & LED Lighting
- Port Melbourne, VIC
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System Size
- 700kW
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Annual Energy Savings
- $195,000
Signature Floors: Where sustainability is more than a goal
Click here to play the video We’re thrilled to announce the successful installation of Signature Floors’ second solar infrastructure, marking another step towards their commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. The installation of a 40kW commercial solar system at their Epping facility was done recently, allowing them to harness the power of the sun, reducing their carbon footprint and advancing their environmental stewardship efforts. At Signature Floors sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s a fundamental principle woven into every aspect of our operations. By investing in renewable energy solutions like solar power, we’re not only reducing our reliance on fossil fuels but also paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for generations to come. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your renewable energy transition is as efficient and seamless as possible. We are here to help you pay less for your electricity bills and lowering operation overheads. If you’re interested, we can further offer you an assessment by one of energy retailer partners and provide your business with an energy savings proposal with no charge or obligation to sign up. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Rebates Victorian homes and businesses can access!
Switching to solar is now more affordable thanks to government rebates! Installing solar panels at home or your business not only cuts energy costs in the long-term but it can also qualify you for significant savings. In Victoria for example, solar rebates can save a typical household over $1,000 annually on electricity. Adding a solar battery can save an additional $640 per year. To help Victorians transition to renewable energy, Solar Victoria is offering rebates and interest-free loans to promote solar panel and hot water system adoption. These incentives cover a considerable portion of installation costs, and more many households, it can significantly reduce the upfront expenses. Solar PV rebate & interest-free loan For instance, a $5,000 solar panel system could qualify for a $1,400 solar PV rebate, requiring only $3,600 upfront. Please note that these rebates are limited and won’t last forever, so the key is to act fast! Explore Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program for details on rebates, including up to $1,400 for solar panels and an interest-free loan matching the rebate amount ($1,400). Interest-free loan for batteries While solar battery rebates have ended, Solar Victoria is also offering an interest-free loan of up to $8,800 for batteries, aiding further energy bill reductions for those that want to optimise their solar power and increase their independence from the grid. There are several types of solar rebates available for different people and scenarios, but keep in mind won’t last forever. It’s also important to remember that you should an authorised, professional solar retailer, like UNIfied Energy, to be eligible for a solar rebate. Hot water rebate Hot water for many households is second energy guzzler in the home after the air-conditioner! You don’t need to have solar panels installed to have a heat pump system. This means installing one of these water heating systems is a great way to reduce your energy bills and lean into cleaner energy even if you don’t have the ability to install solar panels on your property. If you already have solar panels, you can still access this hot water rebate of $1,000. The good news is you can also access this rebate in addition to the solar PV rebate if you want to install solar panels at the same time! What are small-scale technology certificates? Small-scale technology certificates (STCs) are incentives available across Australia to encourage the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems, including solar panels, wind turbines, hydro systems, and energy-efficient hot water systems such as a heat pump, etc. The value of STCs depends on where you live, when the system is installed, and how much electricity it generates or displaces. These certificates provide a financial benefit by reducing the upfront cost of installing renewable energy systems. When you purchase a solar system for example, the discount from STCs is automatically factored into the price by the installer, like us, UNIfied Energy. And unlike rebates, you don’t need to apply separately or meet specific eligibility criteria to receive this discount. It’s integrated into the purchasing process to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable. Why UNIfied? To meet the growing market demand of Victorians wanting to transition to renewable energy, UNIfied is pleased that we can now offer you a bundled package that includes solar, battery and a heat pump hot water. Don’t delay, get a UNIfied quote today or contact us on1300 817 847. Let’s power up your home.
Ever calculated the price tag on your steamy 10-minute hot shower in the morning?
Gas prices are going up! You’ve seen the headlines. Let’s break down how our daily shower – alone – is hitting the hip pocket: Water usage costs: Your average shower head (if not the latest, energy-efficient one) spills out between 9-10 litres a minute. This means for an 8–10-minute shower, you’re looking at between 72-100 litres down the gurgler daily. Over a year, that’s a whopping 27,740 litres! Depending on where you live, this could set you back anywhere from $20 to $200 a year just for the water usage. And in this example, that’s only for a 1-person household. Hot water costs: Heating up that water for your shower is a real power sucker. But for many of us living in the southern states, a cold shower is not option especially in winter. Water heating can account between 18% to 25% of your home’s energy bill, making it the second biggest energy guzzler after the air conditioner. But here’s where a heat pump hot water system can make a significant difference. Heat pump savings: These beauties can save you up to 70% on your water heating costs compared to traditional electric systems. For a typical Aussie household, that could mean pocketing between $375 to $520 a year by switching from a gas storage water heater to a high-efficiency heat pump. But remember what you use hot water for – i.e, it’s not just for the shower, right? By being a bit smarter about your shower habits and considering a heat pump hot water system, you can save some serious coin and do your bit for the environment. Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn’t it? Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. Find out how you can save more with upgrading to the heat pump hot water system! Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
DuluxGroup: Striving to reach their sustainability targets
Click here to play the video We’re thrilled to showcase one of our latest projects, assisting the DuluxGroup in reaching its sustainability targets. The installation of a large-scale commercial solar system at their water-based paint factory in Merrifield, Victoria. It’s an impressive site, and it has been such a privilege to be a part of this project delivery. Proud of the dedicated team at UNIfied Energy Services, and we congratulate the DuluxGroup for its deep commitment to reduce carbon emissions and creating a better future. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your renewable energy transition is as efficient and seamless as possible. We are here to help you pay less for your electricity bills. If you’re interested, we can offer you an assessment by one of energy retailer partners and provide your business with an energy savings proposal with no charge or obligation to sign up. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Electrification Awareness: A Major Challenge for Australia
Recent research by one of our preferred green lenders, Brighte, has highlighted a significant challenge for Australia, i.e. electrifying over 10 million homes and making them energy efficient. This recent study reveals that 40% of householders surveyed are unfamiliar with the concepts of ‘electrification’ and ‘decarbonisation’. Nigel Freitas, Head of Enterprise and Corporate Affairs at Brighte, shared these findings at the Smart Energy Council’s recent consumer summit. He noted that: A substantial portion of the population lacks awareness of these critical terms, which are essential to the country’s energy transition efforts. The survey also uncovered that 60% of respondents feel they do not have access to adequate information about electrification and decarbonisation. Additionally, 40% of those surveyed find the task of electrifying their homes overwhelming due to the abundance of information, much of which is conflicting. Freitas stressed the importance of consumer involvement in driving the energy transition. “We’re going to have to move a lot of [consumers] from apathy to action, and make that process really simple,” he said. The findings underscore the need for clear, accessible information and support to help Australians navigate the path to a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. What is electrification? Electrification involves replacing technologies that use fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) with technologies that use electricity instead as a source of energy. Electric appliances and any electric equipment around the home not only enable the use of renewable electricity, but they’re more energy efficient than gas appliances. Common household initiatives and appliances you should consider as part of your electrification journey include: solar panels reverse cycle air conditioner / heater a heat pump or solar hot water system electric cooktop For example, by switching to heat pump technology for your air conditioner and/or heater and hot water system, you are likely to save 3 to 4 times heat energy usage. This means the emissions savings are realised from both energy efficiency and renewable energy usage. The good news is Government rebates are available to help you with making the transition. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. Get your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION quote for a tailored solar solution so you can enjoy paying less for your electricity bills. And at the same time, find out how you can save more with upgrading to the heat pump hot water system! Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Did you know that natural gas is just a marketing term?
In recent years, the conversation around sustainable living has gained momentum, with a particular focus on reducing carbon footprints and embracing renewable energy sources. Central to this discussion is the role of natural gas in home heating—a practice long touted as efficient and convenient. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that natural gas is not only harmful to the environment but also unnecessary in the face of superior alternatives like heat pumps. It’s just a marketing term. Natural gas, often marketed as a clean energy solution, is anything but clean. It primarily consists of: Methane: a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than that of carbon dioxide. The extraction, transportation, and combustion of natural gas release methane into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change and contributing to air pollution. Despite industry claims of efficiency, the reality is that natural gas leaks occur throughout the production and distribution process, further intensifying its environmental impact. As the world moves towards a renewable energy future, clinging to natural gas as a primary heating source becomes increasingly unsustainable and economically unwise. Enter heat pumps Heat pumps – for hot water or heating/colling – is proven alternative to natural gas heating systems. Unlike traditional furnaces, which burn fossil fuels to generate heat, heat pumps utilise electricity to transfer heat from one space to another, providing efficient heating and cooling year-round. A new era of energy efficiency One of the most compelling advantages of heat pumps is their remarkable energy efficiency. For every unit of electricity consumed, heat pumps can produce two to three units of heat, making them significantly more efficient than combustion-based heating systems. The era of natural gas as the go-to solution for home heating is coming to an end. It’s time to embrace cleaner, more sustainable alternatives like heat pumps. For example, by switching to heat pump technology for your air conditioner and/or heater and hot water system, you are likely to save 3 to 4 times heat energy usage. This means the emissions savings are realised from both energy efficiency and renewable energy usage. The good news is Government rebates are available to help you with making the transition. Why UNIfied? At UNIfied, we are here to ensure your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. Get your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION quote for a tailored solar solution so you can enjoy paying less for your electricity bills. And at the same time, find out how you can save more with upgrading to the heat pump hot water system! Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Beware of some energy suckers in your home
Cut down on your electricity bill! With rising costs of living and volatile fuel prices, saving on electricity can make a big difference. The key is to identify the appliances that use the most energy. Understanding how electricity is measured is the first step. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) is a unit that measures how much power a device uses in an hour. The wattage of an appliance, which is typically listed on the appliance itself, indicates how much power it uses per hour. Here’s how to calculate the daily kilowatt-hours used by an appliance: Find the wattage rating of the appliance (usually on a label). Divide the wattage by 1,000 to convert it to kilowatts (kWh). Multiply the kWh by the number of hours you use the appliance each day. This will give you an estimate of how much electricity each appliance uses daily. By focusing on reducing the use of your high-energy appliances, you can significantly lower your electricity bill. Common Energy Vampires Many devices continue to use power even when they seem turned off. These “energy vampires” can significantly increase your electricity bill. Here are some common culprits: Computers and game consoles: Even in standby mode, they use power to stay connected to the internet or maintain quick start-up features. Instant-on TVs: These TVs are designed to turn on quickly, but this convenience comes at the cost of constant low-level power draw. Surround sound systems and cable/satellite boxes: Similar to TVs, these devices often stay in a low-power state to respond to remote controls or maintain program information. Devices with digital clocks: Even a small clock can use a surprising amount of electricity over time. By unplugging these devices when not in use, you can save money and reduce your home’s energy consumption. Join the solar revolution with UNIfied and save! We’re not a one-size-fits-all company. At UNIfied, we will tailor a solar system based on your energy usage, the position of your roof, financial objectives and more. We’ll also be up front and let you know if we believe you won’t save money or a solar system won’t work for your home. We are committed in ensuring your electrification journey is as efficient and seamless as possible. You can look forward to paying less on your electricity bills when combining a UNIfied solar system with one of the solar batteries we have in our range. Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times, and start your journey of clean energy living!
Solar battery and EV charger combo – the ultimate clean energy solutions for your home!
Have you thought of powering your home with a solar system and battery, especially if you’ve been thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV)? A growing number of Australians are “excited to get their hands on” an EV as sales surged across the country last year in 2023. Beyhad Jafari, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), said the figures (87,217 vehicles sold in 2023) were promising. Really encouraging to see that as more electric vehicles are made available in the Australian market and its prices come down, Australians are very excited to get their hands on one,” he said. “Australia started behind the rest of the world, but we’re very quickly catching up. We hope to continue seeing sales double this year as well, and that challenge gets larger and larger.” To optimise EV savings, there are no better ways than installing a solar and battery combo system. This is because most people are likely to charge their EV during peak periods (generally between 3pm to 11pm) when they are home from work. Government incentives to help you The great news is there are some generous incentives to make installing a solar system plus a battery financially appealing and more affordable. For example, if you live in Victoria: Access up to $8800 interest free loan from Solar Victoria to help you fund your battery purchase, if eligible. But hurry, this could end by 30 June 2024! There’s also a $1,400 interest-free loan on the solar panels, and a further $1,400 solar rebate, if eligible. These rebates/incentives may change in the new FY24/25 financial year. Why UNIfied? To meet this growing market demand, UNIfied is pleased that we can now offer you a bundled package that includes solar, battery and an EV charger*. Let’s power up your home and you can fuel your electric car with clean, free energy from the sun as well. Here’s what you get: Fast, convenient charging: Top up your EV overnight with our powerful charger. Solar-powered savings: Generate your own clean energy and slash your electricity bills. Environmentally friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint and drive guilt-free. Never run on empty again: Always have a backup power source with the solar battery. *Please note EV chargers are only available with a solar and/or solar and battery purchase. Don’t delay, get a UNIfied quote today or contact us on1300 817 847.
