Australia is experiencing a major energy crisis that has seen a dwindling power supply and a massive spike in prices, especially in the East. The ongoing energy crisis is the most severe since the 1970s oil shocks. Most residents don’t seem to understand why gas and electricity prices are increasing rapidly. Worse yet, they don’t really know how to adapt to the changes. Are you one of the people struggling to grasp everything? If so, don’t worry – we have compiled an A to Z guide with everything you need to know.

Why Are Electricity Prices Increasing? The Energy Crisis Explained

Most of the energy in Australia is sourced from non-renewable energy sources. These have been dwindling over the years due to over-exploitation by homes, industries, and numerous organisations. As such, the cost of coal used to generate electricity in Australia dramatically increased in the past two years. 

This led to an increase in the cost of generating the power that we consume. As if that’s not enough, higher gas prices and unplanned outages have also caused an increased demand which has automatically led to higher prices, especially in areas where electricity demand is volatile. 

All of these factors combined have led to a power shortage, an energy crisis, and an increase in the demand for electricity. In turn, this has increased the cost of production in many industries, consequently increasing the cost of living. But all hope is not lost. 

How To Cope With the Energy Crisis as an Australian Homeowner

According to the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, renewable energy and low-emissions technology are the way out of the ongoing energy crisis. Solar energy in particular plays a significant role in solving the current energy crisis. It is reliable, renewable, and within arms reach. 

What Is Solar Energy?

This is a form of energy converted from the sun, which can be harnessed for human consumption. It works by installing solar panels (photovoltaic cells) on the roof, which convert solar energy into electricity for domestic and industrial use. 

How Does Solar Energy Help To Solve the Energy Crisis?

Solar energy captures renewable energy from the sun. The sun is naturally readily available, abundant, scalable, and flexible, making it suitable for many different environments.  It is an excellent solution for the current crisis since it does not require costly maintenance and has a long lifetime. Even better, it does not produce greenhouse gases. 

Why Go Solar?

1). Solar Energy Is Affordable

According to a report released by International Energy Agency (IEA), solar power is the most affordable type of electricity globally and in history. There has never been any other type of energy that is as efficient, clean, and affordable as solar energy. 

2). It’s Renewable: Say Goodbye To Shortages!

Solar energy is renewable. This means that it does not run out no matter how long you generate it. Unlike fossil fuels that run out, the sun will continue to shine and produce solar energy every day!

What’s more, there is enough sun to go around for everyone across the globe. As such, by embracing solar energy, we can be assured that we will have sufficient power to run our homes and businesses at an affordable price. 

3). Solar Energy Is Clean Energy

Solar energy does not produce byproducts that can harm our environment or add to global environmental issues such as acid rain and depletion of the ozone layer. If we embrace the use of renewable energy over fossil fuels, we will enjoy a better earth. Better yet, we will have less depletion of the natural resources in our country and worldwide.  

4). Solar Energy is Sufficient

The sun produces more energy than we will ever need. The amount of sunlight that enters the earth’s atmosphere in a single hour is sufficient to meet all of the planet’s inhabitants’ annual electricity needs. The only limitation is our ability to cost-effectively convert it into power. 

Final Thoughts

Australia is among the leading countries pushing to have renewable and sustainable energy.  The government is determined to have more people adopt the use of solar energy, to solve the current crisis and for a better tomorrow. If you are looking for solar energy solutions, we’ve got your back!

Choose GCR Electrical Systems For Your Solar Needs

At GCR Electrical Systems, we take pride in the quality of our work, utilising our in-depth knowledge of solar systems to deliver exceptional work and to help you save thousands of dollars on electricity costs.

Our highly professional and experienced electrical contractors are fully licensed and trained to handle all your domestic and commercial electrical requirements. 

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you would’ve noticed the news about a significant increase in wholesale and retail electricity prices. In fact, all the companies in the power industry have been talking about a significant increase in electricity tariffs in the coming years. 

The chief executives of some power companies have said that Australian consumers should expect a rise of at least 35% in retail electricity prices in 2023 due to an immense increase in wholesale energy costs and the global supply crisis.

In short, the cost of living is about to go up significantly as a rise in electricity prices always has a cascading effect. It also presents an opportunity for you and if you have been thinking about finally adopting solar, now is the time!

Here are a few more reasons why you need to embrace solar power today:

1). Prices are lower than ever

Installing solar panels is cheaper than ever. Due to an immense increase in demand and supply, solar panel prices have come down significantly. Also, federal and state governments have been offering a whole lot of incentives in the form of rebates, discounts, interest-free loans and feed-in tariffs to further bring down the cost of solar power system installation.

Today, you can get a reliable and durable solar power system with a capacity of 6.6 kW for around $6,500 after rebates and discounts though prices vary depending on the location.

2). Go green

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy and is a much better alternative compared to fossil fuels. By adopting solar energy, you will not only save money but will also help in keeping the planet green.

3). Save money

As discussed above, electricity prices are expected to rise at least 35% in 2023 and may continue to rise even further. By switching to solar you will be able to save a lot of money, and your system should pay for itself within 4 to 5 years. 

Since solar panels have a performance warranty of at least 20 years, you will continue to enjoy free power for at least two decades with such a small investment.

4). Almost zero maintenance

There is a misconception that a solar power system requires a lot of maintenance. Modern systems are much more robust and apart from cleaning the panels once in a while, you don’t really need to do much. 

Just call a qualified technician to take a look at the connections and wiring once every 12 months and there is literally nothing else you need to do to keep your system running at optimum efficiency.

5). Long-term warranty

All the solar panels being sold in Australia come with a performance warranty and an expected lifespan of around 25 years which means you do not need to worry about the long-term performance of a solar power system.

6). Enhanced property value

Another big advantage of installing solar panels is that it increases the value of your property. Do not forget that the electric vehicle revolution is already here and Australians are switching to electric vehicles in bigger numbers. 

Many car manufacturers have either already introduced a slew of electric vehicles or have announced plans to introduce EVs in the near future. When you have your own solar electricity generation system at home, you won’t need to spend any money on charging your car.

Final Thoughts

Overall, retail electricity prices are expected to jump significantly in the coming years. This essentially means that your cost of living will go up significantly due to the cascading effect of rising electricity prices and one of the ways for you to keep your living costs in check is to invest in a solar power system.

Modern solar power systems are affordable, durable, reliable and safe. The government also offers a number of rebates and other incentives to enhance the adoption of solar electricity but those rebates are set to lapse in 2030. This is why you should seriously consider switching to solar power today.

GCR Electrical Systems Leading Solar Provider in Hervey Bay

GCR Electrical Systems is the leading provider of solar power and electrical services in Hervey Bay. We have decades of combined experience in the design, repair and installation of solar power systems. Get in touch with us to learn more about the advantages of solar power and how it can help you keep your living costs in check.

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry.

Is your electricity bill increasing and are you looking for a way to reduce it? What are the best ways to do this? Reducing your electricity bill is probably easier than you think. Read on for top tips to reduce your electricity bill this summer. 

1). Use Energy Efficient Lighting 

Believe it or not, lightbulbs can greatly increase electricity bills. The biggest culprits are halogen and old incandescent bulbs. It’s possible to reduce your electricity bills by installing energy-efficient bulbs. 

Energy-efficient bulbs don’t use that much electricity. However, they do cost a bit more than non-energy efficient bulbs. Nonetheless, they’re worth buying because of the immediate potential savings. 

Another tip is to not use lighting until it’s absolutely necessary. With summer right around the corner, the days will become longer. There is no need to leave lights on throughout the day. If possible, open curtains and drapes to let sunlight into the rooms you want lit. 

2). Use Cold Water To Wash Clothes And Hang Clothes To Dry

Warm or hot water does an incredible job of washing clothes. However, using hot water isn’t always necessary. In fact, it’s worth pointing out that hot water is one of the main reasons electricity bills are high. If possible, start washing clothes with cold water instead of hot or warm water. 

Speaking of washing clothes, it might be worth investing in an eco-friendly washing machine or using any eco-settings that the current washing machine has. Furthermore, don’t throw clothes into the dryer throughout the warmer months. Instead, hang clothes out to dry. It’s no secret that dryers can cause an electricity bill to skyrocket, so stick to drying clothes on a line.  

3). Turn Appliances Off At The Wall

Another good way to reduce an electricity bill this summer is by switching off appliances at the wall. Many appliances can use electricity even when they’re not actually being used. These appliances include dishwashers, microwaves, phone chargers and televisions. It might not seem like much, but it all adds up, which is why it’s a good idea to switch appliances off completely. 

It’s not easy remembering to shut off appliances at the switch. If this happens regularly, then buy a smart power board. This will actually stop standby electricity, thus reducing the electricity bill as time goes by. 

4). Close Windows And Doors

During the hottest hours of the day, keep the windows and doors completely closed. Using air conditioning and fans during the least hot part of the day shouldn’t increase an electricity bill too much. That likely won’t be the case if fans and air conditioning are used when the heat is peaking. Keeping the doors and windows closed can go a long way when it comes to reducing electricity bills. 

5). Insulation

Finally, consider insulating areas such as within the walls and the attic. During the summertime, cool air will get trapped and there will be less of a need to use the air conditioning system or fans. For those who rent a home, you probably can’t install insulation but you can make sure your doors are draft-proof and you can install blinds on all of your windows. This will help to trap cool air and will allow the aircon system to take a break.

Save Energy with Solar Power Systems

If you are interested in saving money on your electricity bills in the long term, then you should contact GCR Electrical Systems. Getting a solar system is a great way to save money on electricity, and GCR Electrical Systems is here to help. We have installed over 20,000 solar panels in Australia and can help you make the shift seamlessly. 

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Are you building or renovating your home to make it more energy efficient? Most homeowners these days are beginning to become a lot more energy conscious. Seeing that there’s a global energy crisis, not to mention the effect fossil fuels have on the environment, homeowners have no choice but to be more energy conscious. 

At their core, energy-saving tips are all about reducing the amount of energy a home uses to lower costs and reduce the environmental impact. Are they complicated? Not at all. In this guide, we have narrowed down 3 of the best energy-saving tips to help you save money while also preserving the environment.

Here are the best tips that will help you reduce your home’s energy usage:

1). Adjust Your Day-to-Day Behaviours

Every day, we squander a lot of energy by just not paying attention. Our behaviours and habits have a significant impact on how much energy we waste, and by taking more proactive measures, we can reduce our annual energy consumption by up to 25%. The following are some of the behaviours that waste energy:

• Leaving the lights on
• Switching on the lights when the sun is still shining
• Leaving electronics plugged in
• Using the heating or air conditioning needlessly
• Leaving the computer on all day long
• Forgetting to change air filters
• Running the dishwasher half-full
• Browsing your refrigerator and leaving the door open for too long

How about starting with some simple adjustments that you can do right now, right here, before you go out and buy energy-efficient products? When you can, take it a step further and complete tasks by hand rather than using appliances! Hand wash the dishes, air dry your clothing, and do all the housework! These behavioural changes offer the best hope for a better future!

2). Generate Your Own Renewable Energy

This one definitely comes second on the list because it can revolutionise energy conservation unlike any other tip that anyone will ever propose. Renewable energy is inexhaustible, unlike fossil fuels, which deplete over time and emit toxic gases into the atmosphere. Better yet, it’s clean and will safeguard our planet. 

Having said that, you can produce your own clean energy using geothermal, wind, or solar energy. You can reap the benefits of sustainable energy for decades! Unfortunately, the first options are reliant on the location of your home, while solar power may be installed everywhere in the world. 

It is the most popular alternative energy source that can be applied in homes. Solar energy is a good method to start stepping off the grid and using a better source of electricity, especially since you can power your house with a few solar panels. Here are facts you need to know about solar power:

• Solar power is the earth’s most abundant energy source
• The quantity of solar energy that strikes the earth in a single hour would more than power the entire planet for a year
• Solar energy is free
• Solar power is the fastest-growing energy source
• Solar power doesn’t produce greenhouse gasses
• Solar panel efficiency is now higher than ever
• Solar tax credit helps you lower your tax bill

3). Make Your Home a Smart Home

Smart houses are automated in practically every way, and homeowners can handle almost anything from HVAC systems to closing their blinds and accessing their home security systems with a mobile phone. But that’s not all they are good for; they conserve energy and heat, are environmentally friendly, and are sometimes even less expensive to live in.

Let’s dig in a little deeper. Smart home appliances and devices like thermostats tend to be very energy efficient. That’s because they can change their settings automatically to meet changing energy requirements. They keep an eye on your daily routine and energy use to spot inefficiencies and reduce wasteful usage of power, water, and gas.

They do not attempt to limit your energy usage nor do they attempt to persuade you to do so on your own. Instead, they monitor your habits and look for opportunities to save energy when it’s not needed. For instance, if you leave your heater on while you head to work, your smart thermostat will sense inactivity and immediately turn off. 

The same is true for home automation systems like smart lighting, motion detectors, smart showers, automated blinds, and many others. They are made to maximise the use of energy while minimising waste. Given all of this, it should come as no surprise that smart houses can reduce energy consumption by up to 30–40%!

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the world of energy conservation can seem overwhelming. The ideas and tips flood in from every corner, making it hard to know what can actually make a significant difference. Well, not anymore. With the above 3 tips, you’ll be shocked just how much you can save and add value to your home in the process. 

Save Energy with Solar Power Systems

If you’d like to make the transition to clean, renewable, and readily available energy, GCR Electrical is here to help. We have installed over 20,000 solar panels in Australia and can help you make the shift seamlessly. 

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

The price of energy across the world is increasing exponentially, including the price of natural gas. However, fear not – there are ways to cut down your gas bill if you are willing to follow some simple tips. 

In today’s blog post, we will explore ways to cut spending on your gas bills. 

Tips To Cut Spending On Your Gas Bills

The only way to bring down your gas bill is to reduce the amount of gas you use. You might be wondering how you can cut down your current gas usage without compromising on comfort and convenience. Here’s what you need to do to save a substantial amount of money on your gas bill.

1. Check insulation — Everybody knows the importance of insulating their hot water tank but if you want to make the system even more efficient and save money in the process, you have to also insulate the pipes attached to the water tank. Hot water starts losing heat as it moves from the tank to the taps and insulating pipes can help you save money.
2. Hot water — Most people keep their hot water in storage as this is the traditional way to keep hot water everywhere. In these systems, hot water is stored in an insulated tank which keeps losing heat. It’s an inefficient system and you can save money by switching to an instantaneous hot water system that heats up the water only when you need it.
3. Change shower heads — There are low-flow shower heads that help save hot water compared to traditional shower heads.
4. Bring down the temperature — If you regularly have to mix a lot of cold water with hot water to make it comfortable for you to touch, you’re wasting a lot of energy on heating water unnecessarily. Bring down the temperature and heat water to a temperature that is comfortable.
5. Check the oven — Take a close look at the oven door to find out whether any heat is escaping from the sides of the door. Also, do not open it frequently as the hot air escapes which means you will be wasting gas.
6. Cold water for washing — You don’t always have to use hot water for washing clothes. Modern detergents and liquids are equally effective with cold water. Also, try to run your washer at full load.
7. Get rid of drafts — Check your windows and doors to make sure heat isn’t escaping from anywhere. Invest in a few door snakes to fix such gaps.
8. Make use of natural sunlight — Don’t forget to keep the curtains open on sunny days to get that sweet sunlight inside and warm your home naturally.
9. Solar heaters — You don’t always have to use gas to heat up water. There are solar water heater systems available at affordable prices that allow you to get all the hot water you need at just a fraction of the cost of using gas to heat water.
10. Solar power systems — Many commonly used home appliances can be run either on electricity or gas. If you are using gas for those appliances, consider switching to electric. Invest in a good quality solar power system to get all the solar electricity you need and you will be able to save a substantial amount of money on your energy bills

Benefits of Using Solar Power to Reduce Your Gas Bill

Solar power can help you reduce your gas bill substantially. It is estimated that almost 50% of homes use gas to heat water. Using gas to heat water is simply inefficient. 

On the other hand, a solar hot water system uses sunlight to generate heat. In fact, up to 90% of your hot water needs can be met with the help of an efficient solar hot water heating system.

A solar hot water system is a one-time investment. You will continue to get hot water for many years to come and don’t need to worry about the rising gas or electricity prices. 

It can help you cut down your water heating bill by up to 90%. There are also substantial government rebates available to cut down the initial cost. It will also help increase the value of your property.

If you want to use an electric heater for heating water, you can use electricity generated from solar panels to heat up the water. Solar electricity is free as you will be able to get your investment back within the first 4 to 5 years and then, all the electricity you get from the system is completely free for the next 15 to 20 years.

Once you start using solar power, you will not only be saving a substantial amount of money in the long run but you’ll also be able to decrease your carbon footprint and substantially increase the value of your property.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we have entered into a spiral of rising energy prices. The current global geopolitical climate combined with the effects of long-term lockdowns is likely to keep energy prices high for the next several years. If you are also feeling the pinch of high energy prices, you should seriously consider investing in solar power to save money on your utility bills. With substantial Australian government rebates, you don’t need to worry about the initial costs. The payback period for a solar power system is typically less than 5 years for a standard household.

Reduce Your Energy Bills with Solar Power Systems

GCR Electrical Systems has installed more than 20,000 solar panels in the region. We have more than a decade of experience in the industry and we offer solar hot water systems as well as solar panels along with battery storage systems.

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

One of a business owner’s most expensive overhead expenses is electricity. According to a Statista report, electricity usage in Australia was around 188 terawatts hours in the 2021 financial year. So, how do you go about saving energy to cut your electricity costs and promote a sustainable workplace? Stick around to learn more about energy-saving tips for a sustainable workplace.

What Is A Sustainable Workplace?

Sustainability in the workplace refers to operating a business without harming the environment. The environment benefits from local and global green businesses which in turn benefit the neighbourhood and economy, which rely on a healthy environment. A company that values the environment considers how its actions affect society and the environment.

Such a company contributes to maintaining the health of the environment in which it operates, which makes it sustainable. All sustainable businesses follow the triple bottom line, a phrase coined by the founder of the British consulting company SustainAbility, John Elkington, in 1994. It comprises three elements: money, people, and the environment. Practising social responsibility and protecting the environment is an excellent way of ensuring that your company maximises profits.

4 Energy Conservation Techniques In The Workplace

Having and maintaining electricity in a workplace is vitally important to your business operations. However, utilising energy-saving methods is the best option for your company to establish a sustainable work environment. Your business can minimise the money it spends on energy by using these energy-saving techniques:

1). Use Natural Light: You should probably convert to natural light as fluorescent light bulbs are problematic. This might require remodelling your workplace to include more windows or skylights, but you will reap twice the benefits. It’s better to instruct your staff to open their curtains and blinds, switch off their lights during the day, and only turn them on when it gets too dark to work.

2). Make Rules For Turning Off The Lights: A lot of energy is consumed when computers are in standby mode and the office lights are on. Having rules that are against energy wasting will aid in resolving this issue. Place stickers on power switches and in the office to remind your staff to turn off lights and laptops at the end of the day.

3). Switch To LED Bulbs: A significant portion of your energy expense usually goes towards lights. You’ll spend more money than necessary if you choose halogen or incandescent light bulbs instead of LED lighting. LED illumination uses a tiny fraction of energy compared to conventional light bulbs.

4). Invest In Solar Energy: Your approach to reducing your high energy and water expenses will change if you install a solar power system. Installing a solar panel rather than purchasing electricity for your company is now more cost-effective due to the rapid decrease in solar panel costs. The best part is that you can always sell any excess power to the grid if you install enough solar panels to generate more energy than you require.

How Can Solar Power Help Your Office Save Energy

Solar energy is a renewable energy source with a wide range of applications. According to Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water report, 7% of Australia’s energy consumption was derived from renewable sources between 2019 and 2020. Therefore, consider conducting a business energy audit and then employing solar as an alternative energy source to increase profits.  Solar has numerous advantages, which include:

• Fewer electricity bills: Your electricity bills will go down if you use less energy at work, and the environment will benefit from fewer carbon emissions. Your office may even receive a Green Star for this.
• Grid protection: The likelihood of blackouts on the grid decreases when there are more households and businesses utilising solar power because there is less demand for power from the grid. This means the grid gets protected from overloads and other natural or artificial disasters.
• Transit energy loss reduction: The energy lost during transit and distribution ranges from 3 to 5 per cent. More energy is lost as the distance increases between the energy sources and their destinations. Even though these losses might not seem like much, they might harm an installation’s performance in densely populated locations. Solar panels on the roof or in the yard greatly reduce this issue.

Final Thoughts

Future fossil fuels can best be replaced by solar energy, particularly in Australia, where there is abundant sunlight for most of the year. Being frugal with resources, such as electricity, is one simple approach for a firm to increase its profits.

The most effective way to reduce energy use at work and create a sustainable workplace involves everyone cooperating to make tiny adjustments to seemingly mundane daily routines. Explain to your staff why it’s vital and how it will help everyone. Better still, you might need to install solar panels to further curb high bills in the future

Save Energy With Solar Power

GCR Electrical Systems is your neighbourhood’s licensed renewable energy specialist for installing new solar systems, upgrades, storage, and repairs. We provide a comprehensive range of expert solar panel installation services for residential and commercial use.

Our staff of highly qualified and fully certified electricians can assist you in making the best decisions when switching to solar energy. Australia receives about 2,800 hours of sunshine every year so it makes sense for businesses and homes that want to switch to solar energy to enjoy the many benefits of solar energy. 

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Are your energy bills constantly going up? Are you worried about your energy security with the soaring energy prices? Well, it is time to think about solar energy as a solution to the current energy crisis we are facing not just in Australia, but worldwide. 

The war in Ukraine has disrupted the supply of oil and natural gas across Europe, which has led to a domino effect across the world causing prices to rise considerably. And as things look, there isn’t an end in sight to the high cost of energy in Australia or across the globe.

This is where solar energy management comes in; it can supplement or replace the electricity you import from the national grid, lowering your energy bills considerably. If businesses and homeowners take up solar energy, we can help to avert the current and any future energy crisis by lowering the demand for oil and natural gas. In this blog, we will look at how solar power can help the energy crisis including the following:

• Solar Energy Uses A Renewable Energy Source 
• There Is Enough Solar Power Supply 
• Businesses And Homes Can Run Entirely On Solar Energy 
• Solar Energy Is Affordable 
• Paired With Energy Storage, Solar Energy Provides Security Against Unreliable Power

1). Solar Energy Uses A Renewable Energy Source 

Solar power is a non-delectable and renewable energy source. Crucially, we have the technology and resources to harness solar energy and convert it to electricity. In the case of Australia, we have an abundance of solar energy. Additionally, we have an abundance of the resources required to convert solar irradiation to electricity – silicon. Finally, solar power is scalable to match the needs of users. It’s feasible for businesses and homes to install solar power to match their energy needs. 

All these elements make solar power an excellent energy source that can help us tackle our reliance on fossil fuels.

2). There Is Enough Solar Power Supply 

Australia receives approximately 58 million PJ of solar radiation every year. This is more than 10,000 times more energy than our total consumption. Theoretically, we can power the entire continent of Australia with solar energy every year, doing away with the need for fossil fuels. And since solar power is renewable, we can theoretically rely on solar power.

In practice, however, we can complement our energy supply with solar power. In doing so, we will reduce the demand for energy-derived fossil fuels, which can lower our demand for fossil fuels. The more solar energy we tap into, the less reliant we are on fossil fuels, which helps avert the energy crisis we currently face.

3). Paired With Energy Storage, Solar Energy Provides Security Against Unreliable Power 

Aside from being a renewable energy source, solar power can be stored. Solar energy storage solutions and technologies are improving every day. Currently, it is possible for businesses and homeowners to store the vast majority, if not all, of the energy their solar panels produce without the need to export it to the grid.

By storing the energy your solar power generating systems produce, businesses and homeowners can guard themselves against the unreliability of the national grid. In the short term, you can protect your household from power failures. In the long-term, using solar-plus-storage systems protects you against the price hikes that characterise every energy crisis.

4). Businesses And Homes Can Run Entirely On Solar Energy 

As mentioned above, Australia (and, by extension, the world) has an abundance of solar power. Homeowners and businesses can choose the size of their solar panel systems to match their current and future needs. Coupled with storage systems, it’s possible to create a micro-grid that sustains the energy needs of your home or business.

Taking this approach to meeting our energy needs reduces or eliminates electricity imports from the national grid and our reliance on fossil fuels. Not only do you benefit from cheaper solar power, but you also help lower the demand for fossil fuels, thereby helping to solve the fuel crisis.

5). Solar Energy Is Affordable 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently announced that solar power is one of the world’s cheapest forms of electric power. One of the main reasons for the affordability is the renewability of solar energy. Once installed, your solar power will generate electricity nonstop for years. Additionally, the technology for harnessing solar energy is improving every year while the production cost of solar panels and other related technologies is constantly going down.

The affordability of solar power can help replace some of the fossil-fuel energy we use, helping alleviate the energy crisis.

Final Thoughts

While it’s doubtful that solar energy will replace fossil fuels completely, it can be an excellent complement to our energy mix. Adding more solar power to our energy mix will lower the demand for fossil energy, which might lower the prices of fossil fuels. Crucially, solar irradiation is the ultimate renewable energy source. We can rely on it being available both in the short and long term.

GCR Electrical Systems has been at the forefront of solar panel installation, repair and services in the Hervey Bay area. Our experts can help you find ways to keep your energy costs down. 

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

The electricity prices in Australia have been rising unabatedly. While large businesses typically have the pricing power and staying ability to either absorb or pass on the rising energy costs, most small and medium enterprises are unable to do that. A small or medium enterprise is defined as one that employs up to 200 people and has an annual energy consumption of up to 16 Mwh. If you are a small or medium-sized business owner, conducting an energy audit can help you discover ways to cut down on electric consumption and save money. 

What is Business Energy Audit?

The goal of a business energy audit is to get a bird’s eye view of the current energy usage across the organisation and discover inefficient energy habits. An energy audit need not be time-consuming. The eventual goal is to discover areas where more efficient ways of using energy, such as solar power, can be implemented thus resulting in cost savings and a reduction in your carbon footprint.

An energy audit focuses on every single thing including the exterior of the building, interior, fixtures used inside and outside as well as ways systems interact with each other.

Why Carry out an Energy Audit for Your Business?

Here are a few reasons why every business should carry out an energy audit:

• Reduction in energy expenses
• Identification of malfunctioning equipment
• Enhanced employee comfort
• Know about more energy-efficient systems
• Reduction in carbon footprint
• Enhanced equipment service life

One of the most obvious benefits of carrying out an energy audit is saving money in the long term. There have been several reports suggesting that an energy audit can help an organisation bring down their energy usage by up to 30% with the use of more energy-efficient business practices and technologies. It also helps you in identifying problems early. For example, if your HVAC system is leaking air, an energy audit can help you discover and fix this problem thus saving you a ton of money in the long run. It also helps in enhancing employee comfort by creating a more balanced working space for the employees.

Innovation is always happening in the energy space as more homes and businesses look for ways to save money on energy costs but most business owners usually aren’t aware of the latest innovations. With an energy audit, it is likely that you will become aware of more energy-efficient technologies available in the market. 

It will also help you reduce your carbon footprint which is becoming a big factor in terms of consumer preferences. Increasingly, consumers prefer to associate with businesses that care about their carbon footprint and take action to reduce their energy usage. Investing in more efficient systems also allows you to enhance the useful service life of the equipment as it doesn’t have to work as hard as older units.

Tips to Conduct Energy Audit for Your Business

An energy audit can be conducted in many ways. First and foremost, you should know that every business is different and their energy needs are also different. Ideally, you should engage the services of a professional energy auditor but there are ways to get started on your own. Here are a few tips to help you with the same:

• Check the maintenance schedule of various equipment and whether you are following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer
• Check whether the equipment is serviced regularly
• Find out the age of your heating and cooling appliances and whether they need replacement
• Check whether only the rooms that are being used are being heated or cooled
• Check whether timers are installed in various parts of the building
• Check whether there is any air leakage
• Check if a programmable thermostat is installed in your heating and cooling system
• Set the temperature of your heating or cooling appliance between 24 and 27°C in the winter, and between 18 and 21°C in the summers
• Make sure thermostats are installed in proper places and there is no direct sunlight or other heat sources nearby
• Check whether the ductwork is insulated to reduce energy loss
• Check if it’s possible to replace constant speed motors with variable speed equipment
• Check if something is obstructing airflow across the building
• Check how much energy is being spent on water heating and whether it’s in line with expected usage
• Engage the services of an expert to figure out whether appropriate lights are installed at appropriate places
• Check whether task lighting can be used to avoid unnecessary lighting in large areas
• Make sure you are using LEDs across the business
• Check if there are ways to maximise natural sunlight in the building.

These are some of the ways for you to get started with a DIY energy audit. However, it’s always better to engage the services of a professional to carry out a thorough check of all the equipment and appliances being used in your business. Professional services do cost money but you will come out on top in the long run. Interacting with the experts will also help you learn more about other energy-efficient equipment available in the market and how it can help you save money in the long run.

Best Practices for Business Energy Audit

If you are planning to conduct a DIY energy audit for your business, here are a few tips to help you cover almost everything and save more money:

• Begin by establishing benchmarks. Gather information about your energy consumption, energy bills and other things into a spreadsheet. Try to include as many metrics as you can.
• Make sure to check for the presence of any air leaks. Just put your hand in a place to feel for any airflow.
• Make sure you check your insulation levels as low insulation levels are synonymous with energy loss.
• In most cases, heating and cooling account for almost 50% of energy usage. This is why you should check the accuracy of thermostats as well as their positioning to ensure accurate capture of data.
• Take a close look at the lighting. Make sure you are using energy-efficient LEDs in place of fluorescent or incandescent lighting.
• HVAC systems, as well as lighting, should have timers.
• Engage the services of a professional to identify inefficient energy habits across the organisation and to get recommendations for replacements.

The goal of a business energy audit is to figure out how the energy is being used across the business and whether there are more efficient solutions that will help you save money in the long run. These tips should help you carry out a thorough energy audit and discover ways to make the system more energy-efficient.

Final Thoughts

On average, a business can expect to bring down its energy usage by around 30% with a thorough energy audit. Smart business owners are always looking for ways to cut down costs and energy usage is one of the more significant costs for businesses these days, especially with the rising electricity prices. If you cannot afford to engage the services of a professional to carry out an energy audit, you should seriously consider doing it on your own. Even a cursory walk-through audit might help you discover inefficient energy usage practices across your business.

Save Money for Your Business with Solar Power Systems

Solar power systems have already changed the residential energy usage landscape across the country with Australia becoming one of the leading countries in rooftop solar installations. Businesses too can take advantage of the ongoing solar power resolution by investing in high-quality and high-efficiency solar panels.

GCR Electrical Systems has been at the forefront of solar panel installation, repair and services in the Hervey Bay area. Our experts can help you find ways to keep your energy costs down. 

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Do anxiety and stress kick in at the thought of receiving your monthly electric bills? An unexpected high electrical bill can cause a huge shock at rattle most household budgets. Perhaps your savvy lifestyle choice is contributing to these high bills. For example, relying on heating and cooling systems to regulate the temperature of your house may significantly be increasing your bills. Typically, heating and cooling systems account for 50% of the energy consumed in an average Aussie home.

This article will analyse six significant reasons you are experiencing high electrical bills in your home. We will also look at three essential tips that you can apply to cut your monthly billing costs right down including the use of solar energy. However, let’s first outline the steps for analysing your electricity bill.

How To Analyse Your Electricity Bill

You need to apply a little modern technology to account for your home’s energy consumption accurately. Besides, you will also have to do some calculations to get a decent estimate using simple old-school arithmetic. You require three figures to effectively estimate a particular gadget’s electric energy usage. 

These figures include the average hours the device is used in a day, its wattage, and the price charged for electricity per kilowatt-hour. The kilowatt-hour rate is always printed on your electric bill, and the number of hours in which you use a particular gadget for a day is pretty easy to figure out. The only technical thing to figure out is the wattage of the device. The wattage is usually printed with a W at the end at the back or bottom of most appliances. If you cannot find the figure here, you can search online for its specs or consult its original documentation if you still have it.

After gathering this information, it’s time to calculate and analyse your electricity bill. First, multiply the wattage of the gadget by the number of hours it is used in a day. Divide the answer by 1,000 and multiply by the kilo-watt rate. 

Let’s say that your 200-watt oven is used for four hours daily. That means it consumes 800 watt-hours in a day. Dividing 800 with 1,000, we get 0.8. If your kilowatt-hour rate is $2 per kWh, the oven consumes a total of $1.6 per day and $48 per month. You can use this formula to calculate the electricity billing of every appliance in your house and analyse the whole electricity bill.

Top Six Reasons Why Your Electricity Bill Is High

1). Most of the modern appliances we have in our homes today tend to draw energy even when switched off. The chances are that your electricity bill is higher than the previous billing because you leave the devices plugged in even when not using them.

Let’s say you press the power button of your TV, DVR, or computer; this will transition the appliance into its standby mode. The problem is that this device will continue sucking energy out of your home until it is properly turned off. You should also always disconnect appliances that have clocks, such as coffee-makers or microwave ovens. 

2). Secondly, you might compare your bill to your previous billing despite seasonal changes that impact your power bills. If the bill is higher than the previous one, you might rush to conclude that you are paying more for your bills. Instead of a monthly comparison, consider comparing the bills yearly. 

When doing the comparison, ensure that the number of days of the billing period in each year is equal. Also, check if a discount or concession has been applied to your bill.

3). Another reason why you may receive costly bills on your electricity usage is because of big appliances such as air conditioners, clothes driers, and dishwashers. 

An average Australian family will do over 200 loads of washing annually. This will undoubtedly result in a bill that is much higher than expected. Another thing to look out for is misusing the lights in your house. Maybe you are using them to light up entire rooms instead of lighting the specific places where the light is needed, like workspaces, couches, and kitchen tables. 

4). Also, leaving the ceiling fan on will only snowball your estimated bill. Since fans are meant to affect the temperature in the rooms where they are installed, it is wise to leave them switched off when no one is in the room.

Old appliances can also increase your meter readings more than the previous billing. These appliances tend to draw more energy than their new counterparts, which are more energy-efficient. For instance, fridges made after 2000 are 40% to 60% more energy-efficient than their predecessors. Your retro kitchen might look trendy with that old-school oven, but you will have to pay extra bucks at the end of the billing period.

5). Lastly, suppose your home houses different technologies that use chargers, such as portable game systems, electric toothbrushes, iPads, smartphones, tablets, electric razors, PCs, and MP3 players. In that case, you might be required to dig deeper into your pockets to pay your bill. The worst scenario happens when you are too oriented on these gadgets and technology that you have them constantly plugged in, draining your electricity. To avoid this, you can incorporate a smart meter into your energy plan or even spend more time away from these gadgets.

How To Lower Your Bills Cost

1). Purchasing energy star appliances is among the most effective energy-saving tips. You can significantly cut your higher bills by using devices that save power since these gadgets account for almost 50% of the energy usage of an average Aussie home. Energy star-rated fridges, dishwashers and washing machines will save you a ton of money on electricity bills and water bills, which provides more significant savings benefits in the long run. 

2). The second significant way of lowering the cost of your bill is turning off gadgets when they are not in use. Your PC, stereo, or TV are usually massive energy vampires when not being used but left switched on. You can use a shared power strip to quickly turn off your DVR, PC, TV, or other equipment and save even more on your household energy consumption. 

If you have gadgets such as Roku and intelligent TVs which require you to stay on for regular software updates, consider enabling the power saving mode when leaving them switched on.

3). The last tip for ensuring that you reduce your energy bills is switching to LED bulbs to conserve electricity. Any average 60-watt LED uses only nine watts, while a CFL of the same rating uses around 13 watts. This difference might seem negligible, but remember, this could still lead to a 10% reduction on your electrical bills. Considering the number of light bulbs used on your premises, this little amount is not negligible.

Final Thoughts

Different appliances contribute to the overall energy consumption in your household. Sometimes, monthly electricity bills can go extra higher due to excessive consumption. Perhaps you left your lights on a little longer than usual, especially during winter. Or maybe you are using appliances that are not energy efficient. It’s hard to pinpoint any one thing for causing high electrical bills, so sometimes it’s just a matter of process of elimination until your usage comes down.

Luckily, you can cut these costs by using newer more energy-efficient appliances. In addition, you should consider purchasing devices that are rated Energy Star. You can also uninstall all CFLs in your house and opt for LED instead, as they are energy-saving and long-lasting.

Save Energy With Solar Power

However, if you want to get rid of your electricity bills altogether, there is an answer. Installing solar power in your home is an intelligent way of doing this. Luckily, GCR Electrical Systems has got you covered. We are fully accredited Solar Design and solar PV installers. We ensure that your solar PV systems operate well while keeping your family safe. In addition to high-quality solar installations, we also assist in maintaining pre-installed panels. Give us a call today to have a taste of our services.

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Energy costs continue to rise, the more you use electricity. The average rate of home energy consumption will continue to rise as people continue to get more gadgets and devices designed to make life more convenient and comfortable. 

However, if you are looking to reduce your energy bill, there are a few practical steps you can use to make this happen. In fact, a few small changes here and there can actually create significant energy savings, and with it, reduce your electricity bills. 

To find out more about how to reduce your energy bill, as well as how to use solar energy to produce bigger energy savings, read on below. 

Ways To Save Energy At Home

The Living Room:

• Stereos, TVs, computers, gaming consoles and DVD players all continue to draw power even when they are on standby mode. Prevent this by making a habit of switching them off at the wall. To make your work easier, use a power board that allows you to switch off the power to multiple appliances from one place. 
• You should also switch to more energy-efficient lighting. And, only use the lights you need instead of turning all of them on.   

The Kitchen:

• For starters, to save energy in the kitchen, you should only buy/use appliances that have the best energy star ratings.
• When preparing food, always remember to thaw it in the refrigerator first to reduce the amount it takes to cook. It is also worthwhile to remember that your microwave oven consumes less energy than a normal oven. However, if you do decide to use a stovetop, be sure to keep the lids on the pots throughout, as it reduces cooking time and the energy used. 
• Only use the dishwasher when it has a full load, and run it on economy mode during daily use. 
• Choose a cool and well-ventilated spot for your fridge. Set the freezer temperature to between -15 and -18 degrees and the fridge to between 4 and 5 degrees.      

Cooling And Heating:

• To reduce the amount of energy you use to cool or heat your home, start by ensuring that your air conditioner is running optimally through regular maintenance. You can also keep the doors to unused rooms closed to reduce the area you need to heat or cool, and also add an extra blanket, hot water bottle or electric blanket in bed instead of heating your bedroom every night.   

Laundry:

• Washing machines also consume a lot of power. You should only run your washing machine when it has a full load. Furthermore, make a habit of using cold water.
• If possible, avoid using the dryer, and dry your clothes off on a clothesline outside. If you are going to use the dryer, make sure that you wring the clothes properly first.    

Outdoors:

• You can improve the energy efficiency of your home by choosing energy-efficient outdoor lighting. Separate the lighting to make it possible for you to choose the areas you want to light.  

How Can Solar Power Help You Save Energy 

• Installing A Solar Power System: If you live in an area that gets a lot of sunshine, you can install a solar power system and use it to reduce your monthly energy bill. By installing residential solar panels on your property, you will be able to produce your own free renewable energy. What’s more, any excess solar power can be exported to the grid in exchange for credits from your utility company, depending on where you live.  
• Using Solar Heaters: You can reduce your energy consumption and save money by installing a solar hot water system on your property. With a solar water heater, you will be able to heat all the water you need using the sun’s free energy. You can also use solar hot water panels to heat your pool’s water.  In addition to heating water using the sun’s energy, you can also heat your home through passive heating. To heat your home during winter using the sun’s rays, just open the curtains on any windows facing the sun.
• Solar Lighting: Consider replacing some of your home’s lighting – especially outdoor lighting – with solar lighting fixtures. Solar light bulbs are as energy efficient, or even more efficient, than regular light bulbs.  
• Solar Chargers And Power Banks: If you want to power your numerous devices and gadgets without increasing your energy bill, consider using solar chargers and power banks. Since these solar chargers are portable, you can even use them while travelling.  
• Drying Clothes Outside: Using a dryer to dry your clothes not only increases your energy bill but also increases the temperature of your home; thus, making your air conditioner work harder during hot weather. Consider drying your clothes on an outdoor clothesline and save a significant amount of energy as a result.  

Final Thoughts 

With the above tips in mind and in practice, you can be able to increase the energy efficiency of your home, and with it, save a lot of money that would have otherwise been spent on energy bills. 

Save Energy With Solar Power  

If you are looking to reduce your energy bills without giving up the many conveniences of modern life, you should seriously consider going solar. At GCR Electrical, we can show you how.

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.