Published

1 year ago

May 3, 2024

Alice Rush

Energy savings involve lower bills and increased energy efficiency. To optimize your home, you must first understand its efficiency.

This comprehensive guide will explain how to conduct a home energy audit, including what to look for, what equipment is required, and what professional services are available.

An energy audit can help you improve the efficiency of your home. You’ll identify which appliances to upgrade, save money on your energy bills, and make your home more comfortable to live in.

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

What’s a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a thorough check-up of your home’s energy use. It shows you where you can fix things to use less energy and spend less money.

It means examining different parts of your house, such as the stuff that keeps it warm and your devices, to see how well they use energy.

Getting ready for the audit: Before you start the audit, collect your old energy bills to see how much energy you usually use. This will help you see how much better you do after making changes.

Learn About Your Energy Usage

Check how much energy your home uses in kilowatts per hour and compare it to other homes around you.

If your bill shows you’re using a lot more energy than what’s typical for your area, especially by more than 10 kWh every day, it means you should really look into how your home uses energy. You can see what’s typical for your area.

Find Out Devices That Use Most Energy

Some everyday items that use a lot of electricity are outdated fridges, pool pumps, and heat pumps.

If you don’t have an energy meter to show your energy use, try switching off everything but the one device you’re testing and watching your energy meter. If the meter spins quickly, that device uses a lot of energy.

You can also work out how much electricity something uses by taking its wattage (usually on the bottom of it), multiplying by how long you use it each day, and then dividing by 1000 to get daily KWh.

Then, see how much it costs you each day by multiplying by the price you pay for each kWh from your bill.

Replace Old Appliances With Energy Efficient Ones

That old extra fridge might be costing you a lot of energy. New devices might use less power, so even though they cost money, you’ll save on your energy bills later on.

Look for ones with the best Energy Star Ratings, but remember, different items are rated based on different things they do. You can figure out how much it might cost to run new appliances online.

Focus On LED Lighting

Change out old lights for LED lights that use less energy. Also, try not to use downlights, as they can let warm air escape from your room.

Instead of heating or cooling your whole house, choose systems that can change the temperature in just the room you’re using.

Focus On LED Lighting

Change out old lights for LED lights that use less energy. Also, try not to use downlights, as they can let warm air escape from your room.

Instead of heating or cooling your whole house, choose systems that can change the temperature in just the room you’re using.

Put in Good Insulation and Air Control

If your insulation isn’t excellent, you’ll have to run your heater or AC longer. Find out if you have the proper insulation for your area.

Look Out for Leaks:

The first thing you can fix in your house is drafts—like cracks where the floor meets the walls or where the walls meet the ceiling. Check outside, too, where different materials are put together in your house.

Remember to check your windows, doors, lights, pipes, switches, and power outlets for any gaps that let air through.

Test for Air Leaks:

To really know where air is escaping, use a particular test called a Blower Door Test. It tells you exactly where your house is not sealed right so you can fix those spots. Even though it’s not perfect, you can do a simple test yourself to find leaks:

Wait for a chilly, breezy day.
Turn off anything that burns fuel (like heaters or water heaters).
Close all your windows, doors, and fireplace openings.
Turn on fans that blow the air outside, or use a big fan to pull air out of your rooms.
Light a stick that smokes and hold it near places where air might leak. If the smoke moves weirdly or gets blown or sucked in, you’ve got a draft. You can also use your wet hand to feel for cold drafts.

If you don’t want to turn off your fuel appliances, you can perform the test using your fans.

Other ways to find leaks:

At night, shine a flashlight over possible cracks while someone looks from outside. Big cracks will show as light beams. This only works well for tiny gaps.
Close a door or window on a strip of paper or money. If you can pull it out quickly, the air is probably leaking, and that’s wasting energy.

Heaters and Air Conditioners:

Check how old your heating and cooling system is. Older ones might not work as well, and they can leak air. Think about how you set your thermostat—more minor shifts are better for saving money.

Appliances:

Find out how old your big machines, such as your refrigerator and laundry machine, are and check how much power they have.

What are Some Energy-hungry Areas in Your Home?

Some common examples of energy-guzzling appliances that may be contributing to high electricity usage in a home are:

Old refrigerators: Older fridge models are often less energy-efficient than newer ones.

Clothes dryers: Tumble dryers, especially older models, use a significant amount of energy to dry clothes.

Air conditioners: Inefficient or old air conditioning units can consume a lot of energy, mainly when used frequently or for cooling large spaces.

Space heaters: Portable electric heaters can use a lot of power, mainly if they’re used as the primary heat source in a home.

Pool pumps: Pool pumps that circulate and filter water continuously can be significant energy consumers.

Water heaters: Traditional tank-based water heaters keep water hot 24/7, which can add to your electricity bill.

Ovens and stoves: Older electric ovens and stovetops can be inefficient and use a lot of energy during cooking.

It’s important to note that the actual energy consumption for each appliance will vary based on usage patterns, the model’s efficiency, and other factors.

Process of Individual Audits

Cooling

In Australia, using air conditioning takes up a considerable amount of our power bill—about 40%—so we have to stay cool wisely.

Step 1: Pick the right temperature: Is your aircon set to 25-27 degrees Celsius? If you go just 1 degree colder, you could use up to 5-10% more energy.

Remember, different territories have different weather conditions in different places. The Red Centre can swing from hot to cold, while the Tropical North has a rainy season and a dry season.

Depending on where you are, you might need to change how warm or cool you set your aircon, especially during winter.

Step 2: Clean out the dirt: Remember to clean your air conditioner’s filters regularly. This helps it run smoothly without having to work too hard.

Step 3: Fix any leaks: Leaks or blockages can make your air conditioner less efficient, and constant use can wear it out. When was the last time you had it checked? It’s good to have a professional look at it once a year to keep it in tip-top shape.

Step 4: Keep the heat out: To prevent too much heat from getting inside, consider getting curtains with a white lining that blocks light for your oversized windows.

Appliances

In some households, gadgets like fridges and washing machines can use up to 30% of all the energy the house needs.

Step 1: Keep track: Pay attention to which gadgets you use most often.

Step 2: Switch off: Look around. If you’re not using something, is it turned off at the wall? Get used to flipping the wall switch to off after you use something, rather than leaving it on all the time or in ‘standby’ mode.

Step 3: Dry in the sun: The Northern Territory’s sunshine is ideal for drying clothes. To save energy, hang laundry outside instead of tossing it in the dryer.

Step 4: Full loads only: Be smart about how you use your washing machine and dishwasher. Take your time running them when they’re not complete. Wait until you can fill them up to start a cycle. Doing fewer loads means using less energy and water.

Hot Water

Using a hot water heat pump uses up about 23% of your home’s energy, so it’s essential to think about that when you’re trying to use less energy.

Step 1: Hot Water Temperature: What temperature is your hot water at? It’s best to keep it between 60 °C and 65 °C.

Step 2: Short Showers: Try to take quicker showers to save water and the energy needed to heat it. Try to keep it under 4 minutes.

Step 3: Stop Leaks: If you have taps that drip, get them fixed.

Step 4: Old Water Heaters: If your water heater is old, think about getting a new one, like one powered by solar energy or one with a 5-star energy rating.

Step 5: Efficient Shower heads: Swap your shower head for one with a 3-star rating or higher.

Refrigeration

When the weather’s warm, some appliances, especially fridges, have to work extra hard and end up using more electricity.

Step 1: Seals Check: Check the seals on your fridge to keep the cold in and the heat out. TIP: Close the fridge door on a piece of paper. If the paper slides out quickly, you might need new seals.

Step 2: Right Temperature: Set your fridge temperature between 3 °C and 5 °C.

Step 3: Space for Air: Make sure there’s room behind your fridge so air can move around.

Step 4: Second Fridge: Think about how often you use your second fridge. If it’s not frequent, you might not need it.

Lighting

Lighting your home accounts for approximately 6% of your total energy usage. Turning on lights and then forgetting to turn them off can cost you money.

Step 1: Replace traditional light bulbs with fluorescent or LED lights.

Step 2: Work with a licensed electrician to remove any unnecessary light fittings around your home.

Step 3: Use sensors and timers, particularly for outdoor lighting.

For a better energy audit, contact Cyanergy or talk to an expert!

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post How To Conduct A Home Energy Audit appeared first on Cyanergy.

How To Conduct A Home Energy Audit

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

5 days ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

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.”

###

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/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

5 days ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

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

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.

Maximized Savings

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.

Better Return on Investment ROI

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.

Lower Carbon Footprint

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.

Peace of Mind

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:

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.

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.

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?

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

6 days ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.