Solar Power Misconceptions

Along with the boom of the solar industry in the country are some wrong notions and hearsays about the technology. A few are saying that it is not the best way to offset carbon, and that installing one on your roof is a bad idea. However the federal government of Australia had supported solar power more than any other renewable energy sources for a reason and has done extensive research to come up with that policy.

The government’s support and ongoing funding would not be given without the great potential of solar technology, and just recently PM Gillard announced further funding which will be managed by newly established bodies for the clean energy affairs of the country.

It is another proof about how the technology of solar panel can change the face of the country and improve our quality of life.

Financial Misconceptions

There are misconceptions that solar power in the country is not accessible for all due to its initial costs. The truth is Australia has some of cheapest solar panel systems in the world because of the comprehensive bonuses and schemes that the country is implementing. The upfront rebates together with STC schemes will cut upfront payment by almost half and many solar companies offer easy qualify interest free finance up to as much a $15,000.

The great thing about solar panels is that they start paying for themselves immediately, and the reduction in your electricity bill will generally be close to what you are paying a week to own one.

The recent uncertainty in the feed in tariff scheme caused hesitation by some households. However the individual state tariffs are very stable, it is only a question of whether your state is still offering the much more lucrative premium feed in tariffs or only the standard one, which pays about as much for your solar power as you pay for grid produced electricity.

The government is expecting to soon be implementing a national tariff as part of the renewable energy framework.

Safety Concerns

There are reports that a solar PV system is responsible for at least two house fires in the country. However upon further investigation, the house fires were caused by the home’s circuit breakers.

The Clean Energy Council of Australia puts safety first and has released a list of qualified installers and manufacturers not only for the sake of the schemes and bonuses but also for the safety of every household in the country. The listed manufacturers and installers had passed and even exceeded international safety standards.

The government will also be conducting regular audits to inspect rooftop solar panels to further keep households away from any hazards.

Efficiency Issues

There are also reports claiming that the system’s efficiency is not enough to offset carbon in the country and to reduce electric bills. The highest recorded efficiency rating today is about 18%, which may not seem much but at that rate a typical home with a small system can save about 50% off their electricity bill annually and a larger system can eliminate it all together.

Either way you be offsetting enough carbon to be doing your part to reserve a better future for the next generations. The efficiency figures are expected to increase soon as Australian researchers recently discovered a new manufacturing process that will increase the panels’ efficiency to 19.4%.

Australian Business Expenditure in Sustainability Increases

A study conducted by a leading British research firm shows data on how the carbon tax will affect Australian businesses from various sectors of the economy. The research utilised a total of 139 known firms in every sector to conclude the study.

The data showed that Australian businesses are expected to have an annual increase in total expenditure of 13%, from driving business sustainabilityand investing in better manufacturing processes and business models to shielding themselves from ongoing cost related to the carbon tax and energy price rises.

The research also demonstrates how businesses will prioritise sustainability spend and innovations; figures show that in 2011 alone an average 16% of sustainability spending was directed towards energy efficiency, renewable energy like solar power and water saving mechanisms.

Under the carbon tax the study revealed that low and or no carbon technology investments will also increase up to $319 million, with a large proportion of that expected to be in renewable energy like solar PV systems. In total the new price on carbon is projected to grow the Australian sustainability market by more than $3 billion by 2014.Generally speaking the carbon tax will incentivize sustainability investments from the top 500 biggest polluters as soon as it is implemented on July 1, 2012.

The study also forecast 5 major initiatives that spending will significantly increase on;

1.       Smart grid development and implementation

2.       Electric  vehicles and infrastructure

3.       Regulatory affairs and lobbying

4.       On-site renewable energy and Energy

5.       Carbon data management

All of which will have a compound annual growth rate of 21% or more from 2009 levels up to 2014.

The research shows that the purpose of the carbon tax will be fulfilled; key sustainability aspects of the economy will continue to grow, and the carbon price will pave way for a low carbon economy and economic growth.

Switching to Solar Power

Australia holds more solar power potential than most countries for a number of reasons. With the efforts of the government and business sectors the technology had become readily available in the country and is becoming cheaper and cheaper as it progresses. Experts predict that Australia is close to reaching grid parity (or even cheaper) within the next few years.

Making the switch to solar power is one of the best investments today as it holds many benefits and gives a guaranteed financial return. Aside from the important environmental difference that you can contribute, making the switch will also save you from the burden of high electricity prices that will continue to be imposed on you otherwise.

Reports show that energy prices will skyrocket within the next few years and will nearly double in no time. In addition to other causes of these price hikes, the proposed carbon tax will further increase the prices of carbon intensive goods which include heavy polluting industries such as electricity generation by fossil fuels. This tax will be passed down to households and increasing bills and cost of living.

Another reason why you should make the switch to rooftop solar panels is because of the growing population of the country.  This increase in population will require more energy per person and so further increase the demand for electricity. A flow on effect from this will be the increased strain and requirements placed on an already struggling electricity grid network and require billions to be spent on upgrades and new transmission lines.

The structured framework of government assistance is centered on households as they hold the key to decentralised energy production. This is crucial to reduce the need for grid maintenance, upgrades and will reduce system loss due to grid -household distances. The decentralised energy production will be governed by the Clean Energy Council of Australia to ensure that every aspect of the system is safe for use, and that every home that installs solar power will benefit from the financial assistance that the government is still offering.

Australia has devised one of the best programs in the world to aid its residents in making the switch to solar power. This is because its importance and value has been recognised as crucial forAustraliato successfully make the transition required to make it possible to reduce our carbon emissions to the necessary levels.

Practically speaking, solar panel systems will save you more money than any other home improvement measures that you can think of, with a special bonus of environmental protection. So why wouldn’t you make the “switch” to solar power!

Solar Panel Criteria you need to Remember

Making the switch to renewable energy by installing solar panels is probably one of the biggest home improvement decisions you will make. If done correctly it will add a lot of value to your home and enable you produce most of your own electricity, but it is an important decision concerning a reasonable amount of money so you definitely want to do your homework 1^st to make the most out of every cent that you spent.

Warranty

Like any other products solar panels should come with a warranty, and an extensive one at that; normally the panels themselves come with 25 years of warranty, but be aware that there are other components which are more likely to break down and aren’t necessarily included. The warranty should not only be a piece of card that comes with the product it should abide by the Australian Consumer Protection Law, go to the Clean Energy Council Website for more details and a list of approved products.

Manufacturer

With the solar industry booming there has been a great increase in manufacturers; remember your warranty (above) will come from them, not your retailer, so look for well established companies with offices in your country. You can have a great idea of a company from the various online solar forums available. You can also have a good idea of what the company is like from their customer support. Quality products often times are supported by quality customer care.

Efficiency and cost

The panel’s efficiency should be reasonable for its cost, with a pay-back time of 4-7 years standard at the moment. Efficiency varies depending on the brand, the being matching with suitable components of equally high quality, the overall system design and the installation. But for it to be cost effective it must deliver enough electricity into your meter box every day; buy the largest KWh size you can fit onto your available roof space, the cost is proportionally much lower and the return on investment from the amount of electricity you can generate will be much greater.

Panel specifications

Various technological advances have been developed in recent years, mono crystalline, multi crystalline and thin films were invented to improve the system. Be sure to have an idea what are advantages and drawbacks of each and decide from there which suits you the most.

Also don’t forget the Inverter; this is a crucial part of how much electricity your system can generate, so get the best quality one you can afford.

Installation Quality

Having your solar panel system installed in the best location and at the correct angle will make a big difference to its efficiency; only trust accredited installers with a good reputation.

Do a visual inspection of the actual panels afterwards, normally the edges are lined and/or sealed by aluminum scaffoldings. It should perfectly fit the edges and no seams should be visible since it serves as one of the primary protectors of the solar panels from wear and tear.

Aside from that, the back side of the panels should also be covered by high grade plastic materials to protect the solar cells from dust and other damaging factors.

Keep them clean from dust and debris for the best output, even a small coating of dirt will greatly affect the amount of sunlight energy they can absorb.

CEFC will Guide Australia’s Low Carbon Economy

The federal government of Australia has assigned a number of experts to lead and govern the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. It’s role is to provide impartial and expert handling of the country’s affairs in regard to renewable energy investments in the private sector and Jillian Broadbent,a renowned board member of the Reserve Bank,has been appointed as chair person.

As part of the country’s Clean Energy Future Package the CEFC’s primary task is to provide a financing source for renewable energy investments, energy efficiency upgrades and low polluting technologies. The CEFC will also be supporting industries that directly affect clean energy technologies such as solar power for its development and further research.

Investors are also pleased about how the CEFC will work; the new sources of finance will open doors of opportunity across industries to reduce their environmental impacts and to save money through various energy efficient means. Chief executive of the Clean Energy Council, Matthew Warren, said the proposed CEFC was a necessary and logical institution.

 According to the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)the combination of the carbon price and the CEFC will be the most economically viable way of propelling and commercialising renewable energy technologies in the country; specifically solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal and wave power. The support mechanism of the CEFC through loans and loan guarantees will create more sustainable green jobs in the country and help fund the transition to a low carbon economy.

By March 2012 the body is expected to release a concrete plan on how specifically it will work and its primary responsibilities throughout the transition, especially when the carbon tax is implementedin July 2012. Although the CEFC will not operating until 2013 the government is already laying the foundation for the necessary body to fulfill its essential responsibilities in the overall achievement of Australia’s renewable energy targets.

Remedies for Rising Energy Bills and Climate Change

Australia’s energy prices will continue to rise over the next couple of years, and while there are several contributing factors one of the major ones is the fact that the country still relies heavily on coal, more than any other progressive country in the world. The rising cost of electricity not only burdens families and the local business sector, but also puts foreign investments into jeopardy in Australia.

The high overheads cost in manufacturing industries especially is influencing investors to put their money elsewhere, mostly Asian countries especially China. As energy prices continue to skyrocket, the country will see an economic downfall despite the fact the Australian currency is doing well in these times.

The introduction of a carbon price and whole Clean Energy Future Package will direct the country towards a more sustainable low carbon economy, and once enough investments are made intolarge scale renewable energy technologies cheaper electricity can be produced.

The carbon tax will initiate a huge transformation in the country’s energy sector. According to the Prime Minister and the Greens, the tax will bring innovation in the industrial and manufacturing sector of the country towards more efficient ways of producing their products. The Clean Energy Future Package, together with the $10 billion Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, will play an essential role throughout the entire process.

Putting a price on carbon as soon as possible is beneficial for the countries economy; according to PM Gillard delaying it would cost the government another $5 billion, and the package is the most economically structured way to fight climate change. Business experts, economist and research firms have all showed that the carbon tax will boost Australia’s economy and will bring substantial investments in the sustainability market.

In fact the 4 biggest players in green investments; the Investor Group on Climate Change, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, Investor Network on Climate Risk and the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative, have all acknowledge Australia’s carbon tax package will provide confidence in investors to put their money in the country.

As well as providing extensive support for businesses during the transition, the government will be providing ongoing incentives for individuals who wish to go green. For instance installing rooftop solar panels or solar hot water systems is an effective way to offset carbon and save money on energy bills for families and so financial assistance in the form of rebates will continue.

 The effects of the carbon tax in the way of any increased cost of living will also be subsidised by tax cuts and discounts. On average, 9 out of 10 families in the country will receive full compensation for the additional expenses.

Solar Panels Offer Positive Insulation Benefits to Buildings

With electricity prices continuing to rise it is not much of a secret anymore that installing solar panels onto your roof can provide significant financial benefits, especially with the impending carbon tax, and will also give you the satisfaction of knowing that your family is making a big cut to your carbon emissions. However not many people know that the presence of solar panels on your roof also bring another positive side effect;

In a study conducted by researchers and undergraduate students at UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, thermal imaging showed that buildings with solar panelsinstalled are significantly cooler than those without. This is because the panels act as aninsulating barrier which shields the roof from direct sunlight so heat cannot penetrate the building. It has also been proven that the panels can store enough heat to minimise the need for heaters during winter or cold nights.

Thermal imaging showed that roofs are on average 38% cooler, which represents an additional 5% or so saving of energy used by your household. This may not seem like much at first, but if you think of 5% off your electricity bill throughout the 20-25 year lifespan of the solar power system you will appreciate the additional bonus that makes additional cuts to both your bills and carbon emissions without you even knowing it.

The researchers are confident that the results of their study are accurate although the time measured was short, and the data that they have collected is enough to create a model that will estimate the solar panels cooling or heating effects throughout an entire year.

The team of researchers also said that though there are many ways to passively improve the air flow and thermoregulation of a building, installing a solar panel system onto your roof will be hitting two birds with one stone, so it is better investment to make in your home than to have some other expensive renovations. Solar panels can already rightly claim to be the only home improvement that actually pays for itself, and this recent research just supports that further.

This discovery will hopefully propel the popularity of solar power even further and pave way to more installations in many buildings in Australia. The research is especially significant for large commercial buildings with tin roofs which have very poor insulation properties and so high electricity cost for heating and cooling.

The breakthrough signifies the continued evolution of the solar industry and how well it can help in the global fight against carbon.

Queensland Will Lead Solar Power in the Future

A report led by the government of Australia alongside with the US based  Clinton Foundation’s Climate Initiative, showed that Queensland’s current technological resources combined with its natural setting gives it the potential to top the world in the solar power industry.

The report aims to give solar investors an idea where to put their money and which city in the world is most viable with both technology& environmental suitability. Natural resources minister Stephen Robertson said that Queensland has vast potential not only in the residential sector of solar power but also in the commercial side.

The Clinton institute showed that Queensland resources are topnotch; incomparable in fact. The institute also gave credit to the state government for pushing large scale solar projects, particularly the CopperString project which will connect the grids across the top end of the state. The institute said that the line will pave the way to a lot more renewable energy investments in the future.

Queenslanders are pleased that the state is becoming internationally recognised for it’s renewable energy initiative’s and not only is solar power in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (well known cities) progressing strongly but in all other cities and regions as well.

Primarily the state’s success lies in the support of the government and the public. Queensland is currently operating the most successful schemes in the country and the technology is well accepted in the state.

If this trend continues the state has the potential to not only lead the country but even the world in solar power technology, and become one of the least carbon emitting regions.

Evacuated Tube Technology

Evacuated tube is the latest advancement in solar hot water system. The concept and idea is however the same with a traditional solar hot water, but the secret lies in the collector itself. Evacuated tubes are proven to be more effective, reliable and greater value for money. 

A traditional solar hot water collects heat from the sun at a certain angle only because of its flat design, that borders was eliminated by the innovative evacuated tubes. As the word implies it is a rounded tube which can collect heat from almost all angles possible making it more effective and reliable for longer hours and even in cloudy days.

The Anatomy of Evacuated Tubes

Each tube of an evacuated tube is fitted with a heating plate of its own for better absorption and minimizes loss of energy during transport if the entire system has only one heating plate. The tube is made up of two highly durable borosilicate glass.

The outer layer prevents reflection and has easy permeability characteristics allowing as much energy as possible to pass through. A smaller tube is then fitted inside the larger tube. The name evacuated is due to the created vacuum between the gap of the inner and outer layer. The vacuum acts as an insulator which is one of the reasons why it is very efficient. The vacuum helps transform radiation from the sun to heat energy even in colder days.

The vacuum also prevents the tube from getting cold even very cold days so you can still expect hot water whenever the sun is available.

To maintain the vacuum within the tubes, a coating of barium is applied to act as a barrier absorbing gases which are not necessary in the process of producing hot water. 

Evacuated tubes are still considered as a hot water boost since it cannot function if the sun is completely blinded by the weather. An auxiliary source of energy might be needed. However if compared to other systems it will be leave a fine mark between them,

The system also looks very attractive compared to any other system; the tubes are lined parallel making it complement each other. The system also has a distinct look and everyone can recognize what you are using. And it is already a form of awareness campaign that to go solar.

If you are thinking that such technology would come a price. Well it isn’t. It may cause just a little more than a traditional system but the difference is not substantial and the system will be packed with functionality that you’ve always looked for.

Solar Subsidies Are no Longer Required to Reach Grid Parity

Recent research done by Melbourne University’s Energy Research Institute shows that the price of renewable energy technology, particularly solar and wind power, will continue to fall over the next 10 years. As such the cost of these clean energy power sources will become competitive enough to be on par with the cost of fossil fuel generated electricity nationally by the end of the decade, and much sooner in some regions.

In fact in the case of solar power it is expected to eventually become a cheaper energy source even without any government subsidies.

According to Muriel Watt, the chair of the Australian Photovoltaic Association, the current unsubsidised cost of a solar PV module bought for around $1.80/watt translates into a cost of energy of around 29c/kWh – the rate that many households are paying for electricity purchased from the grid at the same time that this energy is produced(early to mid afternoon). She says that at $1.22/W, where prices have now fallen to, the equivalent production cost is 25c/kWh.

This means that the federal government of Australia must establish long term plans on how to inject and integrate renewable energy sources across industries as one of the researchers mentioned.

Solar power has shown tremendous growth over the past few years, increasing our base load by 40% each year for the last 10 years.  This is made particularly apparent when displaying a technology learning curve;it is this cumulative installed capacity that has ultimately lead to the industry’s current success in the country.

Solar PV technology surged in popularity largely because of the generous government incentives which resulted to high demand both in large scale and residential applications. And in the last couple of years this has been paired with the falling prices of solar PV both in the local and international market, plus the rising value of Australian currency.

The continued learning curve through research and development will ultimately bring “true” grid parity to the country that doesn’t require propping up or artificial stimulants. Although they gave a big boost to solar installations across the country, government incentives are now short term gold rushes to the industry, and no longer sustainable.

Keeping personal interests aside, renewable energy technologies are going to play a vital role to combat climate change at this crucial time for our environment.

 The bulk of our carbon emissions are produced by carbon intensive power plants and vehicle fuel combustion. We already know what potential harm global warming can bring, but knowing alone doesn’t solve the problem, awareness is a step forward but true solutionsdepend on each of us for our commitment and actions.

Solar Power in Australia

Worldwide solar power had become considered as the best option in both large and small scale to make the switch to renewable energy viable and greatly offset carbon emissions. Australia is one of the few nations that offer the perfect environmental conditions for solar panel systems to be viable, and in response to those natural gifts the federal government is doing everything in its control to make the most out of all the sunlight that the country basks in.

In the recent years the solar industry has boomed in Australia primarily because of two reasons. 1^st is the technology itself; Australian trained students have gone on to work for and even own, some of the best solar manufacturing companies in the world. These companies and manufacturers are internationally known for their innovative and top of the line products including Trina Solar, Suntech and JA solar. They were able to study and further enhance their knowledge at the The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering based at the University of New South Wales, which offers one of the best bachelor and doctoral courses in the world.

2^nd is the Australian government’s strong support, since 2008 comprehensive bonuses and schemes have been in place in every state. These schemes have made solar panels in Australia much more affordable since then, which has been assisted by the worldwide drop in the costs of solar panels together with an increase in their efficiency. However recent changes to some of the said schemes atshort notice have left some Australians skeptical in making the switch. The truth is though that even with those changes the country still offers considerable subsidies and support compared to other nations.

Aside from those two existing reasons, the Australian solar industry is keeping its eye closely on another potential major milestone. The carbon tax that is currently being pushed through by the Gillard administration is a crucial avenue for renewable energy to triumph over the dirty and expendable fossil fuels.

The carbon tax will ensure more government funding for large scale solar power projects and other renewable energy sources. The said tax is expected to significantly reduce Australia’s use of fossil fuels in two ways. Firstly, as more solar farms are constructed solar power will become closer and closer to achieving “grid parity” with fossil fuel sources of electricity. Secondly, the financial penalty imposed on polluting businesses and industries will result in there being strong market forces at work to make solar technology more widespread and financially viable as form of “tax evasion”.

At first, you may think that another tax is a burden to every family rich or poor. But there will be significant compensation paid to both homeowners and businesses to help them to adjust to the changes, and in the long run the burden will be greatly outweighed by its benefits. As scarcity hits our current energy sources higher and higher electric bills are inevitable, and are already causing economic hardships for many families. The implementation of the carbon tax, and continued government funding for solar power installation will soon prevent this from happening.

On top of that, the revenues will be used to reduce our carbon footprint. Eliminating carbon not only saves our environment but discretely it saves you money. As global temperature surges up, you tend to use more energy to attain your comfort levels and as you do more carbon is released in the atmosphere and the cycle repeats again.