Basic Home Solar Panels Buyer’s Guide

If you are decided to make the switch to solar power then good for you! Solar PV prices have never been lower; in fact it has plunged by around 50% today compared 3 years ago. PVs today also have better efficiency rating, better lifespan and improved protection against the wear and tear of outdoor elements.

Before you buy, make sure to bring a checklist with you considering the following:

Panel Type, Cost and Efficiency


There are a number of home solar panel types each having their pros and cons, be sure to conduct a research before rushing to a dealer and know every  basic information about each type  so you won’t end up buying the most expensive type that doesn’t suit your energy needs and environment. Companies exaggerating efficiency rate often are unreliable, on average, solar PV panels in the market today with exception of prototypes have an efficiency rating of about 18% anything higher just isn’t possible yet.

Cost may vary depending on the type of solar array and the dealer that you will be buying from, always remember to shop around first to get the best deal possible before pushing through. Just a tip – It is always better to spend a little more on quality rather settling on cheap and often unreliable products.

Know your rebates and incentives


Solar enthusiast may be geeky on this stuff but if you are not, then it is best to browse the web for reliable sources or phone experts on this matter. In general, what you need to know are the current rebates and feed in tariff (FiT) scheme implemented by the federal government and the state. Across the country Queensland’s solar rebates and FiT remained stable; some states either closed the scheme down or lowered the rates.

The feed in tariff is scheme may seem complex but is really easy to understand, it oblige the state to pay home solar panel users for the excess electricity that is sent back to the grid which is recorded by your home smart meters given that you abide to the guidelines released by the government (maximum system size per phase, period of application, safety measures and metering type).

Installation


The installation process is very important in achieving the maximum potential of your solar PV system, installers should place the panels on the perfect spot considering shading, intervals between each panels to avoid overheating and proper wiring for safety purposes.

Massive Solar Project Proposed

Australia will soon see the very first solar updraft tower in the country as a local company proposed a massive 200 MW project utilising the simple yet unique approach of generating electricity offered by the technology.

Unlike normal Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants the updraft tower does not use mirrors or photovoltaic panels to focus heat in a central place, the technology works by collecting heat through its sheet collectors and transfers it in a central tube that contains a generator. Using the principle that warm air rises, the heated air will then rise through the height of the tower which turns the generator that produces electricity. The updraft tower also has the potential of generating electricity at night because the system traps enough heat to continue propelling the generator providing additional base load electricity.

Although the solar updraft tower is more expensive to build than traditional CSP and solar PV farms, maintenance and operations are very minimal outweighing the initial cost of the project in the long run.

The updraft tower technology may be young in the country but Spain has proven its viability and has operated a similar prototype project for the past 7 years without flaws. If the project pursuits, it will be built in a 127,000 hectare land in Western Australia region near the city of Perth and is said to begin the 2 year construction by 2014.

The 200 MW solar updraft tower will give a massive boost in Australia solar power capacity in addition to the country’s solar flagship programs. The 150 MW Moree solar farm in the state of New South Wales which will be comprised of 650,000 solar panels and the The 250 MW Solar Dawn project which will utilise a natural gas hybrid and CSP technology. All three above projects are the largest of their kind and are expected to set the standards of large scale solar power applications in the country.

Apart from sequestering carbon and aiding the country in achieving its renewable energy goals, all three projects will also have a positive impact in the country’s economy employing thousands of workforce and during and even after construction for maintenance and operating purposes skyrocketing green related jobs.

Earlier this month news came out that the federal government will be establishing the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) after a plea from the GREENS leader senator Milne, according to her it is vital to establish the independent body as soon as possible for large scale solar power projects to thrive in the country and avoid politics from meddling with it.

Fast tracking ARENA to Manage Large Scale Solar Power Projects

Australia’s solar flagship faced major setbacks and delays in the past few months, after a failure to enter a private financing deal another problem surfaced. According to Energy Minister Martin Ferguson a major issue that halted the progress of the project was a failure to establish a power purchase agreement with energy utilities for the solar farms.

Australia’s solar flagship programs will establish the backbone of the country’s large scale solar power projects and data will serve as the basis for further development. The alarming delay prompted GREENS leader senator Milne to call for the early establishment of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and take over the country’s solar PV projects to prevent politics from meddling with it maximising opportunity and fast tracking progress given that it is an independent statutory body.

About the ARENA

The ARENA is a part of Australia’s Clean Energy Future Package that will manage the country’s $3.2 billion renewable energy investments, commercialisation of renewable energy technologies and research and development of the industry for continued progress and competitiveness. From the $3.2 billion total funding the ARENA will have a floating available fund of $1.7 billion for renewable energy investments in their discretion giving particular opportunity for large scale solar power farms, geothermal power plants, wave power and other emerging technologies that offer great potential which will be available from the establishment of the ARENA up to 2020.

Apart from the above mentioned the body will also be focusing in lowering the cost of homesolar panels and other decentralised RE technologies through continuous research and development. The ARENA will also be managing numerous initiatives of the government such as: ACRE Solar Projects, Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund, Emerging Renewables Program, Geothermal Drilling and Bio-fuels program.

ARENA will have an independent, decision making Board appointed by the Minister for Resources and Energy, and will also have a CEO appointed by the Minister for Resources and Energy on the recommendation of the ARENA Board.

As soon as the body is established Australia’s large scale solar projects are expected to hit the right path and other renewable energy technologies will soon follow.

Hervey Bay Solar Farm Commences

Hervey Bay will soon be on Australia’s solar map as two of the community solar farms begin construction. A total of $4 million of solar power investments will take footing at Hervey Bay hospital and Wide Bay Water Corporation opening green related jobs, boosting local solar industry and saving hundreds of tonnes of carbon each year.

Currently Hervey Bay is a major player in building virtual solar power in Queensland and with a strong pipeline of projects this year the city can be distinguished as one of the most promising renewable energy powered region not only for the state but the rest of the country.

Two Major projects commencing


The $2.7 million Wide Bay Water Corporation solar panel project will consist of 1600 solar panels generating a total output of 396 kilowatts enough power to supply nearly 100 homes sequestering 600 tonnes of carbon each year. Queensland Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said that the project will also have a huge impact of local economy employing a number of work forces during construction and maintenance, encourage more community investments in renewable energy particularly solar power and catalysing business growth related to the industry.

The community solar farm will be built at Wide Bay Water Corporation premises at Kawungan. Construction has started and the project to harness the clean energy from the sun will be operational in early 2012.

Hervey Bay Hospital will also undergo a green retrofit through a $1.3 million solar power project. The array will generate a total output of 266 KW equivalent to 385 megawatt hours of energy annually saving more than 400 tonnes of carbon each year. The project will also include a large interactive LCD display that demonstrates the system’s performance for public education purposes. The project is also expected to be fully operational early this year alongside with the community solar farm.

Both projects is an initiative of the local government in an attempt to encourage more private installations of solar panels in Hervey Bay by showcasing to the public the environmental value of solar technology and how it will help them reduce their electric bills especially during this times of uncontrollable price hikes. The projects will also instill a great core value in the region’s youth introducing renewable energy at an early stage.

The state of Queensland aims to be the country’s most sustainable city and town by town Queensland is transforming energy generation by creating virtual solar power stations and modifying behavioral patterns towards sustainability.

Why Install Solar Panels with Feed in Tariff Uncertainty

The premium feed in tariff schemes run by the individual state governments of Australia have now closed for new applications in some states and the rest, except for Queensland, are nearing their caps. However installing a solar panel system is beneficial itself even without the premium rates initially paid by the scheme.

Electricity cuts

The feed in tariff pays eligible solar PV system owners a specific rate for every kilowatt fed back to the grid but if you are not able to apply before your state cap is reached then the key in making electricity cuts rely in installing a system that suffice your energy needs.

Before purchasing a system make a simple study of your energy consumption, take your average energy usage in a month for at least a year using your electric bill. You can do this by simply subtracting the electrical reading after each from the date you wish to start with all the way to your latest bill (by doing so you will have your energy consumption monthly and see which month and season you use the most energy). Next is to subtract the first dating bill that you wish to start with all the way up to your present bill then divide them according to the number of months. The average energy consumption combined with your monthly usage will you give a clear idea how much energy you consume and when. After gathering those data, you can now decide what system size will be just enough for your home.

Without the feed in tariff scheme going off grid can also be an option, just be sure to install a solar panel system that exceeds your needs and purchase a reliable battery pack.

Environmental preservation

With or without the feed in tariff scheme, the carbon reduction effects of the system will be the same; you can still make significant cuts to your carbon footprint and preserve our environment for future generations.

A thought to ponder

It is best to combine your solar power system with a solar hot water system; this will ensure better energy sustainability especially for households who wish to go off grid and never to receive electricity bills again.

Always be sure to purchase your systems from certified manufacturers and solar retailers who are listed by the clean energy council of Australia. It is published on their extensive website for safety and quality reasons.

Home Solar Panels Simply the Best GREEN Retrofit

There are a number of ways how you can transform your homes into a green hub, some may need slight home modifications and some may only involve behavioral modification. All green retrofits are essential in saving money on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint but right now solar PV panels shines even if the sun isn’t.

Major Benefits

Installing home solar panels benefit you in countless ways and even your neighbors! A typical 1.5 KW solar panels in Queensland can slash your electric bill by as much as $450 every year simply by using less electricity from the grid and savings can increase if you will sign up for the state’s generous feed in tariff scheme and or install the maximum allowable system size of 5 KW. The system is also considered as one of the most eco-friendly technology today and an average household with installed PV’s can save an average of 2 tonnes of carbon each year.

Given the very low prices of photovoltaic today and hefty government rebates and incentives, return of investments are expected in a little less than 5 years and with a general lifespan of 20 to 25 years, solar panels will save you money for many years to come.

Other Benefits

Australia has long been solving peak energy consumption, especially during noon and afternoon when everyone is using their air-conditioners. Decentralising energy generation can solve this problem especially through solar panels. The massive surge of consumption is directly proportional when the system is working at its full potential reducing high energy imports that helps regulate electricity prices not only for you but also for non solar users.

Photovoltaic panels also offers positive insulation effects, in study conducted by students of UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering thermal imaging showed that buildings with installed solar panels are cooler than those without. The panels act as a barrier from direct sunlight and the reduced heat that penetrates your roof is regulated through the accumulated air flow in the cavities between your roof and the system.  The study revealed that heat can is reduced by as much as 38% therefore minimising the need for air-conditioners which in time saves you more money.

Green retrofits such as photovoltaic are also beneficial in real estate deals. Apart from aesthetic and location energy efficiency is now given high regards before buying a property, It has been proven that houses and other properties with installed PVs sell faster at a higher price than those without.

Passive and Active Savings on Solar Panels

Indeed solar panels saves you money by using less electricity from the grid and through the feed in tariff scheme, home solar panels owner has the ability to export unused electricity generated by their system to the state grid at a fair market price boosting savings and catalyzing return of investments.

Today, Australia’s rooftops are being filled with solar panels and or solar hot water systems – they know the savings! However, little that we know, solar power also has passive benefits for households who have not made the switch to solar power. A recent study conducted by the University of Melbourne's energy research institute showed that through the merit order effect electricity generation from rooftop home solar panels in an average home is perfectly timed during heavy hours of energy use (normally at noon and afternoon) or peak demand hours that minimises high voltage import to the main grid which collectively regulates electricity price even for non solar powered homes.

A paper from The University of Melbourne also revealed that a feed in tariff price of 35¢ to 40¢ a kilowatt hour would lower electricity prices by more than it would cost to fund it – perfect backbone for this year’s IPART’s review of the feed in tariff scheme.

Every installed system will account for savings not only for the home solar panels owner but also for non users and if Australia’s solar power capacity would reach anywhere near 3000 megawatts through large scale projects and private investments either from households and small businesses the country will be looking at savings as much as $1 billion on energy bills reducing the overhead cost of energy from every sector.

The federal government formulated numerous programs and schemes that will encourage households and small business to install renewable energy systems not only to decrease carbon emissions but also to transform the country’s energy sector to a low carbon one and minimise dependence to expensive coal and other fossil fuels. Decentralised energy generation such as solar PV systems will also reduce transmission cost and expensive maintenance and upgrade of state grid grids needed to cope with our increasing demands.

This year the carbon tax is set to be implemented and the Gillard administration hopes that it will be the first step in an all out war against carbon through creating a strong sense of initiative in innovating approaches in manufacturing carbon intensive products and haltering the dependence in traditional energy sources. The clean energy future package of the federal government are subdivided into 4 parts, the carbon tax, renewable energy, energy efficiency and land use all of which are directed towards a more sustainable future.