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.