Queensland’s Renewable Energy Plan Success

The state of Queensland is working hard toward achieving its part of the national renewable energy target by 2020; the goal is to produce 20% of Australia’s energy from renewable energy sources like solar energy and wind energy. The challenge set was to produce 9,000 gig watts of electricity, and the large region of Queensland is responsible for at least 2500 megawatts of that.

 Accordingly the Queensland government has implemented the Queensland Renewable Energy Plan to rapidly increase the renewable energy capacity of the state through various programs and financial assistance. This includes the Solar Hot Water Rebate and the Feed in Tariff scheme which unlike the other states is currently uncapped.

During its first year administrators of the QLD’s renewable energy plan identified key locations to construct new renewable energy plants, based on their climate and geographical conditions. This was aided by a solar “atlas” which identifies strategic locations for solar power plants, and the Queensland wind map for wind energy. There have also been released pre-feasibility studies to obtain data on what other viable renewable energy sources could be pursued in the state.

The program has been extremely effective over only a few years; in 2008 Queensland’s renewable energy capacity had reached 743 megawatts which was surprisingly higher than expected, and the government is already confident that the target of 2500 mega watts will be achieved in time.

By early in 2010 the state had achieved a growth spurt of 29% and reached the renewable energy capacity of 960 megawatts. At the same time (April 2010), the Bligh government challenged their office to double the states solar power capacity in five years, which seemed a challenging target.

So you can imagine the shock when only 15 months later energy minister Stephen Robertson was able to announce that the Bligh’s government challenge has been fulfilled, more than 3 years earlier than expected! To date in August 2011 the current solar power capacity of Queensland has reached a very impressive 500 megawatts.

Previous data showed that the rapid growth of Queensland‘s economy and population had made it one of the top polluting regions of the country, so it’s reassuring to witness how the rapid growth of solar power in Queensland has opened so many new doors into sustainability and renewable energy.

It seems that the state’s dream of becoming a much less carbon extensive region and a leader in reducing carbon emissions while still propelling the economy and sustaining its huge population is well on the way to being a reality. 

Solar Panel Safety Precautions

Various news reports are saying that a solar panel system was responsible for at least two house fires in NSW. But detailed investigation has showed that the fire was caused by faulty wiring and not from factory defects of the panels themselves. The investigation clearly pinpoints that the fire was caused by human error during installation, and should not be blamed on the solar system itself.

Further investigation also shows that faults in Sydney were due to the DC circuit breakers not the system itself. An extensive Department of Fair Trading audit says the same thing, which was reinforced by along with professional solar power electricians.

In response to the rising public concern about safety, the federal government of Australia has launched a nationwide solar audit to evaluate both residential system and commercial systems. The audit will continue to be done on a regular basis to ensure safety in every green home. The auditors will assess every component of the system and check any potential hazards from the solar panels itself down to the length of the wiring and inverters.

The Clean Energy Council of Australia has put out a media where their Chief Executive Matthew Warren states that solar systems were safe and the risk to solar households was very low.

And an independent risk assessment by the industry’s expert advisory panel, the Standards, Training and Accreditation (STA) Committee, has confirmed that the risk from the incorrect installation of a DC circuit breaker is very low, which was backed up by an audit conducted by the Office of Fair Trading.


The DC circuit breaker is used as an isolating device to disconnect the PV panels from the inverter as well as to isolate the solar cable (connecting the panels to the inverter) from the PV panels. The DC circuit breaker will not, under any circumstances, operate with load because the solar supply is one way only, from the PV modules to the inverter.


Therefore the only scenario whereby an incorrectly installed DC circuit breaker could present any risk, is where a person manually turns the DC breaker off while the inverter is operating at full power. Even under such conditions the probability of an incident is deemed to be very low.


If the shutdown procedures are followed correctly and the AC power is turned off first, the inverter will turn off and remove any current from the solar PV panel. This will not present any risk with a DC circuit breaker, even it is wired incorrectly.


The advice from the STA Committee confirms that the greatest risk to householders would be in them manually shutting off their system, which there is no reason to ever do.

The Clean Energy Council of Australia also reminded the public to transact only with qualified manufacturers and installers of solar panels as indicated in their published list. The list is available to the public via their website and contains all of their approved solar manufacturers and Installers in Australia.

Aside from doing this there are some other additional safety precautions that you can do;

·         Before installation it is best to have your current electrical wiring checked first along with your circuit breaker.

·         When you installers arrive ask to see their identification and accreditation number before they begin.

·         Upon delivery of the panels and its components you can make visual inspection of the system to ensure that everything looks in good order.

·         Check the installation before the installers leave and make sure everything looks neat and tidy, especially the wiring.

·         The installers should also explain to you clearly the way everything works with your system and demonstrate the correct shutdown procedures should you ever need to do so.

Though it is the installer’s job to identify any potential problems, doing your part will triple the identification prowess. Always keep in mind that prevention is better than cure!

Solar Hot Water Very Affordable in Brisbane

The extensive support solar power in Brisbane has been given from Government rebates isn’t for solar panels alone; solar hot water systems have also been identified as an effective way of helping residents to reduce household electricity bills as well as their carbon emissions. And thanks to generousstate, federal and city council financial assistance, it is very affordable now to install a solar hot water system in Brisbane, and Queensland generally.

Statistics have showed that solar hot water can decrease household energy consumption by 30% and save up to 3.5 MW of electricity per annum. Solar hot water is considered to be the cheapest form of renewable energy system, affordable enough for nearly every homeowner, and one of the most cost effective ways of helping the environment.

Because of this the federal government of Australia is offering a generous solar hot water rebate of $1000 for pensioners and a $600 for everyone else who correctly installs solar hot water  as a replacement to gas fired water heating systems.

The state government of Queensland also offers the same amount of rebate for pensioners and non-pensioners further reducing the cost.

The city council of Brisbane has released basic guidelines to assist households in how to best go about making the switch;

Before installation

1.       Identify what system best suits your home and your needs.

2.       Check for the eligibility factors for the government rebates.

3.       Hire a professional plumber that knows the criteria for the rebates and schemes of the government and is certified to install solar hot water.

4.       Fill in the appropriate Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 application forms.

5.       Submit the accomplished forms to the city council either by mail or e-mail.

After the Installation

1.       Notify the city council and book an inspection. The inspection team will notify you if the system passes or failed and will give you guidelines for the improvements.

2.       Once approved, your system should be low maintenance and trouble free, but twice yearly checks are advised for water sanitation purposes and to ensure your system will last to its full lifespan.

Solar power continues to be embraced wholeheartedly by Queensland residents, as seen by the recent news that the state has already met its solar energy objectives a full 3 years ahead of schedule!

And with the Queensland government and Brisbane City Council both committed to pursuing ambitious renewable energy targets and projects,it seems likely that solar power and other alternative energy sources will continue to evolve and spread rapidly in the region, very appropriate for the Sunshine State!

Turn Your Business Green & Save Money with Solar PV

If you have a business and are interested in joining the fight against global warming and would like to increase your business profits at the same time, then investing on Solar PV is perfect for you. Many businesses in Australia, especially those inthe manufacturing sector where rising energy prices are biting hard, have already installed roof top solar panels and are enjoying many benefits.

There are some very compelling reasons why installing a Solar PV system can be a valuable asset to your business, and while the big savings off power bills are the obvious one,there is also another less obvious but still financially rewarding one; over 80% of Australians are concerned about the effects of global warming, and thanks to many environment protection campaigns there is strong consumer trust and supportfor “green” businesses.

Here is an overview of the Top 3 -

Cleaner Energy

Renewable energy sources like solar panels produces absolute carbon free electricity ready for use anytime. Depending on the system size, it can generate almost all the energy needed to run your business reducing your carbon footprint, and so negating any effective the impending carbon will have on your business.

Australian businesses accounts for a significant percentage of carbon emission in the country and by installing solar poweryou are helping to be part of the solution; for this reason the federal government is showing generous tax incentives and other support financial support to encourage businesses to make the switch to solar energy.

Big Savings

With energy bills continuing to rise and the impending carbon tax, investing in a solar panel system is offering a much more affordable optionto manage power costs for all types of businesses across the country.

Reports and statistics show that Australia will continue to see higher electricity bills every year indefinitely; solar panels will not only give you big energy savings over their 20+ years, but also allow you to fix your power costs at today’s prices which is a great advantage.

Consumer Approval

is inevitable that some form of carbon tax will be implemented, and that many businesses will then need to pass down the effects of that onto your consumers; this is likely to be bad business. Especially as some smart competitors have probably already set themselves up with a more economically sound solution that will enable them to bypass these higher costs and undercut you.

Edging out your competitors and still sticking to a fair market price and good profit margins is possible if you make the right solar energy investment. With your low prices and green credentials your products or services will be much more appealing to customers, so why wait?

Queensland Solar Increases 84% Since 2010

Energy and Water Minister Stephen Robertson told Parliament that the state is entering a huge milestone in its attempt to double the use of solar power in Queensland. Currently the state has increased more than 80% in just a span of 1 year.

The state’s additional solar bonuses and schemes were implemented last July 2010 to aid households who want to make the switch to solar power. The bonuses and schemes have been a huge success; the 84% increase means an extra 227,000 households with solar hot water systems, and about 125,000new solar panel installations. The tremendous growth in figures continues to rise daily as more Queenslanders take advantage of the bonuses and solar benefits.

A big incentive of the extra subsidy was directed towards retired and pensioned residents, who have received a $1000 rebate (for the upfront payment alone) and the rest receives $600. This is on top of the existing federal government rebates. In general a solar hot water system in the state will only cost $2000-$3000 after subsidies, depending on the size and the brand of the system.

Minister Robinson said that hot water accounts for about 30% of the total electricity bill of a typical in Queensland and that soalr hot water can slash that figure down to 5%. With only a small outlay which is affordable for many households it’s not surprising how many have taken up the offer; as of this month more than $12 million was spent by the government to subsidise solar hot water alone.

Another big reason why solar hot water has been such a big success in the state in the last 12 months was timing; as natural disaster hit many areas over summer a lot of water heating systems were damaged.  Instead of replacing them with expensive auxiliary powered systems many people turned to solar as a much better alternative.

“This is practical help to assist the many families throughout Queensland who lost everything during the devastating floods and Cyclone Yasi,” he said.

The minister also said that he is very happy that Queenslanders are embracing solar power as a better way to heat water and produce electricity. He added that the state will see more system installation in the coming months as another $32.9 million solar package was recently tabled.

Queensland’s $1.2 Billion Solar Project

In a further exciting development for renewable energy projects in Queensland, it has been announced that $1.2 billion investment into solar energy and other renewable energy sources will take place in the outback by the year 2013. The “Solar Dawn” project will utilise Australian technology to further transform Chinchilla and other remote parts of Queensland into the Australian capital of renewable energy.

The proposed project is part of the Australian Government’s Solar Flagships Program, which aims to provide the foundation for large-scale, grid-connected solar power. The aim is to accelerate the commercialisation of solar power in Australia and encourage the major investments and job opportunities this will create.  It is part of the Australian Government’s $5 billion Clean Energy budget.

Construction will take place just 300 Km west of Brisbane and the project will commence at the beginning of 2013, just a year after the carbon tax is implemented. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said that Queensland’s extremely favourable solar radiation profile will help power the state profitably and reduce its high carbon emissions at the same time. She added that the project is a proof that the carbon tax will make it possible to propel the economy while at the same time keeping the environment protected.

The project is expected to open doors to about 300 jobs directly and another 1000 jobs indirectly.  The 250 megawatt solar thermal gas hybrid project is expected to power nearly 70,000 homes and reduce about 500,000 tons of carbon every year.

PM Gillard said that projects like this will make solar power in Brisbane, in Chinchilla and in all of Queensland cheaper and more viable and soon enough throughout the nation.

The Solar Dawn project is also expected to boost more solar power and renewable energy investment throughout the region and will serve as proof that the carbon tax will help industrial scale investments become more feasible and appealing to major investors both from Australia and overseas. 

Fossil Fuels are the Past Solar Power is the Future

We have depended to fossil fuels for quite some time now, and indeed without them we would still be living in the dark and commercialisation and industrialisation would not have taken place. We could even say that fossil fuels are the true foundation of the world’s economy.

However, the same energy source that built our cities is also the reason why our problem with global warming and climate change is worsening rapidly.

The extensive burning of fossil fuels over the years has released enough greenhouse gases to finally manifest its harmful effects in our planet to levels where scientists no long debate that global warming is a reality. At the rate that we are burning fossil fuels and the amount of carbon dioxide that is releasing into the air we will increase Earth’s temperature by 3 to 6 degrees within the century, which will have devastating effects on our climate and way of life. Some major concerns include a rise in sea levels by over 1 meter due to the continued melting of ice caps around the world, which will be enough to decimate many habited regions.

The figures of a 3-6 degree temperature rise may not sound too alarming, but the fact is that even slight differences in Earth’s perfectly balanced climate and ecosystem would spell disaster for many of its inhabitants.

Governments around the world are recognizing that now is the time when we must put fossil fuel dependence behind us, which requires the dawn of a new era of energy production.  Fortunately technology has now progressed to the point to allow us to harness solar power effectively enough to replace dirty fossil fuels with a clean and renewable energy source.

Though there other renewable energy sources presently under use and further development, like wind, wave power and geothermal energy, not much is currently comparable to the potential and versatility that solar power offers.

Solar panel technology in widespread use today is predominately photovoltaic; the discovery of solar panels which are able to break down light energy from sunlight once they are placed into the building blocks of solar arrays and solar panels.

 Although in use for some time, it is recent developments which have improved the efficiency of solar energy output that has allowed breakthroughs which have seen usage increase exponentially in many countries like Australia. Now that governments are finally taking steps to put a price on carbon in an attempt to offset the country’s emissions, it will greatly encourage investment in more large scale renewable energy production like large scale solar farms.

The Australian government also has in place comprehensive solar schemes and rebates to assist households in making the switch to solar power as it will aid in the essential decentralisation of energy production and free people from rapidly rising electricity costs, as well has help to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.

Solar power is unquestionably the future;  the technology keeps getting better and more affordable, and breakthroughs in both the technology itself down into the manufacturing process arebeing continually discovered and developed from all parts of the globe.

So Easy for Businesses in Australia to Go Green and Save Money

Despite the high exchange rate of the Australian dollar and a good economic status of the country many local businesses in Australia are facing difficulty because of increased production and overhead costs due to continued energy price rises.

Businesses can save a lot of money through various energy saving measures and techniques but ultimately renewable energy sources like solar PV panels will provide the most cost effective way for the country’s business sector to insulate themselves from high electricity costs and the forthcoming carbon tax.

Although the federal government says that the effects of the carbon tax will be modest to companies, the added expense will likely still proof to be a burden to many.

Useful Tips

Save whenever possible

Saving energy is still considered to be the most effective way to reduce energy bills. Business establishments spend a lot of money on lighting alone and using energy efficient LED bulbs is a must. A recent study shows energy saving light bulbs have the potential to save large companies millions of dollars nationally.

Little things will also count like turning off anything that is not in used and having computers switched off overnight. Also investing in newer and more efficient equipment and tools will not only speed up production but will help in saving energy.

Energy Efficiency

If possible choose an office or a commercial space that has a high green star rating, 6 stars is the new maximum, or if building your space be sure to be guided by an expert. Allowing as much natural light as possible reduces the need for article lighting, and proper ventilation and insulation should also be considered to reduce the need for air-conditioning.

Use of Renewable Energy

Many businesses are now making the switch to solar power because of generous government incentives to do so and the falling prices of the systems. Investing in solar panels is considered to be one the safest financial decisions to make today because of the guaranteed ROI and long term benefits.

Depending on the system size that you use, solar PV systems can cut down your electric bills dramatically, look for a KW size that matches your average daily usage.

The use of renewable energy can also be an asset to your brand name and sales; with global campaigns for environmental protection and offsetting carbon,business who have “gone green” areviewed as a plus factor with many consumers when they make their buying decisions.

There has never been a more affordable time to make the switch to solar power, as you will likely be able to qualify and benefit from various government programs and tax breaks.

 The federal government in conjunction with local councils has launched multiple programs to assist local businesses to improve their profits through decreased energy consumption, and encourage the use of renewable energy to offset carbon emissions.

Investing in Solar Panels

Solar panels are considered to be a wise investment today, because with the ever growing problems in energy and climate change, installing one at your home is not merely participating in the cumulative solution but also benefiting yourself.

Being a source of renewable energy solar panels will continuously produce electricity for you over their 20+ years of lifespan if conditions are right. The efficiency of solar systems has been improved to record highs and a well-designed mid-size one is sufficient to supply the energy needs of an average Australian household.

 Though some are claiming that the optimum achievable efficiency for solar panels is still some way off, the current technology is sufficient to keep your home self-sustaining, affordable enough to pay for itself within 4-7 years, and you may never again be at the mercy of skyrocketing power bills!

The solar manufacturers are aware though that while our energy consumption is constant, solar energy production can only occur during the day, andthe output varies depending on the time of the day and your location. That is the reason why many systems are designed to either store electricity, or to be able to export the excess that you generate back during the day back into the electricity grid & then buy some of it back at night. Storing power takes place in the form of batteries, while exporting it needs to be done in conjunction with your local electricity grid provider with the aid of a Smart Meter to keep track.

Most western nations, including Australia have legislated laws pertaining to the said exporting as it won’t be possible without one. The scheme allows you directly tap on the state grid to send whatever electricity produced in excess of what you need. Either way, it is beneficial on your side.

As proof to the said benefits of making the switch to solar, some of the largest corporate names are investing in solar panels to power their businesses…..Facebook, the largest social networking site today, has installed the system in its data center in an attempt to cut down electricity costs as well as to play their part in carbon reduction. Not to be outdone Google is also doing their part; it is said that Google will install a 1.6 megawatt system on its Googleplex building on Mountain View to offset the facilities massive energy consumption by about 30%.

Aside from these high profile wealthy companies, many government offices and institutions are also installing solar PV’s to power their offices. Statistics shows that the solar industry is booming, and that more and more large scale projects and installations are on their way. This proves that the system can work effectively and be economically viable, as it had been promised.

While we need to rely on Governments and industries to do their part, every one of us can make a real difference, and investing in a home solar system yourself is both practical and noble. Practical in the sense that you can reduce your electric bills significantly and noble since you are doing your social responsibility and helping to ensure that we can leave a better world for our children.

The Best Green Retrofit

Improving energy efficiency has been a primary concern for every Australian household today especially with the uncontrollable energy price hikes which will continue over the next couple of years and climate change issues.

Solar power remained as the best green investment for households and businesses despite numerous energy efficient units in the market today. The high yield, low risk investment in solar power makes it the best green retrofit today. A recent study conducted in the United States revealed that solar power has the best return of investment period among renewable energy making it a suitable choice for every green power enthusiast and people seeking freedom from carbon emissions and high electricity prices.

Home and small business investment on solar power falls into two categories, the solar PV systems and solar hot water systems. Before PVs have an average payback time of 7 to 10 years but as price plunges continuously it has been reduced to 5 to 7 years and even less than 5 years in some regions of the country. Solar PV systems can be scaled down depending on your home or business needs ensuring continues supply of energy and with a grid connect capability you can export surplus electricity to the state grid under the Feed in Tariff scheme of your local government.

Solar hot water is the cheapest form of renewable energy that packs big savings, it can save you up to 70% or an average of $400 on your water heating cost every year. Prices of solar hot water has also been reduced significantly especially with a strong rebate program of the government.

By decentralising energy generation and creating virtual power stations in every way we can Australia can significantly decrease its carbon emissions and achieve its renewable energy targets.  

Decentralisation is also seen as the key to eliminate extra expenditure on energy transmission and constant grid maintenance and upgrade which accounts for a huge portion on today’s electricity bills.

Soon, energy produced from solar power will be cheaper and more reliable than energy produced from coal. In fact a number of regions in Australia have already reached grid parity and nationally we are edging towards it.

Other energy efficient retrofits can also be considered like utilising passive solar power, using energy efficient light bulbs, switching to LED monitors and improving ventilation and HVAC systems but all of which are supportive measures and ultimately solar power systems still offer the greatest benefits for a long period.

Australia Will Invest Largely in Renewable Energy Sources

 Australia is determined to reach its 20% national renewable energy target by 2020 and 40% target by 2050. The country will invest largely on renewable energy sources; seeding a $10 billion dollar fund in the next 5 years. This is more than double that of other investing countries like Britain who will invest a total of $4.5 billion in the coming years.

To manage the tax payers’ contributions the country will be establishing the Clean Energy Finance Corporation; headed by a board of banking and investment management. The board will be partnering with the business sector to unlock more clean energy potentials and investments, and the corporation is set to operate by 2013.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation will function by loaning money or taking equity in solar power projects in Australia and other clean energy sources that cannot be funded by private lenders. The revenue of the loan will be again used for clean energy investments.

The collective funding will be used primarily on renewable energy projects like large scale solar panel installations and excluding all environmentally compromised energy sources like nuclear, bio-fuels from native forest wood waste, and carbon capture and storage. Another portion of the fund will be used to extensively grow hybrid energy sources like the Solar Dawn Project in Chinchilla, Queensland which combines solar thermal and gas.

A fraction of the fund will also be used for the development of supporting measures like energy efficient products as well as technological advancements in manufacturing renewable energy components. The corporation will also be utilising almost half a billion dollar in assisting farmers to reduce their carbon emission and to promote carbon storage in soil.

Australia’s renewable energy investment is said to increase up to $100 billion dollars by 2050 and so on until the ultimate goal 100% clean energy is reached.

A Deeper look into Solar Photovoltaic

A most common misconception and confusion about solar photovoltaic and solar panels is that they are two different technologies that work differently from each other. The truth is apart from the name there us actually no difference between the two. In a solar PV system Photovoltaic cells are formed into solar arrays and lined up to make a solar module that is commonly called solar panels.

In the past, and before the evolution and adaptation of its technology, photovoltaic cells were really not designed to be a major source of clean and renewable energy. Probably the first electronic gadgets that you’ve seen them in are your calculators and children’s toys that required only a little amount electricity. The applications dated back in the late 50’s but soon enough, photovoltaic usage was adapted in space missions and research and some of the most complex and sophisticated satellites were powered by solar energy.

As the decades have passed and we have move forward and evolved, we have created a new challenge; with the spurt of global economy’s, particularly western countries, industrial& manufacturing sectors have soared and along with it the emissions of greenhouse gases have exploded! That is a very big problem which has been calling for a solution – fast!

This means in recent years the search has been on for newer and cleaner ways to produce the energy that we need to power our cities. In our accustomed reliance on fossil fuel sources for electricity we have overlooked the clean alternative energy that is all around us; from wind, to the force of a waterfall and most significantly the sun that basks our entire planet.

So where Solar PV once seemed to be exclusively for space or very small applications, today the technology is being widely used as an effective and economically viable source for commercial and residential electricity. The necessary striving for clean alternative energy pushed to us to change the face of solar power and rely on it more than ever before.  Along with this have come breakthrough applications and innovations which have given the capacity to mass produce solar modules and improve the efficiency of their power output while also making them cheaper.

In many parts of the world including the Australia, governments have set in place monetary rewards to strongly encourage their citizens to make the switch into solar energy electrical systems, as part of the agreed carbon reduction targets by the year 2020.

But you must remember that the technology and the government cannot solve the problem alone. What is required for it to succeed as well is your support & participation in making the switch to clean renewable solar power!