Did you know that in Victoria alone, 6 million solar panels have now been installed through the Solar Homes program? When combined, they deliver 2.25 GW of energy which, at peak capacity, could generate enough electricity in just 44 minutes to power an entire AFL finals campaign at the MCG.
Here’s an example of how a Victorian couple, Shane and Nicole, started their electrification journey in their home, as detailed in the Solar Victoria website.
They began their home electrification journey when they moved into their Melbourne townhouse in 2019, aiming to lower their carbon footprint rather than chasing financial returns.
Their first step was installing solar panels, taking advantage of government rebates and incentives. Anticipating lower feed-in tariffs, Shane maximised savings by running appliances and charging his electric vehicle during the day to use solar energy directly.
- In 2021, the couple made their 2nd step by replacing their gas water heater with a heat pump, timing its operation to coincide with peak solar generation for greater efficiency.
- To prepare for further electrification, they rewired their home and installed an EV wall charger.
- Their journey continued with the purchase of an e-bike, which they also charge using solar power.
Now they’re considering a battery to help them power their nights away, but given this is a more expensive outlay, they’re waiting for outcome of the 2025 Federal Election where potentially the Albanese Government, if re-elected, would provide up to $350 per kilowatt-hour in discounts on a home solar battery — making it easier than ever to slash their power bills and enjoy greater energy security.
Nevertheless, their experience highlights that electrifying a home is a gradual process, best approached with a clear plan and by prioritising upgrades over time.
While there are upfront costs, incentives and long-term savings make the transition rewarding, both financially and environmentally
Why UNIfied?
At UNIfied, we are here to ensure that Australian households and businesses can kickstart their electrification journey to help reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.
Contact UNIfied today or call 1300 817 847 to achieve greater savings in these precarious times and start your journey of clean energy living.