The list of gadgets to install in your home has become so extensive that the term smart home has become a mainstream concept. Automation and streamlined technology have taken over as the way of the future for the operation of our homes. There’s no doubt that smart home technology is convenient, innovative and extremely cool, but do these technologies have the potential to make a difference to our carbon footprint and our bank account?
The answer is, absolutely. Smart homes cover a broad category made up of sophisticated systems and products that make the processes in our homes more efficient. From Wifi thermometers to automated appliances and air conditioning systems, smart homes devices often have a close link to energy efficiency.
Energy costs are soaring in Australia, and there has never been a more pressing time for Australian consumers to look for innovation to help them save energy and save money. Along with the growing adoption of renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power, energy consumers are finding solutions in smart home technology to better monitor, and then lower, their energy consumption.
What Do Smart Homes Have To Do With Solar?
While many smart home gadgets may not appear to directly relate to the solar panels on your roof, solar actually plays a huge role in complete home energy solutions of the future. SunEdison goes as far to claim that using their solar solution will double the benefits of using any other smart home device.
The combination of solar power and smart home technologies has kick-started what many are calling the latest revolution of green living. Now, we know we don’t need to go into the benefits of solar power – that’s a blog post we have covered. Managing your solar system through smart technology in the home, however, is one of the most exciting developments for solar customers in recent years.
Solar related smartphone applications have exploded in popularity, whether they be solar panel simulation apps, solar energy calculation apps, solar panels quotes platforms or energy savings calculators. All in all, smart technology systems and solar power are becoming increasingly part and parcel.
Save Energy and Make Money
So, as you can see the combination of smart home technology and a generic home solar system is more exciting than most people think. Not only is your home technology going to save you money in the short term, a smart home is a long term investment. This is the most significant roadblock for most Australian consumers who want to change their energy consumption habits.
There are, however, a number of businesses emerging that make this more possible for consumers on a budget. Consumer information site Save Energy Save Money is one such site that streamlines the smart home transition making it easy to company annual running costs and prices on your home appliances.
The cost to purchase and install both smart home technology and home solar systems is still at an inaccessible level for the everyday Australian family. However, like any developing industry, growth brings competition, and competition drags prices down. This is the beginning of what will soon be ubiquitous technology – the impact of this imminent change will be the space to watch.
Photo credit: Chris Potter
