Renewable sources of energy include solar, wind, water, biomass, wood, waste, geothermal, wind, photovoltaic, and solar thermal energy. Non renewable energy sources include coal, oil and natural gas.

How does renewable energy work?

One example is solar power:

The heat from the sun can be used to heat water or air for residential, commercial and industrial use. Sunlight can also provide heating or be converted to electricity using photovoltaic (solar electric) panels. This electricity can be used to operate a multitude of electrical appliances. The sun’s energy (light, heat, ultraviolet) can also be converted into heat using solar thermal (heating) panels.

Wind and flowing water can also be used to generate electricity. The energy from the wind can be harnessed by wind turbines and windmills to generate electricity and also to pump water.

Why is renewable energy important?

Energy is a basic input into virtually every aspect of personal and business activity. Energy, in some form, is involved in most household activities, such as heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, transport or enjoying services or products that require energy in their supply.

Firms also use energy in virtually all of their activities, whether it is processing and manufacturing materials, transporting goods, heating and cooling premises, providing telecommunication services or powering computers. As a result, energy is a fundamental part of life in Australia and the energy sector is an essential component of the Australian Economy.

What are the benefits of using renewable energy?

One of the greatest benefits of renewable energy is its potential to provide affordable and clean sources of electricity. Additionally, there are reduced costs through resource savings, increased revenue through eco-efficiencies, and reduced risks and finance costs. Renewable energy also minimizes pollution and positively impacts the environment in many ways, thus companies who choose to use renewable energy enhance their reputational capital and hence are considered to be socially responsible corporate citizens.

Essential benefits that renewable energy has to offer:

• Renewables are sustainable energy resources which means that they avoid the depletion of natural resources for future generations
• Renewables avoid and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, sulfur oxide emissions as well as carbon dioxide emissions
• Limits the adverse effect of high and fluctuating natural gas prices
• Reduces dependence on foreign oil sources and nuclear energy
• Renewables can avoid and reduce these air emissions as well as water consumption, thermal pollution, waste, noise and adverse land-use impacts
• Most conventional emission-abatement measures in all sectors impose costs with no offsetting savings; renewables, on the other hand, produce fuel savings over their operating lives that cover some or all of their initial costs
• Improves air quality and visibility due to decreased burning of fossil fuels which avoids compliance costs
• These environmental benefits can reduce the cost of complying with future environmental regulation and organizations can strategically benefit from a first-mover advantage or a “beyond-compliance” positioning in regards to competition
• Organizations using renewable energy can reduce risks which means avoiding a PR crisis and any costly “damage control” issues that come with it
• Renewable energy provides a new avenue for rural economic development, increases the tax base, insures against rising or variable fuel costs, decreases dependence on foreign energy sources
• Renewable energy generation projects create vibrant new industries in local communities, frequently in rural areas where the economy has not been thriving and therefore make contributions to society as a whole

The production and use of energy comes with a major environmental challenge. Energy is the largest single contributor to global emissions of greenhouse gases. Transport emissions are a significant source of urban air pollution. Energy projects can affect Australia’s air and water quality, biodiversity, noise levels and heritage, and must be sensitively managed. New technologies such as renewable energy meet these challenges.

Demands for energy in Australia is projected to increase by 50 per cent by 2020, and the energy industry has estimated that at least $37 billion in energy investments will be required by 2020 to meet the nation’s energy needs. Meeting this increased demand for energy, while moving to a low-emissions future, is a key challenge facing Australia’s future growth and living standards.

Developing Australia’s abundant low-cost energy resources is a key to our future prosperity. Australia is the world’s fourth largest producer, and largest exporter, of coal. We supply 8 per cent of the world trade for liquefied natural gas, and possess 40 per cent of the world’s low-cost uranium reserves.

Our known oil reserves are significant, but are projected to decline in the absence of new discoveries. Australia has significant wind and solar resources, and limited large hydro resources. Investment that was committed to energy projects under development in Australia totaled $11.1 billion at April 2004 and a further $38.8 billion in investment is under consideration (ABARE 2004).

Renewable energy is an essential part of Australia’s low emissions energy mix and is important to Australia’s energy security. It plays a strong role in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and helping Australia stay on track to meet its Kyoto target and beyond. Australian Government support for renewable energy assists industry development, reduces barriers to the national electricity market, and provides community access to renewable energy.

However, with the abundance of choices and schemes in place to incorporate renewable energy technologies into your home, the renewable energy landscape is fast becoming a complex arena.

What technology is really going to give you the best return on your investment both in the short and long term?

The quick answer is every property is different. It depends on when and how you use your energy. The best way to find out is to engage a specialist energy auditor who can provide you with a detailed assessment of your property and provide recommendations that will have an immediate impact.

Who can I contact for the detailed audit?

A Laser Electrician is the best person to perform your energy audit assessment as every Laser Electrician has been trained to provide specific energy efficient solutions as a holistic approach. Simply visit use the search option to locate your nearest Laser Technician.

I’m interested in solar panels, how do they work?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate clean electricity by converting the energy in sunlight into energy you can use in your home. The solar PV panels are generally fitted on the roof in a northerly direction at an angle to maximise the amount of sunlight that hits the panels. From there, electricity is captured by heavy duty wires and fed back into a box called an inverter which transforms the energy into a format that is usable in the home.

So are solar panels the best choice for me?

Solar panels can save you money in one of two ways. They can help to reduce your energy usage which will equate to a reduction in your powerbill, or they can produce excess electricity (Renewable Energy Credits) which you can feed back in the electricity grid for a tariff. Remember every state has a different system in place for feed-in tariffs.

Aside from your builder, an electrician will also be employed for home renovation work. Laser Electricians deliver the highest levels of quality, electrical safety, integrity, and energy advice. You can count on a Laser Electrician to be dependable, safe, honest, and informed, and to perform work that exceeds your expectations. All Laser Electricians are fully licensed.

Below is a list of steps that you, as a home renovator, should follow to ensure that your renovations are safe and meet all the legal requirements.

1. Any electrical renovations done must meet current Australian Standards. All electrical work must meet or exceed Australian Standard 3000:2007 (Wiring Rules) which came into effect in June of 2008.

2. All electrical contractors need to be licensed and carry a minimum of $5 million Public Liability. To check if your contractor is licensed, enter their company name here and follow the prompts.

3. There are a number of legal requirements that must be followed when designing rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas with pools and spas. These rooms have a number of zones that, due to electricity and water not mixing, limit the types of devices that may be installed. It is better to be proactive and have an electrician help with your design to ensure it complies with legislation.

4. There is a large range of energy efficient items that can be incorporated into your home that will help you to conserve energy and save you money. Look for low voltage fittings, compact fluorescent lamps and water saving devices

Here are 10 great ways to start:

1. Keep control of your heating & cooling

By simply reducing the heating temperatures in your business or home by one degree in winter can cut your heating bill by up to 8%. If possible, open up the blinds or curtains on a sunny day and turn the heater off. In warmer months, setting your air conditioner’s temperature just one degree higher than usual can reduce the power it uses by up to 10%. Positioning thermostats away from draughts and direct sunlight ensures they are accurate.

2. Avoid wastage

You can save up to 75% of total heat loss by closing doors to colder rooms on cooler days, and closing doors to warmer rooms on hotter days. Fitting draught excluders and making sure your premises are well insulated can be very cost effective. Keeping doors and windows closed when heating or air conditioning is running will also save on costs.

3. Minimise artificial lighting & replace existing lighting with a more efficient option

By having the windows and skylights clean, you can cut the amount you spend on lighting. If you are working in one part of a room, isolate the lights to that area only. Label switches so your staff or household only turn on the lights they need, and turn them off completely at the end of the day. You could also consider installing presence and daylight sensors to turn the lights on and off automatically. Switch your existing lighting to a more efficient lighting system – there are plenty of options available, and the annual savings are considerable.

4. Use energy saving features

Most electronic equipment such as computers, printers and photocopiers have energy saving capabilities. Train your staff and teach your household on how to use these features.

5. Switch off equipment when not in use

A single computer and monitor left on 24 hours a day can cost over $200 a year. Switching it off after hours or when not required will conserve energy and reduce your energy bill. For businesses you could also fit seven-day timers to ensure equipment like printers and photocopiers are turned off overnight and on weekends. Energy star computers with a sleep mode consume up to 80% less energy than conventional computers, with laptops up to 90%. Setting PCs to go into sleep mode when not in use can save up to 70% of the energy they consume when in full power mode.

6. Make sure your equipment & systems are well maintained

A properly maintained heating and cooling system should work more efficiently than one that is not maintained. This should save energy and running costs.

7. Out with the old…update your heating and cooling systems

If your old air conditioner or heater is not working at maximum efficiency, it could cost you money and use a lot of unnecessary power. By replacing air conditioners and heaters that are more than 10 years old, you can save up to 40% of your annual heating and cooling energy costs.

8. Invest well

When purchasing PCs, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers, consider ENERGY STAR© models that power down after a user-specified period of inactivity. If appropriate, use inkjet printers – they consume 90% less energy than laser printers. Purchase appropriately sized copiers for your business or household needs. Look for the energy rating label when purchasing new appliances and equipment – the more stars the better.

9. Get everyone involved in the effort to save power

Create an energy efficient culture. Saving energy will require your employees or household members to take on some of the responsibility, so make sure to consult them before changing your practises, and ensure everyone is on board in the effort to reduce power usage.

10. Take advantage of grants & assistance in your State

Access grants and other funding programs for energy efficient projects at www.business.gov.au/grantfinder.

Visit the following websites for more tips and information on how your business can reduce power usage:

• Australian Capital Territory – Energy
• New South Wales – Save Power
• Northern Territory – Tips for a Sustainable Office
• Queensland – Tips for saving energy in your business
• South Australia- Reducing business water, waste and energy costs
• Tasmania – Business tips and tools
• Victoria – 10 Tips to reduce your energy bills
• Western Australia – Small business, big impact

This information brought to you by business.gov.au.

Unlicensed persons who do undertake electrical work can be prosecuted in the courts and incur substantial fines. In addition, home owners with illegal wiring may find that they are not covered by their home building insurance policy in the event of a fire which can be traced to the illegal wiring as the cause of the fire.

When you hire an electrician, ask to see their licence – it is your guarantee that you are working with someone who knows what they are doing and gives you avenues for recourse if something goes wrong.

Licensed electricians who carry out work at your premises must provide you with a certificate of compliance – the regulations regarding what type of certificate must be provided vary from state-to-state, so check your local authority for details.

Always use a licensed, Laser electrical contractor and protect yourself, your family and your property from the risks.