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Green power is renewable energy you can buy from your electricity
supplier. Most electricity suppliers in Australia now offer green
power, obtained from environmental sources such as solar and wind.
How it works
Most Australian energy suppliers offer a green power scheme. When you join an accredited green power scheme, your power retailer agrees to buy electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydro, replacing electricity that would have been generated at a fossil fuel fired power station. Some schemes let you choose the percentage of renewable energy you want to purchase. The cost varies according to how much green power you purchase. In some cases, it is slightly more expensive than fossil fuel-generated power.
The power to change is in your hands. To switch to green power, go to www.greenpower.gov.au.
Make your own energy
Install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on your roof and most of your heating, cooling, lighting and hot water will be free forever after!
A PV system is made up of solar panels which connect to your roof and collect energy from the sun to power your home. You can become your own electricity producer and, if your PV array is large enough to produce excess energy, you can even sell it back to the public energy grid.
PV systems are not cheap, however the federal government offers a small photovoltaic rebate program to offset initial costs. Contact the Australian Government Department of the Environment on 1300 138 122 or visit www.greenhouse.gov.au.
If you can’t afford a full solar PV system yet, go for a solar hot water system. Water heating uses one quarter of our home energy. Save money and energy by installing a solar hot water system on your roof. Federal and state government rebates cut the initial cost. Once it pays for itself, you will have free hot water for life!
