Solar is affordable, accessible, and reliable in most areas. Government incentives make the prospects of a new system even more appealing.

The Empowering Homes Program in New South Wales offers zero-interest loans for installations for up to 300,000 households. In Victoria, the Solar Homes Program supplies 1,000 rebates of up to $4,838 for systems installed between 2019 and 2020. And in South Australia, the Home Battery Scheme issues rebates to approximately 40,000 households with a grant of up to $6,000 for the purchase of solar batteries.

A combination of lower cost, incentives, and higher efficiency has produced more reasons to install a new system. While great strides have been made and many people opting for renewable energy in recent years, there is still a long way to go. Solar made up just 5.2% of Australia’s total electrical energy production in 2018.

What would happen if Australia became 100% reliant on the sun to power its homes and businesses?

• Everyone Would Have to Manage Supply and Demand

Most Australians can switch on the power without a second thought. As long as you pay your bill, you can use power anytime.

When transitioning entirely to solar, everyone will have to play a role in managing supply and demand. Households and businesses will need to top up their batteries during peak sunlight hours.

Software would come into play that alerts users to switch on batteries during high-production times. We would have to play a more active role in managing our energy storage and consumption. That also means a greater emphasis on the use of energy-efficient appliances.

• Energy Will Be Produced as Locally as Possible

Energy will be produced as locally as possible – usually right on the home or building. CSIRO and Energy Networks Australia predicts that 30% to 45% of energy generation will come from customer-owned systems.

In an Australia that’s entirely reliant on renewable energy, that means seeing many more solar panels on rooftops and microgrids installed on apartment buildings.

• Lower Grid Demand Means Fewer Poles and Wires

Switching to solar removes some of the demand on the grid. It will serve a purpose, so we will still see infrastructure in communities. However, some areas may begin to be taken off the grid as solar gains a foothold. Fewer new poles and wires will be constructed and some may be removed.

• Increased Resilience to Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events can damage existing infrastructure and cut power to hundreds or even thousands of customers at a time. When everyone has their own power source, this becomes less of a problem. Rural and urban areas can turn into islands that continue running on standalone grids that can power the area for at least six to 12 hours.

Australia is still a long way off from becoming 100% reliant on renewables. The technology is advancing with new methods used to build and install solar panels. Connect Electric is available to help you learn more about how sustainable energy can change your life for the better. Contact us today to discuss your electricity needs.

Solar panels are the heart of any solar system. Without them, the equipment couldn’t collect energy. When most people think of solar power, they usually envision a small array in a yard or installed on someone’s roof. These systems exist and have many benefits, but they aren’t the only way we can harness the power of the sun.

Many areas use or plan to use large-scale solar systems. These are also known as “solar farms,” with the intent of generating electricity in bulk. Connect Electric wants to explore this renewable technology and how it changes the way power our lives.

How Do Solar Farms Work?

Solar farms require more space but have a much higher capacity than a household array. They also use panels to convert sunlight into direct current (DC). Inverters convert the DC energy into alternating current (AC) that can be fed into the grid.

In a solar farm, panels are installed on small towers over a large area.  These are usually positioned away from trees or buildings that can cast shadows and reduce the amount of sunlight they can collect. The installer will determine the optimum position to ensure maximum sun exposure all year long.

Large-scale solar systems are appealing for businesses or communities. Since they are bigger projects, an area can be carefully chosen or modified to ensure optimum output. Arrays installed on individual homes may have less flexibility, which can reduce their effectiveness.

Large-Scale Solar Growth in Australia

Renewable technology in Australia is growing at a rapid rate. Large-scale solar systems, in particular, have experienced significant expansion.

According to Green Energy Markets (GEM), renewables experienced a “banner year in 2018.” They contributed over 21% of all electricity produced in Australia. This also marked the first time that sustainable energy reached the 20% mark in 40 years.

Rooftop solar systems generation was 86% greater than the annual average additions recorded in 2015 through 2017. However, large-scale systems were even more impressive with growth of nearly 300% compared to 2017.

Australia’s Renewable Energy Industry Remains Steadfast

Solar shows no signs of slowing down. The industry consists of over 3,800 businesses with annual retail sales of more than $2.5 billion.

Not only is solar a reliable energy source, but it has also become an integral part of Australia’s economy. Its growth is strong, and it provides jobs across the country.

Government incentives also play an essential role. If the government was to remove or reduce the Renewable Energy Target, then demand would drop by as much as 50% and could lead to the closure of a thousand or more small businesses.

Australia Needs Renewable Technology

Renewable energy influences local economies and domestic job growth. It provides a clean alternative to fossil fuels. It’s highly adaptable and can be used for large-scale production, making it a viable commercial option. It currently powers communities across Australia and continues to expand its reach as costs go down and efficiency goes up.

Connect Electric can help you learn more about small and large-scale solar systems and renewable technology. Contact us today to discuss your energy needs.

The Arctic is a harsh, unforgiving environment. Surviving there requires power sources that are rugged and reliable. A failure can mean the difference between life and death.

Adding to the challenge are the extended periods of darkness. When 24 hours can pass with no sunlight and temperatures lingering around -40 C, it is easy to see why solar technology may sound out of reach for people in this extreme environment. That’s why many communities rely on diesel fuel to power their homes and businesses.

While it works in the short-term, diesel comes with many risks. It’s more expensive than renewable sources and there is the potential for accidental spills in the marine environment. Remote communities must maintain travel and contact with other areas to ensure that a steady supply is available.

Renewable Energy Becomes Viable in the North

The Waterloo Institute of Sustainable Energy conducted a pre-feasibility study on 13 Nunavut communities on behalf of WWF-Canada. The goal was to determine if renewable energy sources could achieve the results needed in these regions.

Five communities have an especially strong business case for the deployment of renewables. The study found that the initial investment would be paid for by the reduced diesel expenses. The Hamlet of Sanikiluaq was the most promising, showing a potential 45% energy savings and 53% carbon dioxide emissions reduction. The other four communities include Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit, Baker Lake, and Arviat.

Solar Energy in Alaska

The concept of installing solar panels in arctic regions isn’t a new one.  Alaska’s largest solar farm, located in Willow, was turned on last year. Located a few hundred miles south of the Arctic Circle, Willow sees less than six hours of daylight during the winter season.

The 10-acre farm was projected to produce 1.35 megawatt hours annually, which is enough energy to supply 120 average homes all year long. The array consists of 11 rows of panels and nine 133 kW rows.

The two original 70 kW rows that were the pilot project for the farm are also in use. This initial endeavour proved that the farm could work on a larger scale. The first two rows were installed in 2018.

The Willow farm may be the biggest, but it isn’t the most northernly. Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) is a three-acre solar farm in Fairbanks, approximately 200 miles from the Arctic Circle.  Smaller farms have been installed further north, but GVEA is the largest of its kind at that latitude in Alaska. GVEA supplies energy to 70 homes.

Since snow can block sunlight, workers had to be hired to remove drifts from the panels. However, in dark months like December, the snow remains because there isn’t enough sunlight to justify snow removal.

Solar Continues to Adapt

Solar’s adaptability is impressive. We continue to learn more about how this energy source can be used, even in inhospitable conditions. Not only is it reliable, but it is also more affordable than ever before. Contact Connect Electric to find out how a new solar system can supply your home with clean energy for years.

According to an analysis by RepuTex, Australia is projected to reach 50% renewable energy by 2030 without the intervention of the federal government.

State schemes already provide significant incentives for anyone interested in sustainability. Homeowners in South Australia can receive grants of up to $6,000 for solar batteries. Those in Victoria may be eligible for rebates of up to $4,838 for new installs this year. Zero-interest loans are available for new installations in New South Wales.

These offerings have helped drive interest and encourage families and business owners to move forward with solar system installations. The prospects are even more attractive thanks to a reduction in wholesale prices, which are estimated to drop from $85 MWh to $70 in the next three years.

Energy Choices Fueled By Politics and Competition

Higher efficiency and lower cost have made solar and other renewables more competitive than traditional gas and coal-powered sources.

During the election season, the Coalition claimed that Labor’s 50% renewable target would hurt energy-intensive industries and cause a loss of jobs. After the Coalition won, Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos urged the government to take advantage of the falling cost of renewable energy to lower greenhouse gas output and increase reliability.

Energy minister Angus Taylor announced that the government will not extend the renewable energy target this year. That puts a greater emphasis on state programs, which have become a significant driving factor in renewable trends.

A lack of target hasn’t stopped the government investment in renewables. The Coalition attempted to bolster its climate credentials by injecting $2 billion into the emissions reduction fund, which pays farmers and businesses to cut their carbon dioxide pollution output.

Scott Morrison also went to Tasmania to support the Battery of the Nation project. The plan intends to tap into renewable energy in Tasmania through wind and hydro system expansion. The state will benefit economically with more jobs and lower energy prices.

Renewable Energy Growth Continues Across Australia

RepuTex predicts that current policies will help create 13GW of new renewable capacity by 2030. Another 6GW is already committed for development by the end of 2020.

Head researcher Bret Harper explained that the end of this year “should begin to reduce the role of marginal gas-fired generation in the market, leading to lower wholesale prices.”

He also stated that without direct emission constraint, the “competitive pressure of new low-cost supply is modelled to significantly limit demand for coal-fired energy.”

One concern is that a lack of a plan for the exit of fossil fuels could create a boom-bust investment cycle. That means wholesale prices could rise and fall, creating a volatile market rather than one that transitions in an orderly fashion.

Join the renewable movement in Australia by contacting Connect Electric. We can help you learn more about how solar energy can help you cut costs and power your home or business. Let us know what you need, and we’ll guide you to the best sustainable solution.