Home takes the pain out of power bills

Canberra Times
Friday 10/9/2010 Page: 9

The Conservation Council wants to put 1000 solar systems on ACT residential roofs next year. Project SunShine is a new solar power campaign, launched today, which is offering discounts ranging from $150 for a 1.61kWh system up to $3000 for a 9.61kWh system. The offer is being made possible through renewable energy credits from the Federal Government and can be traded at purchase to effectively reduce the overall cost of a solar system to the purchaser.

The ACT has the nation's highest carbon footprint and the second-highest number of sunshine hours of all major Australian cities. The council hopes Project SunShine will reduce the ACT's emissions rates by 40% by 2020. ACT region executive director John Hibberd said the project had no upfront costs and the cost of installation would be paid off over seven years with the ACT Government's gross feed-in tariff, which guarantees that energy contributors receive a minimum of 45.7c perkW.

Mr Hibberd said everyone in Canberra had to be responsible for reducing the ACT's carbon footprint. Canberra resident Nicholas Mayo built his sustainable home to reduce his carbon footprint. "We did it for the environmental thing, and to reduce our carbon emissions", he said. "Cost wasn't an issue for us".

Mr Mayo designed and built his home using Thepassive solar principles, so it requires no heating in winter and is cool and comfortable in summer. The solar panels are built into the roof, making them perfect for high wind areas and pleasing to the eye. The system is designed to generate more electrical energy than a house uses, allowing owners to sell unused energy back to the electrical companies. "We only use 50% of what we make", Mr Mayo said.

Tours of the home are available by appointment, and Mr Mayo provides sustainability advice and project coordination. The council is encouraging buyers to shop around and select a supplier that offers the best warranty for all aspects of installation. The campaign is part of Sustainable House Day on Sunday and exhibits some of Australia's best sustainable homes. The day is an opportunity for the public to find out directly from sustainable-home owners about reducing waste around the home, saving water, and natural home heating and cooling, among other initiatives.