About Solar Power

Inefficient Lighting Ban
On 20 February 2007, former Australian Minister for the Environment and Water Resources the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP announced action to phase out inefficient light bulbs by 2009 – 2010.  As of November 2009, due to these government regulations you’ll no longer be able to purchase standard incandescent globes.

Minister Turnbull stated that the step should reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes per year by 2012. This is the equivalent to taking 1 million cars off the road or planting 4 million trees.

Australia’s annual greenhouse emissions in 2004 totalled 564.7 million tonnes.

According to the Australian government, lighting is responsible for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions; household lighting is responsible for 12% of the total greenhouse emissions and commercial lighting such as public and street lighting 25%.

Lighting costs the community over $2 billion in electricity each year and it is predicted that converting to low energy lighting will save Australians 66% off their household lighting bills, or $1.3 billion per year.

Low Energy Lighting
Low energy or energy saving lighting is about reducing the wattage used in a light fitting while maintaining similar light output. By using energy saving lighting you can generate huge savings on your electricity bills, and contribute towards building a better environment.

Low energy lighting alternatives such as CFLs cost more to purchase, however the investment is outweighed by the fact that they use only 20% of the electricity consumed by a standard incandescent light globe. This produces significant savings on your power bills.