Solar Power
An increasing awareness of climate change has returned attention to solar power. And why not, with sufficient sunlight falling on Australia to provide the nation’s total energy needs a great many times over. Steps to reduce energy usage should be taken, but perhaps it is time to also consider a change of power supply.
How they work
Solar power systems are made from a series of photovoltaic (PV) panels that directly convert energy in the form of light from the sun into electrical energy. Solar power can be used in all parts of Australia as long as you have a suitable site with a north-facing roof, or ground space that is not shaded during the day.
RAPS systems
Until recently, the main reason that people chose a solar system was that they lacked access to the mains power grid. In rural areas it was cheaper to install a Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) system than for connection to the grid. With a RAPS system the solar panels charge batteries, supplying the home with power when needed.
Grid-interactive systems
As solar has become more popular in urban areas, grid-interactive systems are becoming the norm. With a grid interactive system the energy produced by the solar panels is fed directly into the mains grid via a device called an inverter. Any electricity produced, but not needed by the house at that time, is simply fed into the mains grid. The home can also draw power from the grid when the sun is not shining. This is the simplest system, and requires little or no maintenance, other than the occasional check to ensure it is still operating, and cleaning the solar panels of excessive dirt build up.
Size and costs
How big a system you need and how much it costs is dependent on how much energy your house consumes. Probably the most important part of system design that is often overlooked is the energy efficiency of a home. There is no point spending money on a solar system when the energy it generates is wasted. Spending a few hundred or even a couple of thousand dollars on more efficient appliances and making your home more energy efficient means you could buy a smaller solar power system.
The average home system is around 1.5 kilowatt (1500 Watts) of peak generating capacity. A 1.5 kilowatt system costs around $20,000 before rebates, although the price depends on the options selected, such as whether the home has a suitable north-facing roof or if extra framing has to be added to the roof. Warranties on the components of solar systems range from one to 25 years, with solar panels usually guaranteed for 20 to 25 years.
Rebates
To help offset the upfront costs of a solar system the Federal Government introduced the Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP) and the Remote Renewable Power Generation Programme (RRPGP), both of which are administered by the state and territory governments with some state-specific variations. Contact your state environment department to see if you qualify.
Installation
In order to qualify for the rebates, installation must be done by a renewable energy installer who is certified by the Clean Energy Council. Connection to the grid must be signed off by a suitably qualified person, often an electrical inspector. The company you choose to install your system should be able to organise the required inspections, as well as do the paperwork for the rebate. When shopping for your system, make sure you understand what the installer is willing to do for the installation price, and what you will have to do.
As with all things, careful consideration of both price and quality should be undertaken to ensure your home’s best option. Always get at least three suppliers to quote for the same size system so you are able to compare prices. The initial financial investment may seem daunting to some, but with an ever-increasing government rebate on installation, and the knowledge that over time your electricity bills may disappear, the Australian public is increasingly investing in capturing the sun’s energy.
More information:
Solar electricity booklet
Solar power rebates
ATA Report: Barriers to solar grid connection
ATA Report: Solar systems owners survey
ATA Campaign: take action on feed-in tariffs
www.yourhome.gov.au
www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
