Energy efficiency is widely recognised as one of the easiest, cheapest and fastest ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions! It is estimated that the typical Australian household could reduce its electricity consumption by 53% by implementing straightforward energy efficiency measures (Zero Carbon Australia Buildings Plan, Melbourne Energy Institute, 2013).
If we’re to reduce pressure on the grid and curb the demand for fossil fuels, we need to reduce energy consumption while also pushing for 100% renewables.
Enova Community Energy is offering a suite of training sessions to upskill our community in energy efficiency and train volunteers in home energy assessments.
Most households with rooftop solar still draw the majority of the electricity they use from the grid. Our sessions include tips on how to “load shift” to make the most of your solar.
We will also be making a recording of session 1 available online, whilst session 2 is for prospective energy coaches only. If you're unable to attend session 1, we will have a recording available. Simply complete the form below to register your interest.
Venue: Byron Community College, Mullumbimby
Cost: Free
Sessions
- Session 1: Energy Literacy - An introduction to energy efficiency in the home
Saturday the 29th of February, 9 am - 2:00 pm.
This session explores why energy efficiency is vital in the context of our climate and energy landscape. It looks at the benefits of energy efficiency, available technology, and how best to use it. The basics of energy concepts and terminology are explained, as with energy bills and payback periods.
- Special Q&A session: Solar and Batteries for the home - Q&A with an industry professional
Saturday the 29th of February, 2:30 - 4 pmThis information session and Q&A will explore the ins and outs of household solar PV, including batteries, with Chris Hackett, Principle Electrician for GEM Energy. Topics that will likely be covered include: current technology options and developments, what to consider if considering solar and /or batteries, system size relative to energy needs. Participants will be welcome to ask their own questions, preferably submitted in advance. This session is suited to anyone who has, or is considering, a solar PV system, with or without a battery and wants to learn more about where the technology is at. More information about Chris and GEM below*
- Session 2: Conducting a home energy assessment (Private session)
Sunday the 1st of March, 9 am - 3:30 pm.
This private session is open to prospective Enova Energy Coach volunteers and volunteers from other community energy groups looking to offer free home energy assessments. This session includes the purpose and value of home energy assessment, practicalities and logistics, calculation tools and examples, client reporting and coordination processes. Existing Enova Energy Coaches are also welcomed to attend as a refresher. Colin George and Seb Crangle will deliver the training. Find their bios here https://www.theasi.com.au/about-us/
To book in for any or multiple sessions, register here.
*Chis Hackett
- Principal electrician & Quality Control Officer for GEM Energy
- Winner of the Clean Energy Council Solar Design & Installation Award 2019, over 240kW category (Australia Zoo, 638 kW system) https://www.ecogeneration.com.au/best-and-brightest-cec-solar-awards-winners-for-2019/
- 15 years experience as an electrician, five of which have been in the renewable energy sector
- Extensive experience working within the residential as well as commercial environment
- Tasked with training GEM's 30 staff including sales, installers, installation managers and a network of 35 sub-contractors
GEM Energy
"GEM Energy Pty Ltd is a solar power, solar panel and battery storage installation company with offices located in Darwin and Brisbane. GEM Energy combines a passion for sustainability with quality solar power system components and are experts in renewable energy consultancy, photovoltaic engineering, electrical engineering, energy efficiency audits, financial feasibility analysis and the integration.
GEM Energy began operations in 2013 based in Emerald Queensland and has now expanded their reach to cover Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Gympie, Sydney, Logan, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Cairns, Ipswich, Redlands, Toowoomba, Townsville, Bundaberg & Rockhampton. As well as a fulltime operation in Darwin covering the NT.
GEM Energy are Tesla Powerwall Certified Installers and SolarQuotes Gold Rated Suppliers".
Some of GEM Energy's notable large scale projects include a 520kW solar system at Caboolture Square and a 1MW solar system at the Brisbane Technology Park. GEM Energy are soon to commence the impressive 810kWpV with 1160kWh of Tesla Battery Storage at Shalom College, Bundaberg.