Any home renovation is exciting. The anticipation of seeing the final result makes all the thinking, planning and work worth it. The ultimate goal of a renovation project, no matter how big or small, is to improve a home and see aspirational ideas come to life. This includes increasing its value, energy efficiency, and comfort, which helps us connect to our home on a deeper level.

Did you know that by going solar, you can tick all these boxes? In this article, we will explore some key reasons why solar technology should be part of your next home renovation.

1. Increase the Value of Your Home

According to research from realestate.com.au, installing solar products has the potential to increase a home’s value; and other than improving our lifestyle, adding value to our real estate, is a nice side effect to have when embarking on a renovation project. In fact, the survey positioned solar technology as top-of-mind when it came to green living.

Some of the findings were:

• 85% of Australians say that solar panels would add value to a home.
• 78% of Australians say that solar hot water would increase a home’s value.
• Two in five renters would pay up to $10 extra per week for a home with solar.
• Solar technology helps homeowners realise that certain aspects of their home, such as the roof, can be a great asset, especially when living in a country where sunshine is abundant.

2. Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Going solar is an investment that would help you reduce your energy consumption by harnessing the sun’s free energy to deliver power and hot water for your home, instead of relying only on the grid.

This means that by considering a clean and green source of energy in your renovation plans, it could actually help you keep more money in your pocket over time, and protect you from increasing grid-energy costs.

Key stats:

• A conventional water heater typically makes up about 25% of a household’s energy use in Australia. So, installing a solar hot water heater can help you make a big difference to your energy consumption. In fact, you could save up to 65% of your hot water energy use if you replace your current gas or electric water heater with a solar water heater.
• 2017-18 saw 23% growth in solar generation, indicating that there is a significant shift towards increased energy productivity.

3. Go Green and Help Save the Planet

Did you know that 60% of the electricity consumed by the average Aussie household is generated from coal? But there is a smarter way to power your home. Like using energy free from the sun.

Solar helps you make a significant contribution to the environment, as it uses a natural power source to deliver energy and hot water for your home. As a result, you are also doing your bit to reduce greenhouse emissions.

For example, a Solahart solar water heater can help you save up to 1.6 to 2.7 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. So, your next renovation is a great opportunity to make a difference.

4. Home Builder Grant

In June 2020, the Australian government introduced the HomeBuilder Grant. This scheme provides eligible owner-occupiers with $25,000 to complete a home renovation or new build.

The HomeBuilder Grant now provides eligible homeowners with the opportunity to add a complete solar package solution including solar hot water, solar power and battery storage to complement their renovation plans.