What is an electrified home?

In its simplest form, an electrified home is one that has no reliance on natural gas – just electricity.  With gas prices rising, making the switch to all-electric appliances could help you save on electricity bills, make the most of solar (whether you already have rooftop solar panels or are thinking about it), and can reduce your home’s carbon footprint if you’re able to take advantage of electricity sourced from renewables. So, if your home’s stove, hot water system or heating runs on natural gas, it may be worth considering electric when your appliances reach the end of their life.

When is an ideal time to consider electrification?

Building or renovating is a prime time to consider all-electric systems and appliances. While energy-efficient electrical appliances may cost more upfront, over their lifetime they’ll have lower running costs than their natural gas or less energy-efficient counterparts. And if your new home has rooftop solar, the savings could be even greater, as the real benefit of solar comes from using the energy you’re generating first, rather than feeding it back into the grid.

Do I need solar to electrify my home?

Whilst rooftop solar is a great way to help increase the green credentials of your home, and help bring your energy bills down, it’s not a requirement when making the switch to electrification. Opting to use electricity as much as possible allows you to take advantage of energy-efficient appliances – helping to reduce your household emissions and running costs.  

How much will it cost to electrify my home?

Costs will vary depending on which natural gas appliances you currently have, as well as your style and personal goals. For example, let’s take a look in the kitchen. Many brands now offer induction cook-tops in a range of sizes, designs and price-points. The technology is fast, simple to control, safe – and easier to clean than gas cook-tops (a huge plus).

It’s important to remember that electrifying your home is an investment that will continue to provide benefits over the long term.

What if I rent?

If you’re a renter and your property has gas appliances, unfortunately the only option is to find electric alternatives. It may be worth considering a portable plug-in induction cook top for your kitchen and making the switch to an energy-efficient electric heater.

If you have a good relationship with your property manager and landlord, it may be worth floating the idea of electrifying the property. Energy efficiency upgrades may be subsidised (as well as tax deductible) and upgrades to the property can also help increase property value long term.

What are the perks of electrification if I have an EV?

If you own an EV, or are in the market for one, electrifying your home should be on your radar.  Whilst you may no longer have to pay for fuel, charging your EV still comes at a cost. If your home has rooftop solar charging your car during the day, whilst you’re generating power, is a great way to offset the electricity costs. If you prefer to charge at night, adding a battery to your setup is a great option, as it allows you to utilise the power you’ve generated as opposed to it being fed back into the grid. 

Solar technology has come a long way since the early days, with some states even offering rebates as an incentive.

How much could I save by going all-electric?

Sustainability Victoria estimates that, for a home with solar panels, making the switch to electricity could save you around $1,250 on your energy bills per year. This is in addition to approximately $950 of savings per year from an existing 6.6kW solar system. You can take your savings even further, by adding a medium-sized battery system, you could save an additional $520 per year.  
 
If you don’t have solar, there are still savings to be had by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. In fact, two of the biggest energy users are heating and cooling (41% of home energy usage) and hot water (21%). Upgrading appliances as they approach the end of their life, to energy-efficient electrical options, could result in savings on your energy bill – and allow you to take full advantage of your solar if/when you do invest in it.

Where to start

If you’re not in the process of building or renovating your home, the starting point is a little different. Upgrading major appliances, like hot water systems and heating, can be costly, so for many households the best time to consider electrification is when these appliances are reaching the end of their life. It’s a good idea to plan your electrification transition over a few years, allowing you to budget for the replacements and slowly transition off the natural gas network.  

Our step-by-step guide to going all-electric

• Identify which appliances currently use natural gas in your home and which are reaching the end of their life first. 
• Set a budget for the appliances in question and plan for when they’ll likely need replacing. 
• Research the appliances you need and ensure they work for you, for example, if you’re an avid home-cook, make sure you find an induction cook top that ticks all your culinary boxes. 
• Seek out quotes for both the product and installation so there are no surprises when it comes to budget.  
• Research whether there are any rebates available in your state that can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.  
• Prior to installation, check in with your installer and discuss whether you’ll need to reach out to your energy provider to have your electricity meter updated. 
• Once you’ve moved all your appliances over to electric versions, reach out to your energy provider to disconnect your natural gas account. 
• Plan ahead – what does the next phase look like for your home beyond just replacing your appliances? Are there opportunities to further save on your energy bills and increase your green credentials through additions like EVs, rooftop solar and batteries?  

Electrification at home is one of the ways Aussies can increase their energy efficiency, bring their energy bills down, and can help reduce carbon emissions when powered by renewables. 

There are also some simple, passive solutions to help make your energy at home work more efficiently like installing blinds, draught proofing, and planting trees to provide shade. Seasonal window shutters can also help to reduce or maximise sun exposure. And if you’re building or renovating, there’s bigger projects you can take on to improve energy efficiency — like upgrading insulation, installing double glazed windows, fitting insulated doors, creating zoned living spaces that can be sealed off to keep warmth or cool air in, and installing oversized eaves. 

As Australia transitions to more renewable energy, and big change is happening across our energy network — there are plenty of ways to get involved now and make an impact at home today. 

Thinking about solar?

We can help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post A guide to electrifying your home appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Let’s take things back a step by introducing Origin Loop, and our Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Origin Loop is transforming the way people harness their solar energy by connecting hundreds of thousands of batteries and panels — and other energy assets like hot water systems and EVs — across countless locations and combining them into one big, virtual power station.

Why join the Loop?

The beauty of Origin Loop is its power to help balance the grid at times of peak demand, reducing the reliance on coal, gas and renewables that feed into the grid. When customers connect virtually to Loop, then generate solar energy through their home solar system and store it in their battery, Origin can pull on this stored energy. This energy can then be fed back into the grid, reduce the reliance on coal and gas. There are also perks in it for you too, at the moment, you’ll receive $1 – every time Origin discharges one kW of power from your battery and gives it to the grid.

There’s also a cherry on top, just to sweeten the deal. If you connect your eligible battery to Origin Loop on a no lock-in contract, you’ll get a $200 credit included on your next energy bill. That’s what we like to call a sign-up bonus. A little thank you for joining the VPP. On top of all that, you’ll get full visibility when Origin discharges power from your battery in our easy-to-use mobile app. And for added peace of mind, we’ll ensure you always have at least 20% of battery charge during a Loop event. So, you don’t need to worry about running out of power.

Tell me more about Loop…

We’re so glad you asked. Until recently, all the electricity you used in your home or business came from large power stations transported through power lines and distribution networks. But times, they are a’changing. 

Home energy is now more intelligent than ever. And smarter energy is all thanks to some of the smart folk at Origin. Our boffins built the Artificial Intelligence (AI) that powers Loop to help coordinate, and orchestrate, thousands of connected, remote energy assets virtually via the cloud.

Loop-connected product and services include home solar batteries, EVs with smart chargers, connected hot water systems, and even our energy saving reward program, Spike. And now we’re inviting more customers across Australia to join the Loop.

What if I don’t have a battery yet?

We can help! There’s a lot to consider, after all, you’re making a long-term investment with long-term rewards. So, we’ve pulled together a helpful guide about what you should look for when investing in a battery – and we made sure to have our experts weigh in.  A connected home really is the way of the future, and with Origin Loop, you can be sure that you’re making the most of your battery package – that extra $200 is really just the icing on the cake. Or the cherry on the icing of said cake. Whatever it is, you can have your cherry-garnished cake and eat it too.

The ‘fine print’ AKA eligibility

• You need to be a current Origin electricity customer or agree to sign up to an electricity plan with us and agree to our VPP BYO Terms and Conditions.
• Have a compatible battery and inverter installed at your home (from Tesla, AlphaESS, Sungrow, LG, Solax, GoodWe or Eveready with at least 5kwh capacity in the battery and at least 5kw capacity at the inverter).
• Have an operational solar system of at least 5kW capacity, that is compatible with your battery.
• Have continuous and reliable internet connection.
• Live in NSW, SA, VIC, QLD or the ACT

Whether you’re looking to switch to solar, get more from your energy assets, or simply keep your bills down, Origin Home can help show you the way.

The post Origin Loop and the benefits of battery storage appeared first on The Origin Blog.

We’re committed

In 2015, Origin became the first energy company in the world to commit to the first seven We Mean Business Coalition’s commitments. The We Mean Business Coalition is a global non-profit coalition and outlines a framework to accelerate business climate action for a net zero, 1.5°C-aligned world. We report on our progress each year in our Sustainability Report. 

Our Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP)

Our Climate Transition Action Plan outlines our ambition to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions. It details the targets we’ve set to accelerate emissions reduction across our business. Importantly, our medium-term equity emissions intensity target and long-term net ambition to be net zero emissions across our full value chain by 2050, are consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Future-proofing our generation assets

With Eraring Power Station’s closure slated for August 2027, we’re future-proofing Australia’s largest power station. We’ve committed to the construction of a large-scale battery at Eraring. The first phase of the project consists of a 460 MW two-hour battery located adjacent to the power station, with an operational target date of late 2025. Construction of the second stage of the battery is scheduled to begin in early 2025, and come online in the first quarter of 2027, adding a further 240MW with a dispatch duration of four hours. 

As one of the most flexible power stations in the National Electricity Market (NEM), it’s playing an important role in supporting Australia’s transition to renewable energy sources, while continuing to provide reliable and affordable energy to our customers. 

Accelerating our investment in renewable energy

We’re developing a range of projects to expand our renewables portfolio and help lead the energy transition.

Solar energy

• We’re currently seeking development approval for Dapper Solar Farm, a 250-300MW solar development within NSW’s first Renewable Energy Zone. 
• In February 2024, we acquired renewable energy developer Walcha Energy including their proposed 450MW Salisbury Solar Farm. 
• In August 2022, we acquired Yanco Solar Farm.  The 60MW project also includes a planning permit for a battery storage system. 
• In April 2022, we acquired Yarrabee Solar Farm. The first stage of the project is expected to include 450MW of solar generation (with the potential for up to 900MW). Once developed, Yarrabee will be one of the largest solar farms in NSW. Planning approval also allows for a 25MW battery storage system. 

Battery storage

• We’re seeking approval to construct a 500MW battery with a storage capacity of up to 2,000MWh beside our Darling Downs Power Station.  
• Construction is underway on a large-scale battery energy storage system at our Eraring Power Station. The approved battery has a peak output of 700 MW for up to four hours (or lesser loads for longer periods) meaning it will be able to meet the energy needs of approximately 150,000 homes for up to four hours. 
• Construction of a large-scale battery storage project adjacent to our gas-fired Mortlake Power Station commenced in mid 2024. The Mortlake battery  will use lithium-ion battery storage technology and have a peak generation output of 300MW and a storage capacity of 600 MWh and will be commissioned in late 2026.  
• We’re seeking approval to construct and operate a 200MW battery at Templers Creek with a storage capacity of up to 800 MWh. 

Wind development

• In February 2024, we confirmed the acquisition of renewable developer Walcha Energy including their proposed Ruby Hills Wind Farm. 
• In July 2023, we purchased the 7,586 hectare ‘Warrane’ property (now also known as the Northern Tablelands Wind Farm).  
• Acquired in April 2024, the Yanco Delta project comprises a 1.5GW wind farm and an 800 MWh battery. The project has received both New South Wales Government development approval (December 2023) and EPBC approval (February 2024) making it one of the largest and most advanced wind and energy storage projects in New South Wales.   
• In July, the Origin x RES Joint Venture secured a feasibility license to develop the Navigator North offshore wind project off the Gippsland coast in Victoria. The Navigator North project has the potential to deliver 1.5 GW of total installed capacity to the NEM. 

The power of community

Community battery trials

We’re currently involved in several community battery trial programs with energy networks in Queensland and New South Wales. As Australia continues to transition towards renewable energy solutions, more and more of these batteries are being installed – from Bondi, to Bowral, to Bungarribee.  

A community battery stores excess solar generated by rooftop panels, then shares it back with the community – helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It’s why we believe community batteries have an important role to play in Australia’s energy transition.   

City of Melbourne

We’ve partnered with City of Melbourne to deliver three battery energy storage systems as part of its Power Melbourne project. Part of the project’s pilot stage, the batteries are set to be installed in 2024, helping support the city’s transition to renewable energy.

Creating change through partnerships

Our sports partnerships are about more than just a logo on a shirt, they’re about making small, but good changes for a better future – and giving sports fans the information they need to do the same. 

In Sydney, we’ve assisted with the installation of EV charging solutions at the new Sydney Swans HQ, which recently received a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. For the past two years at Swans home games at the SCG, we’ve hosted fans in a VIP game day space. The ‘Home of the Fans’ space gives fans the chance to have a great match day experience, whilst also giving us the chance to showcase some great renewable solutions for homes, including solar and battery products, and information on how our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) works. 

Melbourne City FC also recently opened its new facility, City Football Academy Melbourne, at Casey Fields. We supported the club by installing a 40kW rooftop solar system and 13.5kW battery, to help reduce its carbon footprint 

We’re also the naming rights partners of the world champion Origin Australian Diamonds – and last year helped install four EV chargers for Netball Queensland at Nissan Arena.

Our Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

Our Virtual Power Plant (VPP), allows customers to be part of a smart, connected energy network, and contribute to a cleaner energy future.  

It connects energy assets to work together like a mini power station to manage supply and demand. Our VPP currently has over 300,000 connected assets, with a total capacity of 1.4GW under management. 

When energy demand is high, our VPP can send renewable energy stored in home batteries into the grid – helping boost energy supply across the network. It can also help preheat hot water storage systems during the day, when there’s extra renewable energy flowing through the grid. 

More than 105,000 Aussie homes participate in SpikeHours – our energy-saving rewards program – through the VPP, encouraging people to reduce their energy use during peak times through gamification and rewards. 

Supporting big business

Our dedicated Origin Zero team, helps large businesses across Australia accelerate their energy transition towards net-zero through a range of personalised energy solutions. From  accelerating renewable energy adoption, helping reduce onsite greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, right through to transitioning to electric-powered assets, and offsetting carbon emissions. 
 
We’ve partnered with businesses like Coles and JB HiFi right through to the iconic Aussie theme park Dreamworld to help reduce their carbon emissions (and even power roller-coasters) with renewable energy solutions.

Driving change

We’re helping make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) easier for Aussies, with a range of residential and business EV solutions. 

Our EV team can help you make the switch through salary packaging, business subscription and fleet services. You might also be able to level up your charging game with EV Power Up.  

We can even help with business and commercial charging solutions. Whatever your EV needs, we’re all about driving good change for Aussies. 

Want to delve deeper?

The post How we’re helping accelerate Australia’s energy transition  appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Recently compiled data revealed that Eraring Power Station increased electricity output by over 17% for the 2024 financial year. This represented an increase of 2.1 TWh to a total of 14 TWh – the highest annual output at Eraring since 2019.  

To put this into context, total electricity demand in NSW in the 2024 financial year was 67 TWh, meaning Eraring met 21% of the state’s power needs. That’s not bad for a 40-year-old asset. 

Eraring was responding to government policy introduced in December 2022 designed to increase electricity output and help put downwards pressure on prices. The Federal Government’s Energy Price Relief Plan was a response to significant supply and price pressures felt in global energy markets following the war in Ukraine and included a cap on the price of coal until June 2024.  

In addition, the plant played an important role in responding to the daily and seasonal variability in renewables output, helping underpin reliable supply for customers under all scenarios. 

Eraring’s ability to flex its output in this way is no small feat and is a credit to our team onsite who carry out a rigorous maintenance regime each year to keep the power station in the best possible condition. The plant’s ongoing contribution to the market is also dependent on continued support from local coal suppliers.  

Shoulder season is maintenance season

Most years we perform a scheduled maintenance outage on one of the power station’s four generating units. 

Typically performed during the spring or autumn shoulder seasons when electricity demand tends to be lower, these major maintenance outages help ensure safe, flexible and reliable operations. Performing them in the shoulder season also ensures all generating units are available during the summer and winter peak periods – when Aussies are using more energy. 

What happens during a maintenance outage?

During a scheduled maintenance outage, the Eraring team conducts a series of inspections and repairs to a generating unit’s boiler, turbine, turbine auxiliary, valve, electrical and circulating water systems to ensure the unit continues to meet its safety and regulatory requirements. 

The workforce at Eraring swells during these outages, with an additional 700 people from various departments and contracting firms on site at the peak of the works. More than 50 different suppliers providing skills including welders, boilermakers and electricians, many from the Hunter and Lake Macquarie area, support the outage work.  

Shift teams tend to work day and night, six days a week to turn around the safest and quickest overhaul possible. Over a thousand ton of scaffold will be erected for access and works, four turbine rotors and an 80-ton generator rotor will be removed for inspection and overhaul, hundreds of valves will be inspected and overhauled while extensive pressure welding and mechanical works will be carried out on the unit’s boiler. 

The next scheduled maintenance outage will be performed on Eraring Unit 3 starting in late August and is targeted for completion in November 2024. Each major maintenance outage represents capital expenditure of $70 – $80m, with further unit maintenance at Eraring scheduled for 2025 and 2026, so we can keep the plant operating safely and reliably.  

Preparing for Eraring’s retirement

Another area we spend considerable time planning for is the eventual closure of coal generation operations at Eraring, scheduled for August 2027.  

Our biggest priority has been delivering an extensive program to support Eraring’s workforce.  

Known as Future Directions, the program is led by an experienced team based on site and focuses on three key pillars: 

• Communication & change – ensuring our people are listened to, respected, supported and valued via ongoing communication and consultation. 
• Future capabilities – supporting individuals to achieve their future career and life choice goals. 
• Health & well-being – keeping health and well-being front of mind, and to ensure our workforce transition plans are phased & transparent.  

While Future Directions offers a host of career information and wellbeing resources, the program’s focus through its early phase has been on developing Individual Support Plans. These individual plans reflect the unique circumstances of every employee – some are early in their careers, while others are nearing retirement age. Some want to continue working in energy, while others are looking for a career change. 

The individual plans detail an employee’s current skills and qualifications, their future career ambitions, opportunities for development, re-training, re-skilling and further education. We’ve already had employees complete a wide range of courses including property development, psychology, business administration, photography and welding to name a few.   

Today, 96% of the Eraring team have an active support plan in place, with 288 training courses completed and funded by Origin. We hold twice yearly check-ins with our people, to see how their plan is going and make changes if appropriate – overwhelmingly, participating employees support the program. 

We’re in the early stages of sharing details of our Future Directions program with Eraring’s suppliers, to help them in the development of their own plans to support their workforces through the transition to closure. 

What’s next for the Eraring site?

When we eventually reach the end of coal power generation at Eraring, that doesn’t spell the end of operations at the site. 

Eraring is a highly valuable energy site, with good transmission connections to the main grid and the demand centres of the Hunter and Sydney. 

We’ve already approved construction of a large-scale battery project on the site of Eraring, with phase one of that project currently under construction. Total investment in the Eraring battery project is $1 billion, delivering a combined energy storage of over 2 GWh. This will enable us to help keep the grid stable and support more variable renewable energy coming into the system. 

Want to learn more?

To keep up-to-date with what’s happening at Australia’s largest power station, visit our dedicated Eraring Power Station web page.

The post Keeping the country’s largest power station in peak condition appeared first on The Origin Blog.

What is a community battery?

A community battery is an energy storage system installed in a central location within the community – like a park, or an energy substation, or even on a power pole. It works like a big rechargeable battery, storing excess electricity including power generated from renewable sources during the day, such as solar panels, that is then shared by multiple households or businesses within a community. 

When there’s surplus renewable energy available, the battery stores it. Then, during periods of peak energy demand or when renewable sources aren’t producing, this energy can be supplied to the community. It’s like a collective energy bank, that benefits everyone involved!  

Why do we need community batteries?

The high uptake of rooftop solar – more than 3.5 million Aussie homes now have solar panels – has seen households generate large amounts of energy during the day. But, that’s also created a new challenge. The excess solar creates congestion on the transmission network – a bit like when there’s too many cars causing a traffic jam, slowing down your arrival at a destination. It’s the same when there’s too much solar in the electricity grid.  

A community battery puts this excess energy to good use, storing excess solar generated by rooftop panels and then sharing it back with the community – helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It’s why we believe community batteries have an important role to play in Australia’s energy transition. 

How does it work?

Whether you have solar panels or not, you can enjoy the benefits of a community battery. If you’re eligible to access a community battery but don’t have solar, you can use a set amount of energy per day – and receive a rebate on your energy use. 

If you do have solar panels, it’s basically like renting storage space for your energy – without needing to install your own household battery. Excess solar (up to a set amount) is stored during the day and available for use when you need it. You’ll see savings in the form of credits every billing cycle for this exported energy. 

As an example for our Ipswich trial, after factoring in a monthly subscription fee, homes with solar could save up to $260 per year – and homes without solar could save more than $180 per year. 

Is there a community battery near me?

Depending on where you live, you may be able to access a community battery trial right now – but if not, there could be one coming to your neighbourhood soon. We’re currently involved in several trial programs, which will ultimately see around 80 community batteries accessed by 1,500 customers. This includes a program with Energex in the Queensland suburb of Ipswich, where we’re well on the way to our target of 35 batteries. 

In New South Wales, we’ve partnered with Endeavour on battery projects in western Sydney (Bungarribee), the South Coast (Kiama and Shell Cove) and the Southern Highlands (Bowral), and with Essential in regional locations including Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Bathurst and Dubbo. 

The most recent battery launch, in August 2024, was with Ausgrid in the iconic Australian suburb of Bondi.

The post What are community batteries and how do they work? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Two thirds of Aussie homes with solar have plans to install a battery within the next five years_[i] to help reduce their reliance on grid energy – signifying a growing appetite for more self-sufficient and sustainable homes. However, the process of disconnecting from the grid is still out of reach for the majority of Aussies – at least without significant up-front costs and a tolerance for occasional disruptions to power supply.

So, what does going off-grid actually mean for your home and your hip-pocket? We’ve put together some quick info on becoming a self-sufficient household, and why staying connected to the grid is a good safety net.

What are the benefits of battery storage for going off the grid?

Home batteries allow you to bank excess solar energy generated during the day so you can use it later, reducing your reliance on grid energy and helping to bring your energy bills down. For homes without battery storage, excess energy generated by their solar system is sent back to the grid – which means they’re not unlocking the full potential of their solar system.

Home batteries, such as the Tesla Powerwall and the LG Resu10 store excess solar energy generated throughout the day, providing power at night, on cloudy days, or when there’s a spike in energy use at home.

What’s required to go completely off the grid?

Going off-grid means completely disconnecting your home from the national energy grid, and relying solely on the energy generated from your household solar and battery storage system. To power a typical Aussie home, you’d need to install battery storage and back-up generators to ensure your home has enough power when the sun goes down.

Why should I stay connected to the grid?

The national energy grid provides a reliable and uninterrupted supply of energy when batteries are depleted, or when solar systems aren’t generating enough energy from the sun – like on consecutive cloudy days. So, staying connected to the grid provides peace of mind (especially on colder days when heating and warm showers are a must).

In some situations, it’s possible to completely remove yourself from the national energy grid by investing in the right technology. However, a more reliable option is to choose a home battery and enjoy the reassurance of grid-power when needed.

At Origin, we make going solar easy

Choosing which company will install your solar system is important. We’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

Ready to go solar? 

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post What does it mean to go off-grid? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

1. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

It’s not all about direct sunlight hitting the panels, Di Iorio says. “Solar panels produce power based on UV light, so even during a cloudy day panels can still produce power,” Di Iorio shares.

A great way to maximise is this is through solar batteries. They capture and store unused energy generated by your solar panels for you to use when the sun isn’t shining. On average, Origin customers who have a solar and battery package can save up to 60% on their energy bills depending on the size of their system and daily energy usage.

2. Can I go off-grid with solar panels?

It is possible to go entirely off-grid with a solar system. However, unless you have a large solar battery to complement your panels, it’s unlikely. A battery acts like a storage system for your energy, ensuring you have enough power to see you through a full 24-hour period and periods of low-light days.

Di Iorio says you also need a specific solar inverter for off-grid applications.

3. Do I still get an electricity bill?

Yes, even if you have reduced your traditional electricity bill to nil, you may still incur some fees. “Electricity bills typically contain service to property charges and you’ll likely still have charges for night-time usage,” Di Iorio confirms.

A great way to understand the costs around solar, and at your home specifically, is to use our solar calculator which can estimate your purchase cost, your electricity bill savings, and how long till your system is paying for itself. It also uses smart technology to assess your roof size to accurately know how many panels can be used in your system.

4. How does solar affect my home’s value?

While it’s difficult to quantify a precise amount, most experts agree solar panels will improve the value of your property. Chief economist at realestate.com.au, Nerida Conisbee, remarks that any increase in value depends on your location and the quality or size of your system.

However, she cautions that this improvement is likely to be minimal in the context of the property’s overall value.

5. How can I tell if I need to increase or upgrade my system?

Typically, if you’re consuming most of your solar energy and do not have enough to meet your daytime needs, it’s likely you need a bigger system. “To get a better idea, you’ll need some detailed reporting (like what you’ll find in the Origin app or online via My Account) to determine if there are periods where you’re not exporting any solar energy and still drawing from the grid.”

“How often and when this happens – for example, this is fairly common in winter in Victoria – will determine if you could benefit from a bigger system,” Di Iorio notes.

6. Will my solar panels withstand extreme weather conditions?

Yes, solar panels are designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, Di Iorio says. However, it’s important they are set up by a reputable installer to ensure extreme weather does not adversely affect the panels.

7. How can I get the most value from my solar panels?

A great way to ensure your solar panels are being used efficiently is by joining our virtual power plant, Origin Loop, which helps relieve pressure on the grid at times of high demand. Basically, Origin Loop, is a new, technology-centred energy grid. It uses its smarts to assess when energy is most needed. 

The VPP relies on customers to share their excess battery stored solar energy (max 200 kWh / year), working like a mini power plant to manage energy supply and reduce load on the grid during periods of peak demand. 

As the VPP utilises accessible solar energy, it’s helping reduce reliance on coal power, helping move towards a renewable energy future which is better for our communities and planet.

8. How much maintenance do solar panels need?

It’s recommended to have them professionally cleaned annually to minimise the effects of soiling and increase panel output.

Further to that, Di lorio says, “Panels usually last up to 25 years, although it’s likely your solar inverter will need replacing from anywhere between five and 15 years”. 

9. I’m building a home. What do we need to do during the build to make sure we can install solar panels later on?

“There is nothing specific you need to do — solar panels can be retro-fitted to most homes,” Di Iorio says.

However, you might want to consider the roof orientation and possible obstructions (like TV antennas) to ensure there is clear, shade-free roof area available.

10. We just moved into a new home with solar. What do I need to know?

“Ensure the system is up to the current safety standards and get a solar service or check-up to ensure the system is operating effectively,” says Di Iorio.

Get solar sorted at your place

At Origin, we’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

Ready to go solar? 

This article was originally published as 10 burning questions about solar energy answered.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post 10 burning questions about solar answered appeared first on The Origin Blog.

“Most people probably think of prefab homes as cheap and nasty,” says FABPREFAB Managing Director Ed Callanan. “They’re in fact quite the opposite.” The Courtyard House, deriving its name from its distinctive central courtyard, is a marvel of modern design. It boasts a sophisticated and seamless interior, where each space is crafted with a keen eye for detail.

The fully integrated kitchen stands as the heart of the home, featuring state-of-the-art appliances and sleek design lines.

“What you see here is how it would be delivered to site. So all of this takes place in the factory,” Callanan explains, underscoring the meticulous planning and execution behind each element.

It is an architecturally stunning example that proves prefabricated homes can stand up to traditional building methods in terms of both quality, craftsmanship and function.

One of the most striking features of the Courtyard House is its swift construction process.

“Approximate duration to build a new home can range anywhere from 6 to 18 months,” Callanan explains. “We have the ability to produce new homes in anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks.”

This efficiency is achieved in a controlled environment, ensuring consistency in quality while also remaining immune to the pitfalls of traditional building methods. The living space and kitchen form one module, while the decking area constitutes another, blending functionality with style.

Australian hardwood, known for its durability, is used extensively, giving the house a warm and inviting feel.

The interiors arrive almost complete, with final touches like flooring and ceiling installations, along with electrical and plumbing fittings, finalised on-site. But this dramatically reduced construction time doesn’t mean cutting corners in terms of quality or sustainability, both of which are cornerstones of the Courtyard House’s design. Sustainability is intricately woven into the design.

The house operates entirely off-grid, equipped with solar panels, a battery unit, and a 30,000-litre water storage and purification system.

This self-sufficiency not only makes the home more affordable to run, but also makes it less susceptible to environmental shifts in the future. Clever design and simple styling of the Courtyard House also emphasise an intimate connection with nature.

Full-height doors and glazed laminated panels allow natural light to flood the spaces, creating an airy and open atmosphere, while hardwood casement panels, merging with the exterior cladding, add a touch of elegance while facilitating natural ventilation.

The main bedroom, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, offering an immersive natural experience.

“Floor to ceiling glass really makes you feel like the outside’s coming in,” Callanan says, highlighting the house’s design philosophy. With reduced construction times and less susceptibility to fluctuations in build costs, Callanan believes “prefab or modular housing is the way of the future”.

Through FABPREFAB’s state of the art facility, they’re able to produce homes that are well built, sustainable and long lasting — and can do so “in a controlled environment at a pre-agreed costs without the risk of price escalation.”

“We’ve got capacity to build up to 50 houses a year, which would go a long way to providing new housing options and getting new houses on the ground at a time where there’s issues with housing affordability and housing shortages.”

The Courtyard House is more than just a home; it’s a harmonious blend of advanced construction techniques and exquisite interior design, offering a promising solution to the housing crises of today and tomorrow.

With its efficient construction process, sustainable design, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, the Courtyard House by CHROFI Architects and FABPREFAB is proof that modern construction can meet the demands of style, functionality, and environmental consciousness.

How do Aussies feel about energy-efficient features?

In partnership with the REA Group, we’ve launched the PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, analysing the motivations and challenges for Aussies to adopt energy-efficient initiatives at home. The report aims to help understand the sentiment of all Australians, whether they rent or own, towards energy efficiency. 

This article was originally published as Australia is having an environmental awakening – and Earthship homes are taking off.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

Images courtesy of Clinton Weaver

The post Are prefab homes the build of the future? appeared first on The Origin Blog.

What is an Earthship?

“Earthships are a concept developed by American architect Michael Reynolds in the 1970s,” explains Dr. Martin Freney, founder of Earthship Eco Homes and pioneer of the Earthship movement in Australia. “They are sustainable, eco-friendly homes built predominantly from natural and recycled materials that are designed to be self-sufficient, generating their own electricity, water, and even food.”

Freney’s own Ironbark Earthship was the first council-approved Earthship in Australia. Situated in the Adelaide Hills, it serves as a testament to the potential of these structures in the Australian context. “It is probably the ultimate bushfire-resilient design.”

Built on 1.5 hectares, the home, a passion project that took Martin about seven years to complete, not only resists the harsh elements but exists in harmony with them.

Comprising natural and upcycled resources, Dr. Freney says it showcases how waste materials can be transformed into a comfortable and contemporary self-sustaining oasis. “The walls are constructed from old tyres packed with earth, which keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter without the need for expensive heating and cooling systems,” he says. “In total there were about 800 tyres used to build the Earthship.”

Inside, recycled bottle bricks make for an aesthetically stunning eco-friendly feature, allowing gorgeous dappled light to filter into the main rooms of the home.

“They’re like little double-glazed windows because they’re trapping air inside of them and air is a really good insulator.”

A defining feature of Earthships are indoor gardens that span the front of the home’s entrance corridor.

Taking advantage of their east-west orientation, the sunlit corridor features a wall of glass on the north face of the home that acts like a natural solar heater in winter and cooler in summer.

Water sustainability is achieved through an ingenious system of rainwater collection, usage, and purification, ensuring a closed-loop water system.

“The corridor is basically a greenhouse sunroom with a bathroom at the end of it that links up the whole home,” Dr. Freney says.

“It’s where you can grow food, where you treat grey water or where you can hang out and do yoga.

“It’s so incredible. Every time you take a shower you are growing bananas – or whatever you want to grow. It could be the middle of winter in the Adelaide Hills and I have bananas growing out of the grey water coming from the shower.”

He says the use of solar panels and earth tubes – buried ventilation ducts – eliminates electricity bills, while rainwater harvesting and on-site sewage treatment reduce water costs. “When you’ve got a house that’s autonomous and doesn’t need the grid – that is a massive saving.”

In Australia, these homes are gaining popularity not just for their environmental credentials, but for their affordability and practicality.

As an industrial designer by trade, Dr Freney is passionate about making sustainable living accessible to all. He says the beauty of Earthships is that they can be built anywhere and don’t necessarily require huge land, making them a viable option for urban off-grid developments.

“In the suburbs – instead of using earth-filled tyres, you might look to other eco materials like straw bales or hempcrete that are a bit more space efficient but still ticking some of the more sustainable boxes,” he says. 

“There are also the upfront costs of buying solar panels and batteries and water tanks, but the return on investment is seen in reduced bills and minimal environmental impact.”

For homeowners inspired to integrate Earthship principles into their lives, Freney suggests several attainable steps, such as improving home insulation, installing rainwater tanks and starting a vegetable garden or greenhouse that utilises grey water run-off from your laundry.

“I have this theory that what is sustainable in the future is really just what we did in the past. You only look back a hundred years and buildings didn’t need air conditioning.”

As more Australians seek sustainable living options, Dr. Freney says Earthships are poised to become more mainstream.

Moving away from the perception of exclusivity and high costs, these homes demonstrate that going off-grid is not just for the wealthy.

It’s a movement that challenges conventional notions of housing, offering a path that’s not only eco-friendly but also deeply connected to the community and the environment. “They are a blueprint for the future — a way to live in harmony with our environment while addressing the pressing issues of climate change.”

How do Aussies feel about energy-efficient features?

In partnership with the REA Group, we’ve launched the PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, analysing the motivations and challenges for Aussies to adopt energy-efficient initiatives at home. The report aims to help understand the sentiment of all Australians, whether they rent or own, towards energy efficiency. 

This article was originally published as Australia is having an environmental awakening – and Earthship homes are taking off.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

The post Earthship homes are taking off in Australia appeared first on The Origin Blog.