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Tip Store: Utilities: Solar Energy

​Solar Power

Our daughter and son-in-law have just bought rural acres with no power. To bring the power from the nearest available pole to the existing shed and house site (about 1.5 klms) would have cost $65,000 plus the cost of removing 100 or so trees on crown land. After investigating solar power thoroughly they decided it would be the best bet, considering the generous subsidies being paid by the government at the moment, and the fact that solar power has become very high tech, reliable and efficient. They were quoted $90,000 for a system to supply all the needs of a family household and farm. With some clever buying on the part of the supplier, carbon credits, and 50% subsidy by the government, this was brought down to $29,000 supplied, installed and up and running within 2 days! This system runs all the lights, appliances, frig and washing machine. It's a 240 volt system and can supply up to 30 amps. They cook and heat with a wood stove in winter and gas in summer, which they would have done anyway had they connected to the grid. Not only did they save $36,000 up front by not connecting to the grid, but they will never have electricity bills. And think of all the trees they saved into the bargain!
​- Contributed by Heather, Elginton, 4th February 2008

​Solar Lights the Way

Recently we bought some solar lights from Bunnings for our patio. (They had spikes for in-ground use but if you leave them off they are free-standing.) They have proven so versatile. We now put one in our daughter's bedroom at night (as a night light) and another in the bathroom/toilet. Remember to pop them back outside in the sun each day to re-charge. During blackouts we no longer have to worry about candles causing fires or leaving torches on. We just bring in some solar lights from the patio and can then sleep peacefully. When you are having a barbie, put some on the bbq table for ambience lighting. We also bought some "spotlight" style solar lights and mounted these so they aim at the food on the bbq. These solar lights reduce electricity costs, are better for the environment and for safety!!
​- Contributed by Tona, Mackay, 29th January,2008