A resounding shift in South Australia’s energy choices is evident as residents grapple with mounting electricity costs.
RAA reports a significant 75% increase in residential solar panel installations over the past year, mirroring the community’s urge to find alternative energy solutions amidst spiraling utility bills.
During the previous financial year, RAA, the state’s largest membership organisation, installed more than 14,000 solar panels- a significant leap from the 8,000 installations the year prior.
This increased demand for solar solutions comes in light of the Australian Energy Regulator’s announcement of an escalated electricity price by up to 23.9% for the current financial year.
RAA’s General Manager of Home and Energy Ben Owen said more people were turning to solar and battery to power their homes and combat climbing electricity prices.
“Electricity bills are often one of the biggest annual expenses for South Australian households and businesses,” Ben says.
“This year the AER announced a 23.9% increase in electricity prices, but our members are telling us their bills are coming in even higher as they grapple with the rising cost-of-living. Last year we saw a 75% growth in home solar panel installations and more than 50% growth in battery installations and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.”
“As electricity prices rise, some of our members are recouping their costs for the installation of their solar system in under three years. It’s the same with solar systems with batteries, some members are now paying those off in under six years.”
A household with an average energy consumption of 25kWh per day could be saving around $2,685 in the first year of having a home solar and battery system, as well as reducing their carbon emissions by 6.6 tonnes per year.
In terms of tangible savings, for a household with a daily energy consumption pattern of 25kWh, integrating a home solar and battery system could translate to an annual saving of approximately $2,685. In addition to financial gains, households can also take pride in reducing their carbon footprint by a commendable 6.6 tonnes annually.
Ben encourages those on the fence about transitioning to solar to seriously consider making the shift now.
“If you’ve been thinking about getting a home solar and battery system, now is the time to invest. Electricity prices are climbing quite rapidly so that means you would be saving more money on your electricity bill than you would’ve in previous years,” he says.
“A household using about 25kWh per day could be saving around $2,685 per year – that’s a massive difference. Households and families across the state are feeling the cost-of-living squeeze and home solar and battery is one way to ease that pressure.”
To find out more about solar and battery storage, visit the RAA website.
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