A World Meteorological Organization report released in May says global warming is happening faster than scientists previously predicted. And the bad news is the odds of the world temporarily reaching average global temperatures, 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, by 2025 are now 90%. The good news is, we’re not powerless against this climate change threat. Indeed, the choices each of us makes today, tomorrow and beyond do and will make all the difference.
But there is something important you should know. The window of opportunity we have to take effective action is narrowing. A 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report found the more countries, businesses and individuals can reduce CO2 emissions before 2030, the more chance we have of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
So what are your options for tackling climate change? And with time and resources limited, which ones make the most sense for you and mother earth?
Go big and go home
In 2020, electricity generation accounted for more than 34% of Australia’s total estimated greenhouse gas production, or carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e). And this makes electricity generation the nation’s single largest source of greenhouse gases harming the planet. We all use electricity in our homes. So the upside is, we can all take action by switching to renewable, planet-friendly power for our electricity. But with so many solar providers and options, how can you know which system is best for you?
Solar energy systems – what are the options?
Having solar panels will reduce your power bills. By how much will hinge on your electricity usage, the size of your household and how many panels you install. If you have a battery, you can start storing the electricity you make but don’t need right away. That ability to store power will help you save more even money on your electricity bills. Adding a battery and smart meter that talks to the grid protects you and your family from blackouts. It also helps stabilise the wider electricity grid from peaks and troughs in demand. But the benefits of home solar batteries extend far beyond saving money and avoiding blackouts. Installing a battery means the solar energy your home generates never goes to waste, and that’s great news for the planet. Without a battery, once the sun goes down, you’re forced to fall back on electricity from harmful coal-fired power stations. This can result in up to 80% of your evening and overnight power needs coming from coal. Storing excess energy you generate during the day and using it after dark frees you from coal and the climate chaos it’s creating without compromising your lifestyle or budget.
Driving your future
Did you know that emissions from cars tend to account for around 9% of Australia’s total annual CO2-e production?1 This is another area where you can make inroads into your carbon footprint by cutting your CO2 emissions. Having a solar panel and battery system at home means that when it’s time to replace your car, you can choose from an array of planet-friendly electric vehicles. So you can tackle climate change on the home front and when you’re out on the road.
Making the move to a brighter, better future
Solar power is a good choice for the planet. And chances are it’s a good choice for you too, especially when it comes to cutting your electricity bills. Navigating which size of system you need can be daunting. So we’ve developed an easy online system that checks your roof letting you find out which system you need in just a few mouse clicks. Understandably, the financial outlay involved in installing solar panels and batteries can be off-putting for many households. That’s why at Plico, we offer solar panels and batteries without the upfront costs. Instead, we provide all the power you need — day and night— at an affordable fixed weekly fee. Plus, you have the comfort of knowing the power you use is generated from renewable solar energy. If you’d like to find out more, call us on 1300 175 426 or request a call from us.
1 Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (April 2021). 2019 National Inventory Report. (n.d.). [online] . Available at: https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/April%202021/document/national-inventory-report-2019-volume-1.pdf
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