A PARKWOOD couple and Noranda resident were the lucky winners of our Home Renovation Solahart competition.
Working husband and wife Bob and Kerri Regan and 69-year-old Noranda grandmother Millie Skender will receive a fully installed Solahart hot water system and a 1.5kW solar power PV system.
Valued at $11,000, the combination of prizes means both winners will be able to access hot water powered by the sun and generate electricity via the PV system, making their homes energy- efficient while saving money.
Mrs Regan said that with the cost of her energy bills creeping up, the prize was a welcome surprise that would bring ongoing rewards.
“With the money saved, maybe we’ll make more environmental changes to our house, such as installing a rainwater tank,” she said.
“I believe everyone should go greener and living in WA everyone should utilise the power of the sun.
“It should be compulsory for everyone building a new house to install solar panels.”
Retiree Ms Skender, who enjoys taking long, hot showers and keeping her house at a consistent temperature, said the prize was a helpful surprise.
“I haven’t done anything about becoming greener because I was very confused by all the different information out there. The prize will help tremendously with my cooling and heating. It’s the gift that keeps on giving because I will be saving along the way,” she said.
Solahart state manager John Mortimer congratulated the two winners and urged consumers to take advantage of existing incentives to save on energy bills.
“Gas and electricity prices have risen 50 per cent in the last three years and it’s likely that this strong, upward trend will continue, so making the move to sustainable energy options makes sense,” he said.
“By making the switch to solar, residents can enjoy reduced water heating energy consumption of up to 55-90 per cent.”