Building design, especially in the residential segment, is heavily invested in the integration of green energy sources as the world tries to reduce its reliance on polluting fossil fuels. Now, more than ever, the impact of climate change is driving the transition to clean energy with the architecture and design industry taking the lead in increasing the adoption of green technologies in home projects.
The Problem
Several homes – old and new – have a green energy source such as a solar power system. While this is good news for the clean energy industry, do these renewable power installations deliver efficiency or self-sufficiency to the homeowner? Not necessarily.
While photovoltaic (PV) solar panels generate maximum energy during the day, the typical household has a high level of energy use early in the morning and in the evening, with the supply not matching the demand.
Though surplus energy can theoretically be stored using proper battery storage systems, it can be prohibitively expensive. How does the home optimise the use of renewable energy in everyday tasks? To be effective, energy systems need to be able to adapt to varying household consumption times in order to maximise the use of green energy during peak production.
The Solution
There are certain energy-dependent household applications such as lighting, cooking and food preservation that are tied to specific times of the day. Then there are activities involving dishwashers, washing machines, hot water tanks, electric vehicles, pool pumps, and heating/ cooling systems that can be scheduled to synchronise with a home’s self-generated electricity.
Given the high energy consumption of these systems, it makes sense for them to operate when the solar panels are in peak production. With the right automation tools integrated into the design of the home, the homeowner can benefit from significant energy savings while also doing their bit for the environment.
Schneider Electric’s Wiser Energy system
Through automated real-time energy monitoring and control, homeowners can keep tabs on their energy consumption and optimise the use of clean energy systems. The Wiser Energy system from Schneider Electric Pty.Ltd can be integrated into the design of the home, enabling homeowners to take advantage of cheaper, off-peak energy while making the most of their solar power installation.
Controlled via a simple, yet powerful app, the Wiser Energy system offers homeowners a clear view of their energy consumption patterns, so that they can observe which electrical appliances are running at any point, spot inefficiencies that increase energy bills, as well as estimate energy bills and automate systems to take advantage of cheaper, off-peak power.
Energy optimisation in the home using smart tools such as Schneider’s Wiser Energy system not only saves money but also helps the planet through reduced use of fossil fuel-dependent power, ensuring a better world for future generations.
