Before we dive into the gadgets, let’s take a look ‘under the hood’ and understand your energy habits first.  

Understanding your energy habits

Before we dive into the gadgets, it’s important to first ‘look under the hood’ and understand your energy habits. Understanding the way you use energy at home, is the first step to taking control and understanding which smart devices might be most beneficial for your household.

If your home has a smart meter, you can see a breakdown of your daily usage patterns with My Account or the Origin app. Smart meters collect your usage data in regular intervals, usually every 30 minutes, and securely send it to us – your energy provider. We’ll even show you weather data for each day, so you can see how the temperature affects your usage habits (and adjust them – either manually or by using smart devices – accordingly).  
 
If your property doesn’t have a smart meter, not to worry. You can do an energy audit in under 10 minutes to help identify which rooms and appliances are using the most energy in your home – and come up with a plan for optimising them.  

Now that you’re familiar with your usage patterns, let’s jump into the different devices that can help automate and optimise your energy usage.

Smart hubs and voice assistants

Smart hubs (such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub and Samsung SmartThings) go beyond just playing music and helping you access recipes in the kitchen. These devices can act as the ‘conductor’ of the smart home – orchestrating an array of devices from smart lighting to thermostats and plugs, helping automate your energy savings.  

Smart plugs

Smart plugs are a great entry point when it comes to kitting out your home with smart devices. They allow you to automate your appliances – think shutting off your TV, computer, lamps, toasters – and avoid the drain of standby power in your home (which could be costing you up to $176.99 per year).   

Beyond using smart plugs as automated timers though, many models can also measure the flow of electricity to particular appliances, so you can better understand how energy is being consumed around your home. 

As an example, the TP-Link HS110 Smart Plug can display how much energy an appliance is using and how that consumption has been tracking over time, allowing you to make informed choices about your energy use. This can also help you identify appliances that may be using more power than they should, and might need an upgrade.  

Smart power strips

Smart power strips are advanced versions of traditional power boards that can automatically cut power to devices when they’re not in use. Like smart plugs, they can help you save on standby power and provide insight into how much power the appliances plugged into the board are consuming.  
 
These are especially handy for people who work from home, allowing you to schedule your PC, printer and other office devices to shut off automatically when your workday is over. Saving energy and your work life balance as well.

Smart lighting

Smart lighting consists of LED bulbs, light switches, or fixtures that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or voice assistant (Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri). These lights offer advanced features like dimming (lowering power consumption and extending bulb life), scheduling, motion detection, and even colour adjustments – helping to improve energy efficiency (or in the case of the latter, productivity or rest depending on which colour you choose). 

Smart bulbs are LED-based – consuming up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs – and allow you to turn your lights on or off from the palm of your hand (or via your voice assistant),helping to reduce unnecessary usage. You can even schedule them to come on when you arrive home from work and switch off as you go to bed.   

Depending on the type of smart bulb or lighting solution you choose, some even have motion sensors – automatically turning lights off when a room is empty – or adaptive lighting capabilities, adjusting brightness based on the time of day (for example, dimming the lights in the evening). 

Smart lighting can also integrate with other smart devices such as smart plugs and thermostats, allowing you to further optimise your energy usage.  

Smart thermostats for heating and cooling

Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled devices that control your home’s heating and cooling systems more efficiently than their traditional counterparts.  

Depending on the model you choose, they offer the ability to turn your AC or heater on or off from the palm of your hand (or via your voice assistant), helping to prevent unnecessary usage. Some models can adjust the temperature based on how hot or cold it is outside, helping to reduce the strain on your AC or heating system.

Motion sensors and occupancy sensors

Smart motion sensors and occupancy sensors detect movement in a room and automatically control lights, appliances, or heating and cooling based on whether someone is present. In some cases certain models won’t even turn on lights in the home if enough natural light is detected.

Beyond integrating with smart lighting and bulbs, some motion and occupancy sensors can also link in with smart thermostats and adjust the heating or cooling when a room is occupied or empty. 

Solar panel inverters

If you have solar installed, solar panel inverters are a great way to keep track of your usage. Many inverters can connect to your home’s wireless network and provide live energy usage and energy generation data that you can view on your smartphone. When you turn on the dishwasher, gaming console or air-con, you can instantly see how much energy it uses and adjust your usage patterns to align with when your system is generating the most power throughout the day. Allowing you to reduce your reliance on the grid and maximise the value of the energy you’re generating from your panels during the day.

Smart appliances

If your home has solar, and you’re in the market for new appliances, many newer whitegoods – such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers – are often equipped with smart technology which links to various mobile apps, allowing you to set delays when running your loads of washing and dishes. Making it easy for you to set your energy-heavy appliances to run when your solar is generating the most. 

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 Smart devices to help you save energy appeared first on The Origin Blog.

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.

1. Testing 1,2,3

No use getting those Christmas lights up to find they don’t work, so test them first. Stretch them out, switch them on, and make sure all the bulbs are working. It’s much easier to replace a bulb when your lights are on the floor. 

To help with packing, and to prevent tangles next year, considering wrapping your string lights around a piece of cardboard or something similar.

2. Plan out your design

Will you opt for a classing winter wonderland or an iconic Aussie Christmas (think landmarks and koalas) theme? Is simple gold and silver your jam or are you all about loads of colourful globes? Working out your style, as well as what lights go where, is half the fun of decorating.

Some general tips are to use warm white lights as the foundation for your display. These can be used to accent the various edges of your house particularly around the gables.

Coloured lights can then be used to highlight certain features of the display and throughout your garden. If you’re stuck for ideas, Pinterest is always a great place to go for inspo.

3. Out with the old, in with the new

Consider making the swap to LED lights. LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy than their older, incandescent bulb cousins. Given that Christmas lights are usually left on overnight, this can mean big savings. There’s no need to lose out on any of the festive cheer either, nowadays there are plenty of LED lighting options available.

4. Switch to solar

Your Christmas lights don’t need to spike your energy bill – why not try a solar powered option?

Solar-powered lights are a popular choice because they charge throughout the day and then shine through the night. Although they can be a little pricier than regular LED lights, they can last up to 6 hours with around 8 to 10 hours of solar charge. Plenty of time to impress your neighbours.

5. Mind your step

Safety first when it comes to decorating your home! It may sound obvious, but If you’re putting Christmas lights up high, use a sturdy ladder and ask for some help. If you’re heading up on the roof, consider investing in a safety strap in case you slip on tiles. And always wear shoes with grip and avoid decorating in wet conditions.

It’s also important to doublecheck that your lights are fit for purpose, for example, indoor and outdoor use.

6. Pay it forward

Consider putting all of your hard work and effort to good use by taking donations for your lights. Whether it’s for local community initiatives or clubs, food security charities that feed Aussie families year-round or any number of toy drives. It’s a great time of year to raise funds for a worthy cause!

Thinking about levelling up beyond just solar-powering your lights?

The post 6 tips to get your Christmas lights right 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.

Caring for exotic animals and birds is no easy feat and comes with quite the price-tag. There are different habitat temperatures to maintain, storage needs for the large amounts of food, cleaning the (huge) premises, catering and public facilities for visitors. With all this going on it’s no surprise that a large number of zoos around the world are switching to renewable sources of energy.

Being conservationists, passionate about protecting natural habitats and species, zoos have a responsibility to act sustainably. Solar panels are now becoming a common sight at zoos as they strive to reduce emissions while meeting complex energy needs and, as it turns out, Australian zoos are some of the leaders. According to the Climate Council Australia, Australian zoos (and aquariums) collectively installed around 1.6MW of solar power in 2018.  

We take a look at some of the most notable solar projects in zoos around the world, starting with one of our own installations right here on home turf!

1. Symbio Zoo, Sydney, Australia

Origin is proud to have worked with Symbio Zoo and help them move to a greener future. The 270 square metres facility has 60 solar panels which produce 22,804 kWh of energy. Through Origin’s SolarFlex plan, Symbio Zoo has plans to add to this installation.

2. Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Australia

Founded by the late “crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, made the ambitious switch to solar in April of 2019 with a 648 kW solar system. More than 1,800 panels make up the solar power plant that has been added to the Crocoseum.

The installation helps Australia Zoo save on operating costs and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 16,500 tonnes over the next 25 years.

3. Perth Zoo, Australia

With a 237kW solar system, Perth Zoo boasts the largest solar panel array in the state. Installed in 2012, the 755 solar panels generate up to 30 per cent of the zoo’s energy needs and are installed across multipe zoo buildings including the elephant barn, the reptiles building, conference centre, administration buildings and a spectacular solar pergola.    

4. Detroit Zoo, USA

Already renowned for being 100% wind powered, the Detroit Zoo made headlines again this year by installing the very first ‘solar smartflower’, an all-in-one ground-mounted solar-panel system that is the first of its kind in the world.

It features 12 “solar petals” that trace the sun across the sky throughout the day via a GPS-based dual-axis tracker. Getting to work as soon as the sun rises, the smartflower unfolds its petals to a 90 degree angle to produce energy and folds them back in as the sun goes down. As it is always at an optimal angle to the sun, it can generate 40 per cent more energy than a traditional solar panel system.

5. National Zoo, Washington D.C, USA

The world’s first solar-powered carousel made many heads turn when it was installed at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. in 2012. Powered by 162 solar panels, The Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel features 58 hand carved and painted animals. The carousel, which cost $2.3 million to build, celebrates the animals and birds living at the zoo. An interactive digital dashboard allows guests to see how the carousel generates and uses solar energy in real time.

6. Hamerton Zoo Park, United Kingdom

The Hamerton Zoo Park has taken the title of the most environmentally friendly zoo in Europe. In addition to two wind turbines, the zoo added three arrays of solar panels and two bio-mass boilers to its renewable energy generation project. The solar panels produce a total of 54kW of power and are fixed to ground-mounted tables that are angled at 30 degrees for optimum efficiency.

Thinking about solar for your business?

We know how important it is for business owners, from all different industries, to make financial decisions that are smart and efficient. Investing in solar allows you to reduce your electricity bills by harnessing energy from the sun during the day, which is when many businesses are typically using the most electricity. And with the development of alternate payment options, businesses now have more flexibility when it comes to purchasing a solar system. 

Beyond reducing your overheads, solar is a great way to help your business reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and reach your decarbonisation goals. 

So, if you’re looking to transition to solar energy for your business, zoo, aquarium or botanical garden, we can help!

The post 6 impressive solar projects in zoos across the world appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Set your timers to run during the day

Set timers to flick on energy-intensive appliances – like pool or spa pumps and hot water systems – when your solar panels are doing the heavy lifting. If your solar panels face north, they tend to get the most energy between 10am and 2pm. If they’re east facing, they tend to get the most sun in the morning, and west-facing – you guessed it – tend to generate the most during the afternoon.

Take advantage of EV smart charging

If you have an electric vehicle (EV) smart scheduling can help you get more from your solar. Powered by the Origin app, our smart scheduling feature allows you to choose when you charge your EV, allowing you the option to reduce demand on the electricity grid and maximise the value from your existing solar panels.   

There are two default scheduling options for EV charging, both giving you the freedom to choose the method that best suits your needs. In addition, the Smart Schedule preset option utilises historical data to forecast and schedule your EV charging. Our PowerSaver feature also helps you avoid charging between 3pm to 9pm – which could save you up to $180 a year on your electricity bill!

Understand your solar usage

While tips and tricks are great to know, how can you convert them into healthy solar usage habits? We can help you understand when you’re using energy from your solar system and when you’re drawing from the grid through My Account and the Origin app. You can find useful data like how much energy you’re using and how much that is costing you, in a convenient hourly, daily and monthly view, and tweak your usage habits accordingly. 
 
Many solar inverters also have apps that provide “live stream” solar generation information. Check your inverter brand for details on managing your solar usage versus purchasing energy from the grid. 

Clean your system regularly

Most things are better when they’ve had a clean and your solar panels are no exception. In fact, dirty solar panels can lose 20% of their energy output. We recommend getting your panels professionally cleaned every 6-12 months to remove any dust, bugs and dirt that may have accumulated on your roof. This can also be a great time to trim any branches or shrubs nearby to ensure they’re not hindering your panels with shade.

Time your chores

Whilst you may not be able to time all of your chores, life happens after all, timing your most energy-intensive ones can lead to savings on your energy bill. Hold off putting on the washing, dishwasher and clothes dryer until mid-morning. As these tasks draw so much power, it’s best to do them when your system is reaping the benefits of the sun. If you’re not lucky enough to be working from home, some appliances have scheduling options built into them – like smart washing machines.  

If you can, focus on completing one task at a time rather than multitasking. By using one major appliance at a time, you can conserve costs by maximizing solar panel output and drawing less from the grid. For example, consider vacuuming after your dishwasher finishes cleaning. 

Is it time to upgrade your solar system?

If you already have healthy solar usage but are still seeing more orange than green in your usage data in the Origin App, it could be time to think about upgrading your solar system. 

The post Healthy solar habits to get the most from your system appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Whether it’s reducing your electricity bill or lessening your reliance on store-bought products, there are a number of ways to set yourself up for a better future – environmentally and financially.

We spoke to sustainability advocate and eco-friendly builder Dean Ipaviz for his best tips to transform your household.

1. Think about thermal mass 

If building or renovating, insulation should be a top priority. For instance, consider concrete floors or masonry walls to help keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

“[In winter] the sun hits the concrete, which absorbs and retains the heat during the day, but it doesn’t get hot,” Dean explains.

“Then at night, thermal mass will be released into the home, known as passive heating.”

If you’re building a home from scratch, also consider the orientation for the most effective sunlight exposure.

2. Going solar

By adopting solar power, you could save around $1000 to $2000 on your annual energy bill, depending on location, system size, and actual energy use. Just don’t forget you may need a solar battery too!

Solar panels work hand in hand with storage batteries, which save and re-use the energy generated from the panels for later, when the sun goes down. 

“If you’re going to the trouble of installing a 6kW system or larger, you want to make sure that your home is going be optimised to store and use that energy efficiently,” Dean says. 

3. Get your windows working for you

Having well-positioned, quality windows can make a drastic difference when it comes to heating and cooling your home, and in turn, could reduce your energy bill.

“A quick, easy and cost-effective fix [for summer] is to install window films on north and west facing windows to try and reduce the amount of UV rays that enter the house. Or, just close the blinds on those windows in summer,” Dean says. 

There is always the option to install double-glazed windows or add blockout shutters to make the glass more impermeable to heat.

When it comes to winter, depending on the size and thickness of your windows, curtains can prevent the heat escaping and coolness entering when you have the heater running.

4. Get gardening

Plants not only help purify our air supply, they can feed you too! Starting a herb and veggie garden will save you money on the same store-bought varieties, plus Dean promises gardening can have therapeutic effects for the soul.

The next garden must-have is a compost bin. Not only will it reduce landfill but you’ll never have to spend a cent on fertiliser!

Ipaviz’ number one composting tip is to remember to turn the compost frequently as it needs to aerate properly to work. This will also help you avoid compost nasties like maggots and flies.

“Stir the compost at least once a week to oxygenate it and start the process of the food breaking down,” he encourages. “If you turn it twice a week, it should look after itself.”

Ipaviz also warns against putting meat, dairy and bread into your compost as these won’t break down. 

5. Household green initiatives 

There are so many easy ways you can contribute to a greener world from the comfort of your own home.  The first and most obvious is through recycling.

Make sure to brush up on which items go where and if you have soft plastics, you can even take them to your supermarket to be REDcycled. Also check if you can recycle household furniture and electronics through the manufacturer. Apple and IKEA for example offer store discounts to people who return their used wares back to the brand.  

Ipaviz also recommends a new brand called Zero Co, which minimises single-use plastics by offering a remote return-and-refill system for cleaning products.

6. Make your own household products

You could buy your cleaning products or beauty supplies, but you can also make them at home for a lot less. For instance, instead of purchasing a window cleaner, try a mixture of vinegar and water instead: cheaper and just as effective. 

Got a stain on that white shirt? Get it out with bi-carb. In fact, bi-carb and vinegar are great, eco-friendly and highly effective cleaning products that will cost you a fraction of a pre-made, chemical concoction.

The cleaning benefits of baking soda and vinegar are endless.

Originally published as 6 ways a sustainable household could save you money

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 6 ways a sustainable household could save you money appeared first on The Origin Blog.