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Retail Lighting Sparkle with LED

Traditional lighting using halogens, metal halides and even compact fluorescent globes cause high air-conditioning heat loads, continual globe replacement and high energy costs. In addition many retail outlets look the same. High intensity lighting is often sought to stand out from the crowd, making the problems above worse. Fortunately LED lighting offers the retail industry a win-win situation.

Solid state lighting or light emitting diodes LED has reached a maturity that addresses all of the problems associated with traditional lighting, plus no mercury waste disposal; a problem with compact fluorescent globes (CFL). That will receive more and more adverse publicity). To the retail lighting designer LED lighting offers  more scope to brand an outlet and really make it stand out from the crowd, without resorting to high lumen intensity (now capped by the new building codes).

The nature of LED lighting requires a different approach to lighting design and not just allocating one globe per metre of retail space with a white colour. Incandescent globes and halogens only convert 5-10% of the energy used to light. The rest is heat.  Count the number of halogens, normally 50W each, add a 20W each for the transformer, multiply by the kWhr rate and you’ll know the cost. Then add 20% of your air-conditioning costs (typical estimate) and you will have some idea of the cost of lighting.

LED lighting in contrast converts 95% of its energy to light. Its beam is highly directional; this attribute can be used to focus the light on merchandise you want to feature. The intensity of the light is achieved with low wattage, often between 10-27 watts. In contrast traditional lighting wastes light.

New Dimensions in Contemporary Lighting Design with Low Energy Technologies

Eco Living Centre’s Lighting Design Service combines innovative lighting design solutions with the latest in low energy lighting technologies including LEDs and induction lamps. Alistair Duncan, principal of Eco Living Centre says “modern lighting design employs the science of these environmentally friendly technologies and expresses them with the art of the aesthete. Good lighting design should add dynamism to a building and meet its functional requirements including health and safety.

“Contemporary design in commercial, industrial and residential buildings must meet new environmental and safety standards. Good lighting design not only enhances a building’s efficiency, using low energy lamps we can measure the savings in energy costs for lighting. Add their low heat output with reduced demand on air conditioning and less likelihood of fire; longer bulb life means reduced maintenance costs, and safe disposal as components are not toxic unlike current lighting. “Good lighting design also enhances the safety and well- being of those using the building. We know much more about how the eye works. The idea of lights in the middle of the ceiling or over lit spaces is obsolete.“New lighting technologies such as LEDs and Induction lamps require new approaches and offer more design options as well as many environmental benefits and bottom line savings”. Eco Living Centre is leading the way. Lighting design can help achieve building those important Green Stars for commercial buildings, and in the domestic situation overseas experience shows the more sustainable technologies used in a home the greater its market value.  Just Ask! Eco Living Centre can Advise and Design your lighting and Supply and Install the most advanced lighting technologies. Our One Stop Shop offers the best products and systems to suit all Energy and Water Saving needs for your commercial, industrial, public building or domestic needs.

Make over your kitchen with an energy efficient and stylish lighting system

LED lighting in the kitchen offers better, cleaner looking light to make splash-backs and bench tops sparkle. The use of LED strips ensures an even lumination, and 3W globes have a low fitting profile (less than 2.5mm) that can easily be hidden from view.  Replacing halogen lamps, these LED fittings generate little to no heat yet offer great light output and long life (>50,000 hours). Adding colour is easy for more dramatic effects as LEDs come in warm white, cool white, blue, red and green. The low wattage also achieves significant energy savings without compromising the quality of light.As the cost of energy rises, households are looking to make cheap, easy and long-term changes to their consumption habits. Perhaps one of the best ways to do this is by changing a home’s lighting. LEDs-R-Us specialise in make-over kitchen lighting systems, bringing cost savings and a more modern lighting matrix.

 In contrast to LEDs, pre-existing 35 or 50 watt halogens have been estimated to lose up to 90% of their energy as heat. Clearly this is an enormous waste of energy, as well as a fire and burn hazard for surrounding objects and surfaces. Additionally, the heat generated has the capacity to cause unexpected globe failures; indeed, manufacturers estimate that 50% of halogen globes rated at 2000 hours lifetime will fail beforehand. A noticeable difference between LEDs, halogens and incandescents are the fact that LEDs generate mono-directional light photons, in contrast to the reflected, scattered light that consumers are used to seeing spread around a room. However, the lack of dissipation in LEDs adds a more dramatic approach to kitchen design.

 

Mayors Show How Easy Sustainability Can Be

Sustainability is made easy at the new online ClimateClever Shop. www.climateclevershop.com.au will be officially launched by Mayors Pat Reilly, Ian Cross, Win Gaffney, Genia McCaffery and Susan Hoopman in the ClimateClever Display House at 11am, Wednesday 7 October in Chatswood Mall, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.

An initiative of Willoughby City, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, North Sydney and Hunters Hill Councils, the online ClimateClever Shop will help householders access quality and discounted products in one easy online location.

“The online shop makes becoming sustainable in your home easy,” said Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly.

“It really is a one-stop-shop for residents of the five council areas providing a range of quality environmental products selected by the five councils. Residents can simply visit the one website from the comfort of their own home to compare products and prices,” he said.

“Our councils have done the research for you and selected a range of preferred suppliers of efficient and quality solar photovoltaic systems, solar hot water systems, heat pump systems, rainwater tanks and GreenPower products to save you time, stress and money. A range of options within the five product categories will be available,” said Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Ian Cross.

“The online shop will offer residents of the participating council areas a discount and explain the relevant NSW and Australian Government rebates available. The site is a virtual one-stop-shop of products that will help residents reduce their carbon footprint and save money,” said Lane Cove Mayor, Win Gaffney.

“The suppliers were assessed against a number of criteria including product efficiency and quality, service levels, discounts and financial assistance. Ten fantastic local companies were successful and I’m pleased to say they have now been endorsed by all five councils,” said North Sydney Mayor, Genia McCaffery.

“The online ClimateClever Shop provides residents of the five council areas with a hassle free way to seek information on quality products and services from our suppliers. We are all incredibly excited about the launch of this website that will help our residents make sustainable choices for their homes,” said Hunters Hill Mayor, Susan Hoopman.

For more information visit www.climateclevershop.com.au or phone your local participating council.

Changes to the Federal Government Solar Hot Water Rebate

Media Release from The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP

The Australian Government has opened up its $1,600 solar hot water rebate to people who lost their homes in the Victorian bushfires in February 2009.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the rebate is not usually available for people building new homes, but the Government had made an exception for homes destroyed in the fires.

“This is another leg up to help these communities as they rebuild and it will have long-term environmental benefits as well,” Mr Garrett said.

“Solar hot water can save a family up to $700 on their energy bills and help cut down their impact on climate change – it’s one of the most simple and effective ways to make your home more energy efficient.”

Mr Garrett said the special arrangements target the 2,000 homes estimated to have been destroyed in the February 2009 bushfires, as well as the 1,400 that were left uninhabitable.

The bushfire change is part of adjustments made today to the Australian Government’s solar hot water rebate. From tomorrow, the rebate on heat pump systems will be reduced from $1,600 to $1000. This provides a fairer balance between the gap householders pay for a heat pump or solar hot water system. The $1,600 rebate on solar hot water systems is unchanged.

“Today’s changes will allow even more people to access the Government’s solar hot water rebate, maximising the benefits for households and the environment,” Mr Garrett said.

“Heat pumps are typically a lot cheaper than solar hot water systems, so this change provides a fairer balance between the gap that householders have to pay.

“We’re offering $1000 back on heat pump systems which can start at around $3000, and a $1,600 rebate on solar hot water systems which start at about $4,200.

“We know there will be some people affected by the transition - people who can show they bought their heat pump prior to 5 September 2009 can apply for the higher rebate.”

The special arrangements for Victorian bushfire communities require that households:

• are rebuilding a home they lost in the fires,
• are installing a solar or heat pump hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 renewable energy certificates, and
• are also installing a rainwater tank at the property that meets the criteria for the Victorian five star building standards.

Guidelines will be available from the website at www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency or by calling the hotline on 1800 808 571.

Phase out of greenhouse intensive hot water systems

 What is the problem?

Household greenhouse gas emissions
A residential electric hot water system produces around four tonnes of greenhouse gases each year. That’s 2.5 times more greenhouse gases than other more efficient technologies and the equivalent of running an average sized car for a year.

What is being done?

Switching to low emission hot water systems
To help the 50 per cent of Australian households that have an electric hot water system to reduce their electricity bills and Australia’s greenhouse emissions, the Australian Government has committed to:

                Working with State and Territory Governments to phase-out greenhouse intensive hot water systems commencing in 2010, and

                Offering a rebate of up to $1,600 for eligible households to install solar hot water or heat pump systems.

 What support is available to help me make the switch?
Visit www.environment.gov.au/rebates/ to find out about the $1600 rebate for solar hot water heaters. Further rebates may be available from your state, territory and local government.

How will the phase out work?
During 2010, electric hot water systems will no longer be able to be installed in:

                 • any new detached, terraced and town houses; and

                • any existing detached, terraced and town houses that have access to piped gas, except where an exemption applies.

                During 2012, electric hot water systems will no longer be able to be installed in:

                any existing detached, terraced and town houses; and

                any new flats and apartments with access to piped gas, except where an exemption applies.

 
Who will the program apply to?
The phase out will apply in all States and Territories except where the emissions intensity of the public electricity supply is low (Tasmania).

Who will be exempt from this program?
Exemptions to the program are still under investigation. These decisions will be based on identifying situations where appropriate alternative technologies are not yet available or where there are significant additional costs.
 
What alternatives are available?
Builders of new houses and households replacing an existing hot water system will be able to choose from a range of low emission alternatives to suit their home, climate and budget including:

                Heat pump

                Gas

                Solar (electric or gas boosted)

 If I have access to piped natural gas, am I limited to installing a gas hot water system?
No. You are free to choose the low emission alternative that best suits your home, your climate and your budget.

Will I have to replace my currently working electric hot water system when the program commences?
No. There will be no requirement to replace a working electric hot water system. You will only have to purchase a low emission hot water system when your current one needs to be replaced.

Will I save money on my energy bills?
Yes, depending on the technology you install. A low emission hot water system, could save a family up to $700 on electricity bills each year. The more efficient the system, the greater the savings. 

Are there big greenhouse gas savings to be made?
Yes. Hot water systems account for around 23 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions from the average home. By phasing out the most inefficient systems, this program will save over 30 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over ten years. This is the equivalent of taking more than 750,000 cars off the road every year for ten years.

When will more information be available?
Detailed design of the program is currently underway and more information will be available throughout 2009.

How can I find out more?
Updates will be posted online at: www.environment.gov.au/settlements/energy efficiency/index.html For more suggestions on lowering your energy bills visit: www.yourhome.gov.au Search and compare appliances at: www.energyrating.gov.au

NSW Electricity Bills to Soar by 22 Per Cent

The NSW Government has brought forward a $272 million assistance package originally announced to soften the impact of its $6 billion energy privatization on consumers after a substantial price rise was confirmed yesterday.Metropolitan NSW householders will be paying up to 21.7pc more for electricity from July 1 to pay for maintenance and upgrading of power networks and an increase in wholesale purchase costs. Power bills for customers of Country Energy will be about 18percent more. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal said that, without the price rise, power companies might not invest in new technology.“If electricity costs allowance in insufficient, some retailers may be unwilling to supply customers and incentives to invest in new generation capacity when it is needed may be inadequate,” tribunal chairman Michael Keating said.The price rise includes a national increase in network charges, which the NSW government lobbies against, determine by the federal Australian Energy Regulator this month.IPART called on the government to bring forward its $272 million assistance package, which had been promised as a sweetener for the proposed sell-off of electricity assets. “I and pleased to see that the NSW government has been successful in reducing charges and smoothing out he impact on families and businesses, leading to increases almost 3 percent lower that they would have been otherwise,” Energy Minister Ian Macdonald said. “These price increases will help maintain out energy reliability standards, and prevent mass blackouts, which happen in California, so families and businesses don not have to suffer.”Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird said the government had failed to keep prices down.“After IPART’s draft determination in March this year Energy Minister Ian Macdonald huffed and puffed about eh in crease being too high and promise to amend the prices, “he said.“Well he has failed and once again it is the people of NSW who will be paying the price.”Retailers Energy Australia, Integral Energy and Country Energy will be sold under the government’s rehashed energy privatization plan, with the trading function of generators and hew development site for power stations.It is understood the government favours a structure to allow a new entrant to build a vertically integrated power company from the ground up. The Rees government will release more detail about the structure and timing of the sale after completing a final round of market consultations with potential domestic bidders.AGL and Origin Energy are considered front-runners to buy the assets, although Finance Minister Joe Tripodi has said bidders consulted during a recent overseas trip indicated they were keen to participate. Australian Financial Review Thursday 21 May 2009.

DECC - Hot Water System rebate up take report

The most important consideration when choosing a hot water system is the size. To maximise emission and running cost savings, the system should be large enough to provide hot water to meet the household’s needs. A system that is too big costs more to buy and run and will generate more greenhouse gas emissions. Hot water professionals can advise on the appropriate size of a system for the household. Installing water efficient fixtures, such as showerheads and taps and insulating hot water pipes to prevent heat loss will maximize the efficiency of all hot water systems. Householders switching to electric-boosted solar hot water systems can also save more in running costs by switching to an off-peak tariff, which has the added benefit of reducing peak demand.

Solar hot water systems provide the greatest emission savings and account for 60 per cent of the hot water systems installed in NSW in 2007–2008 with the help of the rebate. Switching from an electric hot water system to a solar hot water system saves an average of 3.0 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year. Switching from electric to a heat pump system saves 2.4 tonnes and switching to gas saves 2.9 tonnes a year. Figure 1 shows the breakdown of hot water system rebate uptake by system type.

AS adapted from Department of Environment and Climate Change Annual Report 2007 - 2008

The Best Solar Deal In Town

The new Federal Government’s increase to the solar hot water rebate to $1600 with no means test, gives all homes with an electric hot water system a real incentive to save and dramatically drop their energy costs. For as little as $1400 a home owner can have the popular 302L Thermosiphon installed and operating in less than a day.

 The rebate, combined with Treasury forecasts of electricity price rises of between 17-24%, means there’s real incentive for householders to become more energy efficient. There hasn’t been a better time to invest in a solar water heater!

“This is heartening news not only for consumers, but also for local industry whose Head Office manufactures close by in Rydalmere, and of course, the environment” says Alistair Duncan the Director of Solahart Lower North Shore, based at the Eco Living Centre, 236 Victoria Road, Gladesville.

As the largest single power user in a home, water heating is also the home’s biggest contributor of household greenhouse gas emissions. Now the householder can increase the value of their home, reduce their power bills and help lower CO2 emissions.

The Federal Government rebates adds to the existing Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) and the NSW State Government rebate. “Overall, it’s a win-win for all. We are happy to give expert advice with a free site inspection to discuss the best option and to answer any queries. There has never been a better time to up-grade to a solar system” says Alistair.

Federal Government Solar Hot Water Rebate increased

As apart of the federal government’s $42 billion stimulus package the Solar Hot Water rebate has been increased to $1600 and removed the means testing.

Effective 3 February 2009 if installing a solar hot water system that replaces an electric storage system you are eligible to recieve this rebate no matter how much your household earns.

There hasn’t been a better time to buy solar hot water. With average rebates around $3700 available per household it makes installing a solar hot water system a very smart investment. A typical system will cost $1500 supplied and installed!

A Solahart system can save 55% -85% of your water heating consumption.* So with this great boost from the federal government and the known rise in energy costs in the near future, installing a solar hot water system is future proofing your home for what is forecast in our future.

Some frequently asked questions as stated on http://www.environment.gov.au/ are as follows

What is the Solar Hot Water Rebate?

The Solar Hot Water Rebate component of the Australian Government’s Energy Efficiency Homes Program provides rebates of $1,600 to eligible applicants to install solar and heat pump hot water systems in existing homes. The new hot water system must replace an electric storage hot water system which are the most greenhouse intensive of household hot water systems and generate the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

The rebate encourages switching to alternative hot water technologies by addressing the up-front cost barriers to climate friendly systems, which also deliver low operating costs for the household.

The rebate is to help households replace existing electric storage hot water systems. Rebates are not available for replacing older solar or gas hot water systems.

There are two more rebates, a Renewable Energy Certificate (worth around $1300, but subject to fluctuations) and a NSW Government rebate of $800, for a typical system.

When can I apply for a rebate?

The Federal Government rebate is offered from 3 February 2009 until 31 March 2012, subject to the availability of funds for solar hot water systems installed from the 3 February 2009. No applications will be accepted after 31 March 2012. Applicants must apply for the rebate within six months of their new solar or heat pump hot water system being installed.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applicants must apply for the rebate within six months (184 days) of installing an eligible system.

Who can apply for the rebate?

Applicants for the rebate must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the system was installed. The application process is simple and straightforward and is completed at the time the new hot water system is being installed. Suppliers and installers of solar hot water systems cannot apply for the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Component on behalf of their customers.

Government Agencies or occupants of public housing are not eligible for this rebate.

How do I claim the solar hot water rebate?

Rebates of $1,600 will be available to home owners that have not already accessed the Insulating Australian Households rebate.

Can I apply for the rebate if I am renting?

Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. An applicant can be the owner or the tenant of the dwelling.

A tenant should not install a system without approval from the owner of the dwelling. The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate.

Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

If my system was installed before the 3 February 2009, can I get the new rebate?

No, unfortunately if your system was installed prior to 3 February 2009, you are only entitled to the rebate that was available at the time (i.e. means tested $1000 rebate).

I installed my system before the 3 February 2009 can I still apply under the $1000 rebate.

Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements (i.e. $100,000 means test). Applications for the previous $1,000 rebate will be accepted until 2 August 2009.

Are rebates available for new homes or those which are rebuilt?

In order to maximise the environmental outcomes of the program, solar hot water systems installed on new houses are not eligible for the rebate. In comparison to existing housing stock, new homes are generally more energy efficient. Some state governments also regulate the energy efficiency of hot water systems installed in new homes. Furthermore, it is more expensive to install energy efficient hot water systems onto existing homes than onto new homes.

Houses that are rebuilt are classed as new houses and therefore are not eligible for the rebate.

The Australian Government provides an incentive to all households to install climate friendly hot water systems in the form of renewable energy certificates (RECs). RECs are assigned by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator as part of the Renewable Energy Target scheme and reflect the deemed value of equivalent renewable energy generation over a ten year period. These certificates are tradable and commonly provide a discount of over $1,000 from the up front cost of the average solar hot water system.

Can I still apply for other State or Territory rebates?

Yes. An application for the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Component will not be affected by any rebates that other governments may offer. For details on other rebates, you will need to follow up with your relevant state or territory authority.

Can I get the rebate for a system I install on my investment property?

Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. There is no requirement that this is the applicant’s principal place of residence. An owner may apply for a rebate on more than one property.

The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate.

Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

Are rebates available for holiday homes?

Rebates are not available for holiday homes. To ensure the largest environmental benefit will be achieved, the rebate program has been designed to replace electric storage hot water systems in principal places of residence.

Is the rebate means tested?

No

How will the payment be made?

Payment is made by electronic funds transfer into the bank account of successful applicants. Applicants must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the solar or heat pump hot water system was installed. The applicant provides a bsb and bank account number and the funds are directly deposited. Bank details will only be used to make the payment. Storage and disposal of bank account and other personal details will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

What is my BSB and bank account number?

A BSB number is a unique 6-digit code that identifies the bank/financial institution and branch where your bank account is held. It can generally be found on your bank statement.

Your bank account number can also be found on your bank statement. Bank account numbers are always nine digits or less. They are not the 16 digit number that appear on your credit/debit card.

It is important that you enter the correct BSB and account numbers, otherwise payment cannot be processed.

If you are still unsure, your bank or financial institution will be able provide you with your bank account and BSB number.

When will my payment be credited to my account?

For successful applicants payment will be credited directly to their Australian bank account within 8 weeks of receiving a completed and eligible application form.

What is a solar retrofit and why isn’t it eligible for the rebate?

Solar water heater retrofit kits are used to add solar panels to existing electric off-peak boosted tanks. Conventional tanks are not designed to be connected to solar collectors so retrofit kits are not as effective as a water heater designed specifically for solar, however, significant savings can still be made.

The Solar Hot Water Rebate Program provides rebates for solar and heat pump hot water systems that replace an existing electric storage hot water system. In order to be eligible for the rebate the solar or heat pump system must be a new and complete hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 renewable energy certificates (RECs).

RECs are assigned by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator as part of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme and reflect the deemed value of equivalent renewable energy generation over a ten year period.

The RET scheme does not allow individual parts of hot water systems to be tested separately because the efficiency of the total system can vary greatly with the effects of different ancillary parts and their installed arrangement (as a result solar water heaters currently eligible for RECs are complete systems). For this reason, a ‘retrofit’ system that is based around a previously installed component is not eligible for RECs and therefore not eligible for the Solar Hot Water Rebate Program.

Why does a licensed installer need to sign my application form?

As part of the application process we require proof that you are replacing an existing electric storage hot water system and have installed a hot water system that is eligible for 20 renewable energy certificates or more. The installer can certify this and can also provide the tank serial number which is not always easy for the applicant to obtain.

* Savings of 55-85% shown are based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modeling.

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Latest Headlines

• Retail Lighting Sparkle with LED
• New Dimensions in Contemporary Lighting Design with Low Energy Technologies
• Make over your kitchen with an energy efficient and stylish lighting system
• How to Best Achieve New Water and Energy Targets For Your Client
• The Solar Hot Water Rebate continues
• 422
• Mayors Show How Easy Sustainability Can Be
• Changes to the Federal Government Solar Hot Water Rebate
• Phase out of greenhouse intensive hot water systems
• NSW Electricity Bills to Soar by 22 Per Cent

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