Australians deserve comfortable, healthy, and cost-effective homes. Improving the efficiency of homes and the energy efficiency of home appliances will significantly reduce the energy required by homes, simultaneously lowering home energy bills and carbon emissions.
Consequently, more Aussies are opting for energy-efficient home renovations. But can energy-efficient home renovations boost home value in Australia?
Yes! Of course. In fact, it is one of the significant benefits of energy-efficient home renovations. So, without any delay, let’s get into the topic.
Understanding Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same things. It’s like finding ways to get more out of what you use. For example, using a light bulb that gives off the same amount of light but uses less electricity is energy efficient.
It’s about being smart with using energy to save money and help the environment. When we use energy efficiently, we waste less, which is good for everyone. So, energy efficiency is all about finding ways to do things using less energy.
What is Energy-efficient Home Renovations or Home Designs?
An energy-efficient home design is a way of building or renovating a house to use less energy but still stay comfortable. This type of design includes features like better insulation, high-quality windows and doors, and energy-efficient appliances.
These features help keep the inside temperature stable without too much heating or cooling. Also, energy-efficient homes often use renewable energy sources like solar panels to generate electricity, which helps reduce the overall energy consumption of the house.
So, an energy-efficient home design saves money on energy bills and helps protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy-efficient home renovations are changes you make to your house to make it use less energy.
Energy-efficient renovations can also involve installing energy-saving appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and light bulbs.
Overall, energy-efficient home renovations are about making your home more comfortable while using less energy, which is good for your wallet and the environment.
Key Features of Energy-efficient Homes
Energy-efficient homes follow several key principles to minimize energy consumption and maximize comfort:
Effective Insulation: Proper insulation in walls, floors, and attics helps keep the indoor temperature stable, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
High-Quality Windows and Doors: Energy-efficient windows and doors are designed to prevent heat transfer, keeping warm air inside during winter and outside during summer.
Air Sealing: Sealing gaps and cracks in the building envelope prevents air leaks, reducing energy waste and improving indoor air quality.
Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems: Installing energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems helps maintain comfortable temperatures while consuming less energy.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Choosing appliances with high energy efficiency ratings lowers electricity consumption for everyday tasks like cooking, laundry, and refrigeration.
Natural Lighting: Maximizing natural light through well-placed windows and skylights reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, saving energy.
Energy-Efficient Lighting: LED light bulbs consume less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Renewable Energy Sources: Integrating renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or wind turbines reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers overall energy costs.
Water Efficiency: Installing water-efficient fixtures like low-flow faucets and shower heads reduces water usage, saving energy required for water heating.
Smart Home Technology: Implementing smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and energy monitoring systems helps optimize energy usage and identify areas for improvement in real time.
Benefits of Building and Renovating Energy-efficient Home
Lower Energy Bills:
Energy-efficient homes use less electricity and gas for essential functions like heating, cooling, and lighting. This translates to tangible savings on utility bills over time, as you consume less energy for everyday living.
By adopting energy-saving technologies and practices, you’re reducing expenses and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Increased Comfort:
One of the significant advantages of energy-efficient homes is the enhanced comfort they provide. These homes maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year through proper insulation and air-sealing techniques.
You’ll experience fewer drafts and cold spots, ensuring a cozy living environment regardless of the weather outside.
Better Indoor Air Quality:
Energy-efficient homes often incorporate advanced ventilation systems to filter pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
These systems help remove dust, allergens, and other harmful particles, creating a healthier living space for you and your family. Breathing cleaner air can lead to fewer respiratory issues and overall improved well-being.
Reduced Environmental Impact:
By using less energy, energy-efficient homes contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Every kilowatt-hour of electricity saved means less reliance on fossil fuels, which helps preserve natural resources and protect the environment for future generations. By lowering your carbon footprint, you’re playing a part in creating a more sustainable world.
Boost Home Value:
Energy-efficient homes are increasingly sought after in the real estate market due to their numerous benefits. They tend to command higher resale values than traditional houses, making them a valuable investment for homeowners.
Whether you decide to sell in the future, the increased demand for energy-efficient properties adds long-term value to your home.
Government Incentives:
Many governments incentivize energy-efficient home construction or renovation through tax credits, rebates, or grants.
These incentives help offset the initial costs associated with implementing energy-saving features, making it more affordable for homeowners to invest in sustainable upgrades.
These programs can enhance the financial benefits of building or renovating an energy-efficient home.
Long-Term Savings:
While the upfront cost of building or renovating an energy-efficient home may be higher than conventional methods, the long-term savings on energy bills often outweigh this initial investment.
Over time, you’ll continue to enjoy reduced utility expenses, leading to significant savings throughout the life of your home. Energy-efficient homes typically require less maintenance and upkeep, further contributing to long-term financial benefits.
Enhanced Durability:
Energy-efficient construction methods and materials improve the home’s energy performance and enhance its durability and resilience.
Using high-quality building materials and incorporating efficient design practices, energy-efficient homes are better equipped to withstand environmental factors and natural wear and tear over time.
This results in reduced maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for your home, ensuring continued savings and satisfaction for years to come.
Overall, building or renovating an energy-efficient home offers many benefits, including financial savings, enhanced comfort, improved indoor air quality, and environmental sustainability.
How Do Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Boost Home Value in Australia?
Making your home more eco-friendly is good for the environment and can make your property more valuable while helping you save money. Homes that use energy efficiently do well in the housing market.
In this competitive market where prices are increasing, people looking to buy homes are looking for eco-friendly features to save money in the future.
Energy-efficient homes catch the attention of more buyers, stay on the market for less time, and sell for about $125,000 (or 17.1%) more than homes without sustainable features.
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rates homes from 0 to 10 stars to show their energy efficiency. Homes with more stars are considered attractive and can make it easier to sell your home, increasing its overall value.
With the rising cost of living, buyers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly features for both the environmental benefits and the savings on home expenses.
Here are some energy-efficient home renovation upgrades that will boost your home value:
Insulation, Sealing, and Glazing:
Keeping your home warm or cool can use a lot of energy. Good insulation helps stop heat or cold from escaping, making your home more energy-efficient.
It means you won’t have to use your air conditioner or heater as much, saving you money. Sealing up gaps and using double-glazed windows also help keep the temperature steady inside your home.
Solar Energy Integration:
Water heaters/Heat Pumps:
Installing a smart heat pump can help you save money on your water bill by using rainwater instead of relying solely on the local water supply.
This is especially useful if you have a big garden or live in an area prone to droughts. Some places offer rebates for installing water tanks, and in some areas like Queensland and Victoria, it’s even required to meet water efficiency targets.
Refinancing for Sustainable Home Improvements:
Eco-friendly upgrades are good for the environment and your wallet, but they can require some money upfront.
One way to pay for these upgrades is by refinancing your home loan. Refinancing means getting a new loan to replace your old one, often with better terms like lower interest rates.
This can help you finance your eco-friendly improvements and start saving money in the long run.
Efficient Appliance Upgrades
Upgrading to efficient appliances can increase home value by making the property more attractive to potential buyers and reducing long-term operating costs.
Efficient appliances, such as energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines, and HVAC systems, consume less energy and offer improved performance and durability.
Potential buyers are often drawn to homes with modern, energy-saving features, seeing them as desirable and a sign of a well-maintained property.
Additionally, the prospect of lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact adds to the appeal, potentially boosting the home’s perceived value in buyers’ eyes.
Investing in efficient appliances can enhance a home’s overall value and marketability while providing ongoing benefits to homeowners and future occupants.
Contact Cyanergy for all kinds of renewable energy and energy-efficient products. Get a free solar quote now!
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The post Can Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Boost Home Value In Australia? appeared first on Cyanergy.
Can Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Boost Home Value In Australia?
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:
“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.
“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.
“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”
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ABOUT ACORE
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org
The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.
https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.
Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!
These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.
Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.
But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?
Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.
In this blog post:
Why You Need Battery Storage Now?
According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.
Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.
Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.
Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.
Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.
Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.
What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?
Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.
Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!
The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.
A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.
Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:
- Energy Independence
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.
Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.
Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?
Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.
Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.
These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.
Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.
Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.
Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.
So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:
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Your Daily Energy Usage
Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.
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Your Solar System Output
How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.
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Your Nighttime Power Usage
A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.
However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.
These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.
Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.
So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage
- Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.
- You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
- In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
- Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
- During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.
- Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.
Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:
- Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.
- Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.
Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage
- One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.
- Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
- Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.
- While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.
- Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.
Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!
You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.
First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.
A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.
Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.
Takeaway Thoughts
Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.
With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.
By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.
Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
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