Save the planet and your bank balance: Woodlea introduces smart solar packages for townhouse buyers

Imagine never receiving another electricity bill ever again. 

Thanks to an innovative green energy solar strategy, this could be the case for many lucky Woodlea townhouse buyers.

New housing developments play an important role in helping Australia reach carbon emission targets, with their ability to mass implement innovative green energy initiatives and environmentally conscious technology within every project. Mirvac has announced that many of their Woodlea precinct's townhouses will include smart solar packages, enabling residents to save up to 80% on electricity bills – with scope to eliminate all electricity costs in future. 

How does the solar scheme work?

The ‘first of its kind’ product offering includes a state-of-the-art 5.1 kilowatt solar panel system, 10 kilowatt battery and 5 kilowatt inverter valued at a total of $20,000, to be provided to purchasers of specific townhouses at no extra cost. Residents will be able to track energy generation and consumption via a web-enabled monitoring system. The smart system will also learn user power usage habits and give residents the ability to sell surplus solar generated power back to the grid.

Why do we need solar energy?

The Australian Energy Regulator Ausgrid Network found that residential electricity prices have doubled over the last 10 years, which has significantly impacted the cost of living in Australia. By utilising solar energy, Mirvac has found that their residents will be able to save approximately $1,620 per year.

“Rising electricity costs is a concern for Victorians state-wide and although solar usage is on the rise, it’s not attainable for all households due to the hefty up front cost of installation. We’re aiming to unlock these benefits for everyday Australians by essentially offering a $20,000 smart solar package as standard across our Mirvac townhouse offering.”

Matthew Dean, Woodlea Project Director

How is the initiative being delivered?

The solar initiative comes off the back of CEFA’s (Clean Energy Finance Corporation) $90 million debt commitment to Mirvac.

“Australians are world famous for our adoption of rooftop solar. When we use solar energy alongside battery storage and other clean energy technologies, we can significantly cut household reliance on grid energy, giving homeowners more control over their energy consumption and their carbon footprint.” 

Ian Learmonth, CEO of Clean Energy Finance Corporation

Solar energy will be implemented within many of Woodlea’s townhomes by next year, which Mirvac’s GM of Sustainability and Reputation, Sarah Clarke comments will also help progress the company towards their 2030 environmental target.

“Mirvac is proud to partner with the CEFC as we deliver against our bold target to be net positive in energy and water by 2030 and provide technology in our homes which helps people towards zero bills living.”

Is solar on the rise in Australia?

Consultancy Green Energy Markets, has seen solar installations across Victoria surge by 90% following the introduction of the state government’s incentive scheme. We’ve already witnessed an increase in solar technology especially within precincts such as Burnside and Williams Landing, where one in every three homes is powered by solar energy.

An overview of Woodlea

Woodlea is a 711 hectare residential precinct in Melbourne's west, delivered by Mirvac in collaboration with Victoria Investments and Properties (VIP). The 6,500-lot development is a fully integrated, master planned community which is due to become home to over 20,000 residents upon completion. To date, a vast majority of property releases have already sold out, making this deveopment one of Australia's quickest selling off-the-plan communities.