Queenslanders smash solar energy target:

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson confirms Queenslanders have smashed the Sunshine State’s solar energy target more than three years ahead of schedule.

“In April 2010, the Bligh Government set a challenge to double Queensland’s use of solar energy in five years,” he said. “We have not only achieved this target, we have smashed it more than three years early.“Town by town and city by city, Queenslanders have built a Virtual Solar Power Station by installing solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop panels or solar hot water systems.“We have also paid nearly $15.3 million in Solar Hot Water Rebate scheme payments to more than 20,500 recipients towards the cost of replacing their electric hot water system with a solar hot water system or heat pump.” (more…)

What is Green Star?

Green Star is a national, voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings. Green Star was developed for the property industry in order to:

• Establish a common language
• Set a standard of measurement for green buildings
• Promote integrated, whole of building design
• Recognise environmental leadership
• Identify building life-cycle impacts

Although Green Star certification requires a formal process, any project can freely download and use the Green Star tools as guides to track and improve their environmental attributes. Siddons Solarstream can contribute to improving your Green Star rating.For more information on Green Star to their website.

100% renewable power, is it possible?

Here’s a German project that suggests, yes it is….Let us know what you think.

Why Green Plumbing makes sense:

Australians have always lived in the lucky country, something which governments and consumers are no longer taking for granted. Instead, we are jointly demanding new standards in energy savings and making green choices for the future of our children.

The hot water energy issue is boiling over – In 2010 the Australian federal, state and territory governments announced a phasing out of greenhouse intensive hot water systems.  Water heating is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from most Australian homes – equivalent to running an average sized car for a year. This phase-out will result in the reduction of greenhouse gases by about 30 million tonnes over ten years from 2010-2020 and assist householders to save on their energy bills. With almost half of Australian households having electric hot water systems, the demand for green plumbers is on the rise. (more…)

5 ways to beat rising hot water and energy costs:

There are currently over 7 million separate domestic water heaters installed in Australian houses, and a further 1 million in apartments and other accommodation. More than four million of these dwellings still have electric element hot water heaters. If the power from these four million water heaters could be cut by 75%, Australia would make one huge step forward to meeting its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. [1]

If you thought solar wasn’t for you, was too expensive or just too hard – think again! Heat pumps offer a cost effective solar solution that is also easy and flexible to install Australia wide. (more…)

Safer solar hot water as sure as night and day:

The Australian summer of 2010/11 has been once of cyclones, floods and colder than usual temperatures. What does this mean for consumers looking for a safe and reliable solar hot water solution for their homes?

A weighty issue – Alarmingly, solar panel hot water systems with roof tank can weigh close to half a tonne when full of water, a major consideration if you live in areas prone to high winds. In addition, glass panels and glass evacuated tubing can be damaged by debris carried by strong winds, falling trees and hail.Solar panels are also prone to overheating in the summer and draw upon your water supply to cool down. This water may be dumped by the unit wasting water and costing you further money.

That’s why heat pump water heaters are fast becoming popular for people concerned about the long term safety and performance of their solar hot water. Solarstream heat pump water heaters:

• will not overheat in summer or freeze up in winter
• do put heavy weight on your roof
• are easily installed at ground level
• perform without boosters
• will save you 75% in hot water energy costs

(more…)

Solar Hot Water Rebate Update:

The Prime Minister announced on 27th January 2011 that as part of the response to the flood disaster the Government will redirect projected surplus funding from this program. These surplus funds have become available as a result of lower than anticipated levels of demand for the Rebate in 2010. Enough money remains within the program to support current rebate demand levels. (more…)

Phase-out of Greenhouse Intensive Hot Water Systems:

The Australian and state and territory governments are working together to phase-out greenhouse intensive hot water systems, commencing during 2010. This phase-out will result in the reduction of greenhouse gases by about 30 million tonnes over ten years from 2010-2020 and assist householders to save money on their electricity bills. (more…)