Mandurah Tops List of Solar Power Suburbs in Perth
Homeowners in Mandurah are taking advantage of our sunny climate and seeing an increase in home values thanks to installing solar power.
Figures from the Clean Energy Regulator released in July 2015 show Mandurah residents are leading the charge with 8,575 solar panel systems installed since the regulator began recording data in 2001.
The next best Perth suburbs include Landsdale / Wanneroo (5,953 systems), Canning Vale (5,542 systems) and Atwell / Success (4,911 systems).
Perth has some of the best year-round sunshine in the world, making the idea of installing solar energy so appealing for local residents and businesses.
Solar is Saving Money While Improving Mandurah Home Values
Homeowners who choose to go solar are seeing cheaper electricity bills and helping the environment by reducing their household carbon footprint.
One Mandurah resident, Trevor Bennett said he made the switch to solar in November 2013 and while he initially had reservations about the aesthetic appeal of solar panels, he was quickly won over.
“I was a touch worried about how they would look on my roof, but once they were installed, they looked great and we when started seeing how our solar Feed-in Tariff was slashing our power bills, we could see the financial advantages,” he said.
“We installed a 5kW system but upgraded to a higher capacity system to run our house, pool and reverse cycle, ducted air conditioning. Now we have a 7kW solar system with 29 panels and from an investment point of view, we expect solar to increase our home’s value,” he said.
Mr Bennett did have a warning for dealing with solar power companies, saying it pays to go with a specialist.
“I did a lot of homework over many months and would recommend choosing a specialist, registered solar company for peace of mind. They use the best solar components and they answer all your questions,” he said.
Infinite Energy’s General Manager for Residential Solar, Rohan McGlew said homeowners can expect to save on average $350 per year with a high quality 5 kW solar power system or even up to $450 on a 7 kW system designed and installed in the correct location on the rooftop or near the house.
It’s not just Western Australian customers riding the solar wave. A study published on the Realestate.com.au blog last month found 85% of Australians believe solar panels boost property prices.
Director of real estate agency Realmark Mandurah, Simon Wroth said those in the market for new homes are recognising the potential of solar panels.
“Buyers are increasingly asking the question whether a home has solar panels already installed. So it’s definitely on their minds as they walk through the house,” he said.
Mr Wroth also said solar is a great way for sellers to incentivise buyers.
“Having solar panels can be a great carrot to wave in front of potential buyers,” he said.
“Ten years ago buyers were asking about whether the property had air conditioning, now they want solar panels.”
Top 10 Perth Solar Postcodes
- 6210 – Mandurah (8,575 systems)
- 6065 - Landsdale / Wanneroo (5,953 systems)
- 6155 - Canning Vale (5,542 systems)
- 6164 - Atwell / Success (4,911 systems)
- 6112 – Armadale (4,512 systems)
- 6163 - Spearwood / Hamilton Hill (4,034 systems)
- 6169 - Warnbro / Waikiki (3,901 systems)
- 6110 – Gosnells (3,571 systems)
- 6027 – Joondalup (3,568 systems)
- 6030 – Clarkson (3,469 systems)
Source: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/
Mandurah is also ranked 6th across Australia for total solar PV system installs, only trailing Queensland suburbs Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Caloundra, Mackay and the Sunshine Coast.
