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Clean Energy Usage In Australia
The combined amount of solar energy that reaches the surface of the Earth in a single hour could power the world for 100 years. Solar panels are a great way to generate clean energy and reduce carbon emissions, as they do not emit any greenhouse gases or air pollutants, unlike fossil fuels.
PV systems are also cheap to install, requiring little maintenance or upkeep. Investing in solar panels and other renewable energy sources is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and support the environment.
Solar energy is the future of renewable energy in Australia. The country knows this and has increased its uptake of solar energy to help reduce carbon emissions and meet its energy needs. This article will tell you where solar energy is being used in Australia.
Factors Supporting Solar Systems In Australia
Several favourable conditions support solar power systems in Australia. This makes solar arrays good investment opportunities for both homeowners and private business owners. Electricity is quite expensive in Australia. However, being a sunny country, people don't have to bear the brunt of the financial implication of enjoying electricity.
The country's solar power is a form of renewable energy that offers excellent incentives such as low technology costs, lots of solar PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), and various financing options.
Benefitting from the abundant sunshine available in Australia
The amount of sunlight accessible in certain regions of Australia has been estimated to be more than 6 kWh/m2 per day, compared to less than half of this in northern Europe. Suppose a similar type of solar PV (Photovoltaic) system is installed in both locations.
In that case, it is estimated on average that the one installed in Australia will generate double the amount generated in northern Europe. Some important facts are now known about what is possible in terms of the production of solar power in Australia, and these include;
- With the most efficient solar panels, it is possible to convert more than 20% of available sunlight into a usable form of electricity. This is not only a cheap means of electricity, but it is also a renewable means of electricity.
- The solar resources available in Australia might allow for the development of a 330-watt module capable of generating more than 500 kWh per year.
Geoscience Australia notes that up to 58 million petajoules of solar radiation are available in the country each year. This is about 10,000 times greater than the amount of energy that is used in Australia in a single year.
There is a notable improvement in the performance of available solar power systems due to the abundance of sunshine, an obvious advantage Australia has over many other places where there isn't as much sunlight. Each kilowatt of the capacity that is installed generates more kilowatt-hours.
Australians are adopting solar to escape high electricity prices
You may have discovered that energy in Australia comes with some of the highest tariffs in the world. For some businesses in this country, tariffs could be more than 20 cents/kWh, while some homeowners may have to pay about 40 cents/kWh. Business owners find this a bit difficult to handle because the overhead costs increase, and their profits are reduced.
The value of solar panels went up because each kilowatt-hour that is produced is in the form of energy that you could have bought from the local grid, and there appears to be an increase in interest in their use now. When sunshine is abundant, the energy output that comes from solar panels increases and as does the cost of each kWh of electricity.
However, this does not remove distribution and transmission charges which currently stand at over 50% of the kWh cost. Using solar power systems can help people cut down on their energy expenses by a large margin. The awareness of this fact has made many people start using solar energy as a means of power for their home use or businesses.
Making The Most Of Solar Incentives In Australia
Australia's Clean Energy Regulator issues renewable energy certificates to various technologies, including solar electricity. Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC) are available for installations up to 100 kW, while bigger systems can claim Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGC).
- The certificates are determined by considering the electricity output of solar systems.
- Solar power systems that get more sunlight are also eligible for additional STCs and LGCs per kilowatt of installed capacity.
Energy retailers and other large-scale energy businesses purchase these two categories of certificates as part of their clean power responsibilities. Those interested in STCs must pay for them in advance. Value is determined by the quantity of solar power that will be generated in 2030.
However, LGCs can be bought at regular intervals depending on the amount of electricity that has been generated. STCs can be considered a solar rebate, whereas LGCs are bonus payments issues for performance.
Local incentive programs that state governments give may be combined with renewable energy certificates. Part of the benefits of doing this include solar battery incentives and low-interest or, in some cases, zero-interest financing. When put together, these are enough to make people begin to look in the direction of solar energy.
Why Is Solar Energy Inexpensive In Australia?
A solar panel in Australia is relatively inexpensive because the country is known for low-interest rates compared to other places. It is even possible for some corporations to get loans that have annual interests of less than 3%. This presents a wonderful avenue for business owners to cut down drastically on their costs and also to install a solar power system without an adverse effect on the capital they use for their business.
Since solar technology is highly subsidised in Australia and the fact that people have access to generous incentives, solar power systems are easily within the financial reach of many in the country. The overall effect of this is an improvement in the country's economy. Meaning it provides a betterment in the lives of its citizens and the environment.
Many companies consider a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) an attractive deal. In this kind of arrangement, the provider owns the installation, and they are responsible for its operation, financing, and maintenance. On the other hand, the user agrees to buy electricity generated at a discounted price concerning the local tariff.
Reasons Why Solar Energy Is Popular In Australia
Australia is an excellent location for reaping the full benefits of solar energy. Its annual 58 million petajoules of solar radiation ensure that there is more than enough solar energy to power the entire country for a full year. There is a pressing need to eliminate fossil fuels and other kinds of energy that have a harmful influence on the environment.
Global efforts are thus not only required but should be implemented as soon as possible. The Australian government has made such efforts through initiatives like the Renewable Energy Target and the Clean Energy Initiative's Solar Flagship Program to support the use of solar energy in the country.
Efforts toward creating cleaner energy are not left to the government alone. In their own small way, homeowners are doing their bit by investing in rooftop solar energy panels for the use and sustenance of renewable energy for their home use.
The World Is Shifting Towards Clean Energy
Solar PV technology is the norm in certain rural places where there has been restricted connection to the local grid for several years. Solar technology developed for residential rooftops is common in Australia, including in highly populated urban areas.
According to estimates, nearly two million Australian houses have installed rooftop solar power systems, accounting for around 20% of all homes. This is a good indication of where the world is headed. Cleaner energy in Australia is cheaper and readily available, and this is what the rest of the globe is considering as the next best option.
Investing In Renewable Energy
Now that you are aware of exactly where solar energy is used in Australia and how it benefits not only you and the environment, why not opt for a solar system for your home? A solar system has many benefits, as listed above, and can provide clean, renewable energy for you and your family. So if you are interested in moving off-grid or paying less on your solar-generated energy, why not give a local solar expert a call.