Changing Australia’s Energy Sector

Over the past few years the use of solar power in Australia has exponential grown thanks to the continued government assistance programs, continued research and development that made solar panel cheaper and better, massive awareness campaigns both from the government and private groups.

The application of solar power is expected to further grow by 2012 subsequently with the implementation of the carbon tax package that will drive innovation in industrial and manufacturing processes, the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation which will aid private sector investments in renewable energy and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency that is dedicated for government projects.

Why transform the country’s energy sector?


The effects of climate change are now surfacing, occurrences of extreme weather are felt across the globe and disruption of climate patters results to an imbalance in the natural life patterns, which includes us. Delaying our actions to address this will result to an economic downfall and food scarcity is inevitable since the agricultural sector will be hit the most.

Globally, energy production produces the bulk of our 38 billion tonnes of carbon emissions and figures will continue to rise if do not start acting.

What is it with solar power?


Currently harnessing the sun’s energy is the most viable clean energy source because of its economic benefits, costs, efficiency ratings and versatile applications.  Technology today has allowed us to produce energy in two general ways, firstly the solar PV systems which use the principle of photovoltaic effect to convert solar radiation to electricity, secondly the solar thermal technology that absorbs the sun’s heat then amplifies it to produce steam that will power generator to produce electricity.

However, for home and small business application solar thermal absorption can also be used to produce hot water for general purposes.

Which is better solar power or wind energy?


Both energy sources are good for the environment and produces clean and renewable energy and both may have intermittent output due to natural causes. However, solar power is more viable because of its decentralisation capabilities able to be scaled for home use to massive solar farms that can power an entire community.

What’s in store for you?


Aside from contributing to the national carbon mitigation efforts, you can also benefit from solar power systems financially. The systems have a guaranteed quick return of investment and a long term profit period. On average it can cut down your energy bills to half and in some instances even eliminate it. RE technologies is also a perfect way to shield your home or business from the rising energy cost.

What the government is doing?


The federal government of Australia has extended numerous programs and campaign to promote and commercialise the use of solar power and other clean energy technologies. Several financial assistance programs in the form of rebates and schemes has been implemented, sustainability programs for individual households and the whole community were commenced and substantial investments in renewable energy has also been made.

This year, the federal government of Australia together with the country’s lawmakers made a very crucial step in mitigating carbon. The legislation of the carbon tax was filled controversies but the Gillard administration is determined that pricing carbon is the key in phasing out greenhouse gases and putting a halt in climate change.