Renewables
Renewable energy refers to energy that can be produced from natural sources such as sunlight, wind, ocean tides and the Earth's heat (geothermal energy). Wind, solar and geothermal can be harnessed on a larger scale and can benefit larger communities.
There are ways that you can help reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels and cut pollution:
- Switch to GreenPower. As more people purchase GreenPower, there is a greater investment in the development of large scale renewable energy sources, generating clean fuel.
- Solar panels, also known as 'photovoltaic panels' or 'solar PV', produce renewable electricity and can reduce household energy bills by as much as 100%, depending on the size of the panels installed,and how energy efficient your house is.
For more information see our Solar Panels Fact Sheet (PDF, 140kB). - Hot water systems that run on solar or heat pumps use the heat of the sun and ambient temperature to heat water. These are great ways to reduce your dependence on electricity and save on energy costs at the same time! For more information see our Solar Hot Water Fact Sheet (PDF, 140kB).
What to look out for
There is currently a big push underway by solar companies to promote and sell solar electricity systems to households.
- How do you tell whether these deals are good value?
- What additional costs may exist?
- Which products are best?
- Are you getting value for money?
Here are some questions to ask and things to look out for.
Switching your electricity to GreenPower is one of the easiest things you can do right now to reduce your household greenhouse gas emissions by half. No equipment or renovation is required, and it costs just a few dollars a week. See Emma's story of how her household switched below.
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MEFL is a partner in the Replace Hazelwood campaign.
Hazelwood is Australia’s dirtiest power station. We’re calling on the Victorian and Federal Governments to commit to Replace Hazelwood with Clean Energy by 2012. Can you help us make it happen?
More information on the Replace Hazelwood website.
We bust the damaging myth that photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are bad for the environment
There is a common misconception that PVs take more energy to produce than they generate in their lifetime.
We are working with our partners VECCI to help businesses take advantage of their Carbon Down© initiative.
Carbon Down© is a partnership between the Victorian Government and the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) working together to reduce the energy use of businesses in Victoria.
It gives businesses an opportunity to save money on your energy bills as well as build a reputation as a socially responsible, forward-thinking business.
Carbon Down© provides a free and independent GreenPower cost-comparison of your energy bills, done by an independent broker. The broker will find a GreenPower deal that bests suits your business.
Federal and state governments offer a range or rebates and incentives to encourage the uptake of renewable energy.
See our Rebates and Incentives page.
Sustainability Victoria have compiled some handy information on the viability of wind turbines in urban areas of Victoria. Their guide, available online, is a useful resource for anyone considering installing a small wind farm on their property.
Why get solar panels?
Solar panels (also known as ‘photovoltaic panels’ or ‘solar PV’) produce renewable electricity and can reduce household energy bills by as much as 100% depending on the size of the panels installed and how energy efficient your house is.
This means dependence on electricity from coal-fired power stations is reduced which can contribute to a reduction in climate change pollution.
Solar panels last for 20-30 years and as they have no moving parts, they are relatively maintenance free.
If you have solar panels installed, your energy retailer has probably transferred you to a "time of use" tariff. Your billing has become more complex. Are you getting the best deal?
Goswitch and Switchwise are commercial websites offering a comparison of energy retailers' billing plans.
MEFL does not endorse or recommend any offer made through these websites. However they do offer useful information if you're shopping around for the best energy plan for your needs.
