About Solar Energy
The sun is our biggest source of energy. And unlike many other forms of energy, such as coal or oil, it is 100% renewable. Solar power and solar hot water use this natural source of energy to provide green electricity and hot water for homes and businesses.
Solar Power
Solar panels – also called solar PV or photovoltaic panels – convert sunlight into electricity. They can be placed on your roof, on an adjacent building or mounted to frames on the ground to gain the greatest benefit from the northern sun. It doesn't have to be warm for your system to work most efficiently as they rely on prolonged sunlight, not heat, to generate electricity.
When power is being generated by the solar panels, the inverter converts the DC electricity made by the solar modules into 240V AC electricity, which can be used normally in your home.
Your system will feed any excess electricity generated back to the grid via a bi-directional meter (known as a "smart meter"). Your electricity provider will then meter this excess electricity generated and any credit gained will be recorded on your bill.
Solar Hot Water
Nu Energy’s solar hot water systems work by using the sun to heat water before it enters your gas or electric hot water storage. You can heat it further if necessary with your gas or electricity booster but you’ll use far less energy as the water is already warm or hot.
It’s a great move to make both financially and environmentally, as heating water is the biggest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the average Australian home, accounting for around 40% of household energy consumption. It’s one reason why the Australian Federal and state governments are phasing out electric hot water systems in favour of more eco-friendly systems. In fact, by 2012, it will no longer be possible to install electric hot water systems in new Australian homes.
With Nu Energy, you can make your home eco-friendly now. By installing one of our efficient, green hot water system a family of four can cut their annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to four tonnes – the same as taking a small car off the road!
