Must Know Solar Power Information

If are planning to make the switch to solar power then it is a very wise decision. However before making the switch there are some things you need to consider which will help you to make the right decisions and get the best out of your solar investment.

Here is an overview of the things you need to know:

The Solar Panels

Knowing a simple overview of how solar technology works is very helpful for your understanding of the whole concept and goal of the system. It is simple to search online and find easy to understand diagramsshowing how solar panels convert the sun’s energy to electricity and how the other components function.

Having an idea of the best quality solar power components is also important. You can check for the qualified manufacturers and retailers in the clean energy council of Australia to ensure that the system is of the highest standards.

Also only purchase from a reputable well established solar PV company who takes the time to come to your home and quote, after 1^st doing an assessment to establish which system will best suit your individual circumstances & energy requirements.

The Installation

The proper installation is as essential as this influences the ongoing efficiency of your system, and should only be done by certified and experienced installers.

The proper angling of the panels will ensure maximum sun hours and the shading should be considered with high regards.  Ideally no obstruction should be in the way of the system. Also all of the system components and parts should be closely checked to ensure they are in perfect condition before installation begins. 

The braces and harness that will be used to secure the solar panels on your roof should be made from high grade material to ensure that it is correctly stabilized in position.

Aside from efficiency purposes, the installation process is also centered on the safety of your home. Though the components themselves are manufactured to the highest standard, the system is dealing with electricity and it is better to be safer than safe.

As such it is also part of the installer’s job to explain to you how the system works and the correct shutdown procedures should you ever need to do so.

Government rebates and Feed in Tariff Schemes

The government rebates and solar schemes are what will enable you to can gain the greatest financial benefits from your investments. Australia is operating under a decentralised program where individual states are implementing different schemes so check what the current conditions are in your area.

Before purchasing a system you must understand the policies first. Australian states allow a maximum system size of 5 MW but it is still best to check with your local electricity provider for the exact size they will accept as you will be entering into a contract with them directly

As mentioned above the installers and manufacturers must be qualified under Australia’s clean energy council for you to be eligible for any rebates. This is primarily for safety reasons and for efficiency purposes.

The rebates are a government subsidy which provides a sizeable discount for the upfront cost of the system. There is a federal rebate which gives Renewable Energy Credits depending on the size of the system you install. Depending on your location there may be other local and state government schemes and incentives in place as well, and normally pensioners and the low income sectors are given higher rebates.

All states of Australia have implemented schemes called the feed in tariff which allows for a set amount of money paid for every kilowatt fed back to the state grid by your system. If your state has not yet reached its cap for the Premium scheme then this can be a lucrative source of income.

Your system can be directly connected to the grid using smart meters for monitoring and solar inverters for the importation and exportation. Qualifying for the scheme is on a first come first serve basis since most state governments have set a cap for the scheme of a total amount of power produced rather than an end date, and some states such as NSW have already closed.

With electricity prices continuing to rise steadily it is in the best financial interest of every home and business owner to make the switch to solar power; you’ll be saving yourself money and saving the planet at the same time!

Local Government Supports Solar Power use on the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast residents and business owners have already given an enthusiastic response to solar power, and why wouldn’t they? Not only are there generous federal and state government solar bonuses and schemes available to make it much more affordable than in previous years and help them to keep their electricity prices in check, but it will also help to save the environment and provide a better future for the next generation.

With the implementation of solar bonuses and schemes in the last few years the installation of solar panels in Sunshine Coast increased massively and since 2010 renewable energy capacity on the coast has risen significantly.  The financial assistance of the federal government of Australia has made solar panels or solar hot water in Sunshine Coast cheaper and readily available even for lower income earners.

The regional council of the Sunshine Coast has also played a vital role in the success of the local solar industry. Though a relatively small region and less progressive compared to famous cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast is to be congratulated for its incentives which has allowed it to become one of the leading green and sustainable regions in the country.

One of the most successful programs implemented to date was the EcoBiz program, which is run under the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) signature partnership program.  EcoBiz aims to educate business owners about how to run a profitable business while still preserving the environment. The basis of the program teaches business owners how to get the most from their resources, and do more with less which is one of the core value of sustainability.

This do “more use less” agenda looks thoroughly into the current resources of a business and then devises plans and methods that will suit your requirements best. The program has already helped countless businesses on the coast and continues to make changes in thinking in regard to production efficiency and expenses. The program has another important role as well of preparing local businesses for the impending carbon tax.

With such effective support from all levels of government it seems encouraging that Sunshine Coast residents can look future to a bright future as a clean and environmentally sustainable region. Only time will tell  when the city will rise and be one of the country’s most outstanding green city and ultimately become leader in innovation and breakthroughs in the world.

Solar Panels to Last a Good 20 to 40 Years

Solar Panels are generally durable and tough, most solar panels are enclosed with weather proofing material protecting it from the harshest environment possible but still maintaining it properly is the key for optimum results.

The Power generation performance of a solar PV system not only rely on the solar panels itself and the proper positioning and installation but it is also dependent on the maintenance that you can carry out.  A system with a maximum output of 1.5 KW/H cannot produce its greatest potential even with ideal weather conditions if the system itself isn’t in the best condition.

Why? Well, everything that we use has to be cleaned and taken care of properly. Even your Rolls Royce and Rolexes has to be in its perfect condition.

• Regularly inspect your solar panels for any damage and consult our provider if you have detected any. The key to a high performance solar energy system is to absorb as many sunlight as possible so be sure to clean it regularly and remove dirt, bird droppings and dust.
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• Though these are just minute particles, they can obstruct the magic of your system and eventually it can affect the entire performance of the system.
• Next is you to check the installation of the system, mounting brackets, screws and all. Unsecured panels can be damage and before you know it you are back to dirty energy. That is exactly the main reason why there is such fuzz with qualified installers and the Clean Energy Council of Australia is very strict with their standards. 
• Another factor that might affect the performance that you’ll get is the wiring, be sure that they are on a perfect condition and isn’t damage or else you’ll be throwing away precious energy. You just run across the length of the wires and have a visual inspection. 
• Lastly, you need to check your inverters and smart meter if it is functioning properly and can keep up with the demand of your home.

Well let’s face it, solar PV panels is a breakthrough but it not an exemption to the law of wear and tear. For it achieve the result that you’ve always wanted it has to be maintained accordingly.

Most of the time the problem is not within the solar panels itself (though they take all the blame)but rather with the supporting components only.

If you have managed to maintain it properly, then it can even exceed the expected life span.

Solar is Helping Australia to Reach Grid Parity

With reductions in government rebates and subsidies beginning to occur across the country, Australia is now ata turning point in its campaign for large scale renewable energy production to occur through solar PV, natural gas and wind power. We are blessed with some of the cheapest and most accessible sources of alternative energy in world. It is not a matter of IF we will reach grid parity; the only question that remains is when will it occur?

Grid parity is the point where alternative means of electricity like solar energy, wind and hydro become as cheap to use as the current electricity grid prices.  Experts and analyst believe that Australia already hasmuch of what it takes in regards to natural resources to make this possible, it is only a matter of having good planning and government policies to follow that are sustainable.

Currently the world seems to be in a race to reach grid parity. The United States of America has set 2015 as the target, and other countries like Japan and Italy are not lagging far behind. Currently only Hawaii and other small islands have reached the state of parity in electricity, but Andrew Blakers, the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the Australian National University, has his hopes high that Australia will soon reach this enviable state as well.

He said that the government should now focus on a "non gold-rush version" of the feed in tariff and should put more careful investment into renewable energy of all aspects. As thecurrent feed in tariffs are only short term, it is his hope that the government should start realising that long term investing in research, development, commercialisation and market support is what will deliver long term solutions to the huge carbon emissions problem.

Worldwide mistakes should set a warning example for our country; Italy and other European countries have made great strides to their renewable energy attempts, but it has been another gold rush that hasn’t been sustainable. Global trends show that solar power installation only booms when a new scheme or tariff is legislated, and then drops back down again as consumer confidence drops. Focusing on long term investments would not only make grid parity occur sooner but would be sustainable indefinitely.

If Australia reaches the state of grid parity via the correct means of research and development rather thanby short term subsidies, prices of solar panels will plunge even lower, and it is not impossible to see a country fully powered by renewable energy sources.

A Guide To Buying Solar Panels

Here are some guidelines to be considered when you are buying solar panels for the first time.  This guide may be helpful especially for the first time buyers who are confused about solar power and want to know how to make the right solar panel investment.  

What are the things you need to consider when buying your solar panel system?  

·         Make sure you only deal with credible solar providers who can provide you with expert and accurate advice about the best design and installation to suit your home & budget.

·          They should also be able to provide you with accurate figures on the approximate system payback time.

·         You should also be educated about what the rebates and incentives offered by the government are and how to maximise them. You should also be aware of the feed-in tariff that you can access in your state that will pay for the electricity produced by the panels.

·         You do get what you pay for, and settling for cheap solar panels & components will generally prove false economy in the longer term. Remember your system should provide 20+ useful years of energy generation!

·         You can’t get an accurate quote over the phone; only trust a company who take the time to come out to your home to do a detailed assessment which takes into consideration your home design and location factors (see below)

Location: First thing you need to know before you buy the solar panels is where to efficiently put these panels.  The solar panels will work most effectively if you can face them towards north, they should also be set at the correct angle to point directly at the sun.  There should not be any trees, buildings or shading that can block the solar panels. The effectiveness of the solar panels also depends on the kind of weather where you live in.  Solar Panels installed in areas like Adelaide, Darwin and Brisbane can generate more electricity on an average day; these cities produce more 10% -30% more electricity compared to Hobart and Melbourne.

Choosing the best Solar Panel Supplier and Installer; Australia has an effective accreditation scheme, and the solar provider and installer of the solar panels must be accredited by the Clean Energy Council, who set a high standard for the design and installation of solar PV systems.  Installer work is usually guaranteed for a year.  The Clean Energy Council has provided a list of accredited designer/installers on their website that you can contact.  When looking for designer/installer you should look for the good track records of the company and a good reputation.  The designer/installer should have been in the industry for a quite awhile to secure their relevant expertise.

Solar panels & the other system components should meet or exceed the set industry standards; you should always make sure that the solar panel that you will be purchasing has meet all the standard components set by the Clean Energy Council. This will also give you eligibility to claim the solar credits & rebates available.  You should ask your installer for the supply proof.  The grid-connected inverters must be approved for the connection of the grid to Australia by complying with AS4777 and have the current Certificate of Suitability.

Researching small details about solar panels is a good thing to do before you go ahead and spend thousands of dollars. This can help you to protect the investment that you will be putting on the solar energy.  

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Goes Solar

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Reef HQ Aquarium in Queensland is about to go solar. Construction of a 153 KW solar power system has just begun which will be capable of generating 706 KW per hour or 258 MW every year. Excess production will be sold to the state’s grid through its grid connect capabilities. It will help save more than 250 tons of greenhouse gases annually.

The system will be second largest of its kind in the region, and is expected to be fully functional by May of 2012.

Installing a solar power system in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and doing its fair share in carbon reduction is a natural progression as part of its environmental protection leadership in wildlife protection and preservation of natural habitats.

Apart from its direct benefits, it is expected that the Marine Park’s solar PV system will also encourage more Queenslanders to make the switch to clean energy generation and practice energy efficient methods in their homes and offices.Over one hundred thousand people visit the Marine Park every year, and the project will be an opportunity to teach these people how solar power and renewable energy sources work by directly showcasing to them a fully functional system and its benefits.

According to Queensland’s Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke, the project will send a clear message to the community and every industry in the country that the Government is very serious about its sustainability campaign and clean energy business practices. The project is also another proof that solar technology can be adopted and integrated into any industry.

Green Heart Program Makes Brisbane More Sustainable

The City Council of Brisbane together with the community has devised a set of programs to aid the city’s residents with the rising electric bills and to fulfill the city’s goal to become the most sustainable city in Australia and make great cuts to our carbon emission.

The program is divided in to three parts, to aid individual residents in the best way possible for them-

1)The Green Heart Homes Program will be family centered;aiding families who want to make a real difference for the future of the city. The city council has implemented rebates and incentives together with solar power information sessions. The green heart homes program also tackles water efficiency systems and guidelines on how to protect the environment for every family.

The Green Heart homes program has proven its worth by taking the lead in water conservation and environmental cleaning, and is now aiming to reduce carbon emissions significantly.

The second part of the program is the Green Heart Schools; across Brisbane schools are now turned to a sustainable eco-friendly facility achieved through social mobilisation and careful planning. Currently Bulimba State School, Cannon Hill State School, Jamboree Heights State School, Oakleigh State School and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School are all green schools considering carbon reduction in every aspect and environmental protection.

The program not only aims to directly protect the environment but also to serve as a great example to its studentsand to impart a green heart in everyone that walks the corridors of the schools and to create a strong sense of leadership for environmental protection to its graduates.

The 3^rd part of the program is the Green Heart Business; the city council is offering rebates and incentives from small to large scale business to encourage them to have a better and more sustainable future and profits. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions without putting the burden on the commercial sector of the city. The council offers information on how solar panels and other green investments can help them in improving their production and reducing fixed costs and bills.

Collectively the Green Heart programs are centered on the important causes of environmental protection & reducing carbon emissions as well as the cost of living for Brisbane residents. As part of this the city council sees more solar power in Brisbane as the way of the future, as hopefully they will continue to support these valuable green initiatives.

Great Strides towards a Sustainable Brisbane

Looking at what is happening in Brisbane today, the city had come a long way in its quest to become one of Australia’s most sustainable green cities. The efforts of Brisbane’s City Council together with assistance from the State Government efforts are firmly focused in the transition of the city towards solar power, andall other aspects required to create a more eco-friendly environment for its residents.

The city is currently under the umbrella of the Queensland solar bonuses and rebates which alone are sufficient; however the solar rebates don’t stop there. The city is eager to make solar power in Brisbane an ongoing part of life, not just a short term trend.

 As a result the council has formulated various plans and schemes to make the switch solar energy easier, as well as educate about the reduction it will bring to energy costs for families and businesses.

For instance the EzyGreen project allows residents to choose what renewable energy options best suits their household and family and provides additional financial assistance on top of what the Queensland government is currently providing.

The Green Hearts program of Brisbane is another holistic approach towards a sustainable future. The program will be assisting the community in aspects of a green economy from schools to households to businesses. The Green hearts program is like many other programs across the country; however the council made sure that it will stand out from the rest by aiding the community extensively throughout the transition.

Aside from encouraging the installation of solar panels in Brisbane the local government also identified solar hot water systems to be a promising way of reducing the strain that electricity bills are causing for so many, as well as reducing carbon emissions. A rebate of $1000 will be given to pensioners who own an eligible system and a $600 rebate for non-pensioners. The city said that solar hot water is currently the cheapest and most accessible form of renewable energy source and it should be given the same credit as that of the solar PV’s

The city’s efforts are making great strides already; a climate change advocate website gave credit to the city and said that at the rate Brisbane is going it can reach grid parity earlier than expected. Grid parity will mean that non carbon intensive produced energy will be the same price as standard grid electricity by 2015, and may even be cheaper.

Australian Government Program for Funding Solar Power in Schools

The federal government of Australia has established the Australian Government’s National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) to assist schools across the country to reduce their environmental impact by installing solar PV panels and solar hot water together with other sustainability measures.

The program will grant eligible schools up to $50,000 to fund the installation of solar PV panels, solar hot water systems, rain water tanks, and other energy efficient equipment. Schools who have applied before September 30th of this year will be qualified for the 2011-2012 financial year, and those who missed the application deadline can still apply for the 2012-2013 round early next year.

The program aims to deliver three major goals; reducing energy bills and saving schools money, reducing the schools environmental impacts, and to teach our children how to value the environment and how renewable energy will be a key factor in their future.

Since the commencement of the program in 2007 more than 7000 schools have registered for the program (nearly 2000 applications for 2010-2011round alone) and about 2000 schools have their new system fully installed and functional. A total of $128 million dollarshas been spent as of April 2011 for program, which will continue until June 2013.

Some major universities in the country have also installed solar PV panel systems to achieve the same goal, the Monash University in Victoria has installed a 112KWh system capable of powering 25 average sized rooms in the Clayton campus with a computer controlled monitoring system to record generated electricity from the system.

Also the Murdoch University in Western Australia has installed a 26KW system in the campus’ library to reduce their carbon emissions and for research purposes as well. The University will conducting research on amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon solar panels and will soon open a new chapter in quantum dots and nano technology applications.

Just recently the University of Queensland unveiled the largest flat panel solar panel system in the country; the 1.75 MW array will reduce the University’s carbon emission by 1770 tons per year.  Mainly the project will be used to further research and development of solar technology, and the collected data from the system will serve as the framework of the study.

Several Universities have also made groundbreaking research and discoveries in the solar field. The University of NSW has recently found a way to increase solar panel efficiency up to 19.3% while still keeping production cost at a record low.

This proves that cost effective solar power can be integrated with all aspects of our community, serving its primary purpose of saving money and reducing greenhouse gases while allowing research and development to take place that will continue to reduce the cost of renewable energy technology.

Australia’s Renewable Energy Potential

Australia has the highest average solar radiation per square inch in any continent in the world and the country can capitalise on this natural blessing to help power its cities, achieve carbon neutrality and create a more sustainable future for its citizens.

Aside from the perfect geographical location and ideal climate in some regions, Australia is also home to some of the best researchers in the solar technology field. Recently some scientists based at the highly regarded University of Melbourne and University of New South Wales have made ground breaking discoveries which will help make solar cells more efficient, smaller, and cheaper in the future.

The country’s huge desert land mass that separates thepopulated coastal regions makes perfect locations for large scale solar PV projects, hybrid CSPs and massive wind farms. However this scale is ironically the very same reason which is partly responsible for rising electricity costs in Australia. The huge land area requires massive transmission lines to travel a long way from electricity girds, and power loss during this transmission is inevitable. Also maintenance and repair costs are very prohibitive and must be passed onto every consumer.

But the good news for the future is that by carefully planning and strategically locating new renewable energy power plants this need for massive power lines, expensive upgrades and electricity loss during transmission can be minimised, therefore decreasing the cost of energy.

However the key factor in unlocking Australia’s renewable energy potentials, especially solar power, is by creating enough of these mid-large scale “virtual” power stations to allow us to decentralise our energy production. Australian homes offer enough roof space for solar panel installations big enough to either partially or completely eliminate the household electricity bill, but industrial requirements are much higher.

While supportive measures undertaken by the federal and state governments have done much to grow the industry through very successful solar bonuses and schemes in the last few years, recent policy has been to reduce all of these. The reason is that solar power has reduced greatly in cost in that time, to the point where it is close to achieving price parity with coal produced electricity sources even without any rebates.

The industry still requires nurturing, stability and support though if we are to make the next step to being a real “solar power”; Australia is lagging far behind well-established solar giants in Europe like Germany despite their much less favourable climate conditions.

We already have some of the best researchers, resources, conditions and technology in the world; now we are waiting on stable government policies to give confidence to the large investors able to help fund a continued stream of large projects.

 Our proposed price on carbon will take care of funding for ongoing research and development of emerging renewable energy technologies, and better facilitation of decentralised grid connection; all of which is very important to Australia for economic reasons as well as environmental!

Australia Aims for 100% Solar

Almost every city in Australia has set their individual renewable energy target. The ultimate goal is to reduce carbon emission with the help of carefully designed programs that make switching to alternative energy easier andmore affordable for businesses and residents in their city. From households to schools to government buildings and businesses, every city council is encouraging more solar power installations and other clean energy initiatives.

Currently even with the big solar boom in 2010 and early 2011, Australia has not yet been listed as a top solar electricity producer in line with European countries which has less favorable conditions. However with the collective efforts of every city council and state the country has a great future in solar power.

The rebates and incentives offered by state government are now coupled with individual city council privileges to encourage more households and businesses to make the switch to rooftop solar panels. Every city is aiming to be the number one most sustainable solar powered city in Australia, and the competition is becoming healthier not only for the environment but for the city’s economy as well.

The healthy competition pushes every council to design more and more programs to assist their residents, and this is one of the top reasons why Australia’s solar industry is continuing to grow steadily. Moreover city councils are also committed in reducing their operation’s carbon emissions by fitting the council office with renewable energy sources and energy efficient units, field operations are now also being modified to facilitate carbon sequestration and set a good example y living what they preach.

Energy experts and economists say that Australia hasn’t unleashed its full potential yet. If European countries like Germany have become so successful with their limited solar climate potential, how much more can be achieved from a country that is blessed with the right conditions and technology.

The national target for large scale carbon reduction in the country is by the year 2020. The present administration says that Australia can reach Grid Parity within that time which will make clean energy production a much more level playing field with dirty fossil fuel sources.

In general Australia goals are as follows…

1. Reduce carbon emissions drastically (by at least 30%)
2. Protect the environment for a better economy and the future of the next generations.
3. Aid households with rising electricity bills.
4. Improve the technology with continued research and development.
5. Become ranked as one of the world’s highest solar electricity producing countries.
6. And to better the lives of every Aussie with more jobs and a cheaper cost of living.

2 Major Solar Projects Commencing Construction in Hervey Bay

The Queensland government has committed to invest $4 million into solar projects in Hervey Bay in the Fraser Coast region. The initiative is composed of two projects; the 1^st is the $2.7 million Fraser Coast Community Solar Farm, and the 2^nd is the $1.3 million 266 kilowatt solar panel system at the Hervey Bay Hospital.

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson together with the Mayor of Hervey Bay lead the ceremony on Sept 28th to officially begin construction on the first community owned solar farm, not only in the region, but in all of Queensland. The project will cover a total land space of 2,600 square meters and will use 1,584 solar panels to generate over 600 megawatts of electricity to power almost 100 homes in the community.

The solar farm is expected to reduce the region’s carbon emission by 600 tons annually, and eventually reduce energy prices since it may pave the way for more solar farm in the region. The solar farm is also milestone in Queensland since it is both the first stand-alone farm, and the first to integrate with both the industrial and commercial sectors of the state.

The second part of the initiative is installing an extensive solar PV array at the Hervey Bay Hospital. As part of the Queensland commitment to both health and clean energy, the local government has funded a $1.3 million 266 kilowatt solar panels system for the hospital to help offset its carbon emissions and greatly reduce its energy consumption.

In projected figures, the system can save the hospital around $20,000 on energy bills and 400 tons of carbon annually.

These exciting projects are an important economic boost for the area which will create many new jobs. Also they will serve as a major milestone for the local solar power industry and will have a huge impact overall to promote the regional council’s sustainability campaigns.

Solar PV Panels Buyer's Tips

Many aspects must be taken into consideration if you are planning to go solar, of course you wanted to get the best results possible and value for your money.

First thing that you need to do is to be familiar with the government policies and guidelines within you are, Australia doesn't have a standardized guidelines yet but the local government are iplementing it by state. Get to know what are the terms in the rebates, incentives and understand how the feed in tariff works.
Second, you need to know what size of the system you'd need. It can be best determined by know these three factors

• Your average energy consumption for about a year
• Your free roof space and sunlight availability
• and your budget...

Third, you need to shop around. there many retailers and solar panel suppliers in the market today and everyone is claiming that their products and services offers the best va;ue for money - well of course they will. But you are the only one who can tell that. Jump from one store to another and determine what will suit you best.

And last, after getting a quote it is better to counter check it with the Clean Energy Council of Australia to verify whether this company is a certified manufacturer and installer of solar PV panels and qualify for all the government benefits.

If you amanged to get it done, you can enjoy the benefits of geen living both in your pocket and in your conscience.

I Never Run Out of Hot Water

It feels so good and relaxing whenever I take a warm bath, especially after a hard day at work – I know you all agree. But warming up water for your bath burns a lot coal…….

We know what harm it brings to the environment by burning coal, and we also know the hip pocket pain of a big electricity bill, but do you know how to reduce it?

I just recently installed a system called solar hot water, at first I was a bit skeptical, because if you come to think of it is the heat of the sun enough to give me a warm bath?

Well it turned out it isn’t enough!!....... It was more! The system we installed, an “evacuated tube” one, can fill out whole tank with plenty of water for your needs! I don’t know all the geeky stuff about exactly how it works. But here’s a simple version;

The system collects the heat energy and somehow it doubles the heat, then water piping runs through it for direct heat transfer or sometimes with a certain medium to transfer the energy. The tank stores the heated water without using a water pump.

Whew.. So basically it is free hot water…. A question might pop into your head, like it did to me;

If the sun isn’t very strong that day, say on a cloudy winters day, will I be having a cold shower? Fortunately not because the the system can use “boosting” from your heating system (either electric or fuel) so you will never run out of hot water…. But here in our place that rarely happens. The sun is bright as ever almost the entire year.

I’m saving money with solar hot water….. so can you!

The Pursuit of Renewable Energy

As a child I didn’t know (or if not all of us) how important electricity is. All I cared about is that I can watch my favorite TV shows and play Atari with my friends. But as we come of age we realize that it is much more than that; electricity is the backbone of our modern existence! We use it continually for our daily living and to be able to industrially manufacture all our needs – one thing we need to be thinking – is the ways things are now permanent?

Well it won’t be long gone within our lifetime, but if we don’t make some big global changes it’s possible that the time will come that our cities will shut down and we will be living in darkness…..  For now the immediate concern to many is that our electric bills are way out of control; you have probably noticed that the cost per kilowatt is on a steady increase which is predicted to continue indefinitely. Economics has taught us the law of supply and demand; our power stations cannot keep up with our growing demand from our electricity hungry population!

And that is when the problem becomes more tangible. At this rate, we will exhaust the Earths fossil fuel resources in a little over than 100 years, and as that time nears our electricity bills will shoot up until the average person can no longer afford to pay for it.

These disturbing facts have lead Governments around the world to the pursuit of renewable and steady electricity that can keep up with our demands. Many alternative power sources are under extensive research. But only one thing has proved to be a viable solution to our problems, and the key to its revolutionizing success is its small and large scale applications….

.

The breakthrough are Solar PV panels, they can be used in both small residential and very large commercial scales that made it viable for all parts of our economy. Currently we do not have a source than can top what power station produce, but what we can do is to produce our own electricity every day at home. In this we will have the ability to eventually seize our independence from the use of conventional electricity.

If we can make this solar energy revolution a success, we can enjoy a never ending source of electricity without the insane bills that we currently have that will only get worse in the future.