Deploying Solar Power in Adelaide

Adelaide has high proportions of sunlight which remained untapped until the implementation of various programs that commercialised solar power in the city. Adelaide was driven to exploit its natural energy source because higher peak electricity difficulties and high energy prices.

The city council structured assistive programs, apart from the South Australia and the federal government’s programs, to aid citizens who wish to be free from the burden of high electricity prices through solar power systems. The city will be granting households and businesses generous rebates reaching up to $1,000 for installing solar panels in Adelaide based properties, up to $1,000 to convert an existing or electric gas storage hot water system and up to $500 to purchase and install rainwater tanks.

Adelaide has also collaborated with other city councils devoted in improving energy efficiency and carbon reduction. The CitySwitch Green Office program is an initiative of several city councils across the country aiming to improve energy efficiency in businesses and leased properties. Under the program businesses will have the opportunity to improve green star ratings by modernizing and retrofitting their businesses with simple yet eco-friendly units and systems which can reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts by nearly 50%.

Deploying solar power and energy efficiency in every citizen mean that council must also do their fair share. The council aims to reduce their emissions by 60% in 2012 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2020. A $1.3 million budget per annum for 3 years was allotted for this project, including solar and low-emission energy generation, 50% renewable energy purchase for all facilities and energy efficient lighting and air-conditioning which is estimated to save 22,000 tonnes equivalent to the annual emissions of 2,750 households.

But apparently one program that placed Adelaide in Australia’s solar map is the Solar City program. Adelaide is one of seven regions in Australia, specially chosen for testing new approaches in producing and using energy as part of the federal government’s initiatives. Under the program the city will receive $15 million to identify and address specific energy challenges unique to Adelaide households and businesses.

The Adelaide solar city program will also showcase solar power to the public by fitting busy public places with solar photovoltaic systems. Just recently the historic Adelaide market, one of the busiest city districts, now has in place a 50 KW rooftop solar photovoltaic system. The installation consists of 288 solar panels and it is estimated it will reduce the market’s carbon emissions by at least 70 tons each year.

The residents of Adelaide can expect a lot more renewable energy projects including solar panels in the coming years as the city strives to be one of the top green cities in the country alongside with Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast.