Every so often, something happens to a civilisation which brings everlasting change to how we live.
It can be something like the enormity of the Second World War, or it can be a transformative invention like the internet.
Today, we are living through one of those watershed moments with the Covid-19 pandemic, a virus that has altered the lives of everyone and how people behave on a global scale.
One of the things this virus has highlighted is a greater interest in becoming self-reliant when it comes to electricity needs.
Many people are now wondering how to generate their own electricity at home in case something like this happens again in the future.
Covid-19
The Coronavirus originated in China and spread across the world within a few months.
Europe was the first to fall, with Italy being the first country to introduce compulsory lockdown for its citizens.
The rest of the continent followed in the coming weeks, then as the virus spread globally, Australia eventually ordered everyone to stay indoors.
The effect on the global economy has been devastating, with the true results not yet known.
The Australian economy has been hit particularly hard, with a massive 70% of businesses in the hospitality sector having to reduce the hours of their staff to almost half and having to terminate employees or place them on unpaid leave.
Even though the virus seems to have peaked here around the end of March, there is still a long way to go before things pick up and people can start to relax again.
A sudden wake-up call
The sudden devastating impact on normal life has left many wondering about their home situation, especially when it comes to their energy needs.
The ridiculous panic-buying we saw at the start of the pandemic is a great indicator of just how quickly things can go wrong, and that was before the virus even arrived on Australian shores!
What would happen if there was a disaster on a larger scale than Covid-19?
How would you fare if the lights went out?
What would you do if you had no electricity coming from the grid?
Could you cope?
Or are you already picturing a Mad Max type dystopia with leather-clad bikers?
Becoming self-reliant with your energy needs is more common here in Australia than anywhere else in the world, and the reason is simple; the sun.
We receive more solar energy per square metre than any other continent, and considering that the sun provides enough energy in one hour than the entire world consumes in a year, we’re sitting on an untapped gold mine.
Millions of Australians have made the switch to solar power and creating their own electricity at home are now reaping the rewards, but there are still many who are paying extortionate rates from the power companies.
That’s changing now as the pandemic has made people realise they have no control over what happens in the outside world, and have no say in whether power stations keep generating power.
Generating your own electricity at home
What people do have a say in, is their own power generation.
More than 2 million of the nation’s 13 million homes are fitted with panels (one-in-five), with South Australia boasting the highest percentage with one-in-three homes having a solar system installed.
That means a third of South Australian homeowners don’t have to worry about the power grid failing, or a natural disaster knocking out a nearby substation. If there’s another major pandemic and the economy collapses, then the lights can still stay on in these houses.
What you need to be self-reliant in energy
For the perfect home solar system, you need three things: solar panels, an inverter, and a battery.
Solar panels collect the sun’s energy, converting it into electricity.
The inverter takes that raw, DC electricity and adapts it into useable AC current.
A battery stores any electricity you don’t use and keeps it for when you need it.
This trifecta of equipment, when chosen and installed correctly, all work together at peak performance helping you to become self-reliant for your energy needs.
How we can help
When it comes to photovoltaic systems and generating your own electricity at home, there’s no one better to help with advice and installation – than us.
A home solar system isn’t just one thing you buy and plug in. It’s a complicated arrangement, designed to fit you and your family’s needs directly.
Solar panels for example, come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Some are more efficient than others, but that might not be the biggest factor when buying.
From the right type of solar panels, inverters, and battery storage, through to the power and cost of the entire system, everything is tailored to you and your unique needs.
We offer a range of exceptional solar products, helping you become less dependent on the grid and the ever-increasing costs of the power companies.
One thing is for sure during this pandemic; those people who were in control of their own electricity supply slept a lot easier than those who weren’t.
Protect your family today by installing a home solar system, futureproofing your home against the unexpected.
Contact us today if you would like to know more about how solar panels work, how much they cost, or how quickly we can have them installed for you.
Bright Earth Solar offers a range of exceptional solar products, helping you save money while doing your bit to save the planet. We keep you up to date with new technology, innovation and trends in renewable energy.