Different households have different energy consumption habits, but solar can work for essentially any of them—including those with heavy power usage requirements. Frustrated by the already spiralling electricity bills and effects of global warming, many Australian households are looking for ways to build more energy efficient homes to minimise energy usage and reduce electricity bills.

Energy efficiency experts say that it’s the accumulation of tiny household activities that become huge expenses: the few more minutes spent in a hot shower, an additional degree on your heater thermostat, and the standby bulbs that chew away your power.

Australia now ranks 15th out of 115 countries for energy efficiency, energy access and clean energy. This is according to the World Bank’s new RISE report—and you’ll be shocked by the countries sitting ahead of us.

Latest reports from the ACT state reveal a myriad of actions by the Government aimed at driving down emissions from greenhouse gases and accelerating the adoption of clean energy sources across the Territory.

Victoria’s Andrews Labor Government recently announced an impending plot to slash the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 15 to 20 per cent less than the 2005 levels come year 2020.

Following a timely feature on RealEstate.com.au towards last November, solar system owners placing their homes on sale are now having an edge over other listed properties.

The next big residential power revolution is just about to kick off, as the value on the global smart home market is expected to increase by more than double in the next five years.

Smart home gadgets form part of the Internet of Things movement, and connect us to almost everything. Today, advances in technology are fast-paced, compelling us to pay more attention like never before to various details around us.

All solar households across Australia can now enhance their energy efficiency and grid independence by adopting the “smart home” concept to explore the various home automation options.

The NSW state is offering subsidies on home appliances like fridges and TVs to enable users to replace their old appliances with new models in a bid to save energy and money and increase energy efficiency.

Scientists are beginning to realise that sunlight is a valuable form of energy production in more than one way. A new breakthrough called rectenna technology has allowed scientists to convert sunlight straight into direct current electricity.

**Alberta is set to introduce energy efficiency rebates following an announcement by the government which outlines their plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 tons by 2020.

More than 1.3 million Australians households have installed solar panel systems in a bid to lower their electricity expenses but many Aussies don’t realise that an eco-friendly home can also help in generating savings and creating a healthy living environment.