Low carbon design is more achievable than ever. In every area of the home, there are now tangible solutions for reducing household emissions. There is one solution, however, that goes straight to the source: solar energy. If you can power a home with renewable energy, then you’ve taken a massive step to creating a low-emissions household. 

Why low carbon design?

The modern household is heavily dependent on energy-hungry appliances, cars, heating systems, and technology. In fact, 31% of domestic use emissions are related to energy decisions made by households¹ — a far higher number than most realise. As EECA note in their “Electric Homes” report, “Millions of small decisions across households in Aotearoa add up to form a significant part of our emissions profile.”²

Low carbon design, therefore, offers a tangible way for a household to contribute to New Zealand’s overall carbon emissions. The good news: solar has zero operational emissions³. By choosing solar, homeowners will be able to produce energy for their home without causing any direct greenhouse gas emissions.

While low carbon design is clearly the right choice for the country, it’s also great for clients' monthly energy bills. The cost of energy has dramatically increased in recent years, and there are no signs of this trend changing. By installing solar, clients can quickly become less reliant on the grid, which means they'll also be less reliant on their energy company’s rising prices. Solar, in other words, offers a chance to enjoy a rare “win-win” moment: a win for the environment and a win for savings. 

It's worth noting that exact savings will depend on the household’s current electricity usage and the size of the solar solution being installed, but your local Rheem Solar consultant will be able to quickly assess these factors and provide an estimate of your monthly savings. The upfront cost for installation is also very reasonable and will quickly be offset by your year-on-year cost reductions.

Installing a solar solution

Once you’ve made the decision to install solar, it can be hard to know where to begin. You’ll need panels, inverters, and batteries, as well as the right racking and components. Thankfully, Rheem Solar Solutions make installing solar simple — they provide every component required to power a home and see the project right through to installation.