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greenpowerelec · 6 days
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Renewable Energy in Australia
GreenPower is 100% renewable electricity available for households and businesses through most energy retailers. It's a government-managed program that makes sure the GreenPower individuals and businesses buy supports greater renewable energy generation in Australia.
The national GreenPower accreditation program sets the rules for the way it works. Its rules also shape how a levy like the GreenPower 'tick' operates.
Solar Photovoltaic
Solar photovoltaic power is a renewable and inexhaustible source of energy that can help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. It can be used to produce electricity in a variety of ways from large scale solar farms to roof top systems, as well as in remote or rural areas where it is difficult and expensive to build transmission lines.
Renewable energy is generated at a range of sites across Australia and sent into the national electricity grid. This then supplies homes and businesses with electricity. Green power Australia is a scheme that allows you to buy renewable energy from accredited green power generators that meet strict environmental standards. The GreenPower tick is a way for you to identify these products.
When you choose to buy GreenPower, your energy retailer will purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) on your behalf from certified GreenPower generators. These RECs are surrendered towards the company’s liability under the Federal Government’s Renewable Energy Target, as well as over and above the required levels.
Wind
Wind power is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. It uses wind turbines to convert the natural power of the wind into electricity. These turbines are usually placed in wind farms, where they can generate large amounts of energy. However, it is important to note that wind power can also be a source of noise pollution, and it is difficult to predict when the wind will blow.
GreenPower is a national program that allows Australian households and businesses to buy into green electricity from their electricity retailer. This supports additional renewable energy generation above the legislated national renewable energy target. The green power electrical accredited renewable electricity that you buy has zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
The small cost of your GreenPower purchase will be added to your electricity rates and may vary from time to time. This charge does not apply to energy plan discounts. ACT residents: Your GreenPower purchases will count towards the ACT Government’s work to achieve its 100% renewable electricity target.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is one of the leading options for businesses looking to reduce their emissions. It offers flexibility, reliability and cost savings compared to grid electricity. The ACT is amongst the few OECD countries where biomass is already a significant part of the energy mix (see below).
Australia’s GreenPower program offers an accreditation scheme that guarantees the GreenPower label on power from renewable energy generators that meet stringent environmental standards. The electricity produced is then fed into the national electricity grid, which also supplies homes and businesses.
The green power electrical program is government-managed and goes above and beyond the country’s legislated energy targets. However, it excludes the use of woody biomass as a source of renewable energy, which is heavily subsidized in the EU and currently makes up around 60% of the European Union’s renewable energy. Forest advocates in Europe continue their efforts to have woody biomass stripped of its ‘renewable’ designation, which will help to avoid further subsidies for this industry.
Hydro
Hydropower harnesses the energy of moving water to generate electricity. It was once Australia’s dominant renewable energy source but slipped to third place in 2020 as generation from rooftop solar overtook it. It has a unique role to play though as pumped storage hydro can be used to “battery” renewables, providing power when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing.
A new study shows that potential off-river pumped storage sites are everywhere. A site comprising twin reservoirs with an elevation difference of 151 m, for instance, could provide enough energy to power a city for three hours.
Tasmania’s hydropower system already provides a significant portion of its electricity needs, and the state is investing in Battery of the Nation and Marinus Link upgrades to expand that capacity. It’s also building a new interconnector to allow it to export its renewables to the mainland. Combined with wind and solar, these projects will help Tasmania become the first carbon-free network in Australia.
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greenpowerelec · 11 days
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How Solar Systems Can Lower Your Electricity Bills
Considering the amount of money a typical household spends on electricity, switching to solar can make significant savings. Choosing a quality installer ensures the system is properly installed and that homeowners receive the maximum benefit from their investment.
Essential Solar use top tier inverters on nearly all of their installs and go internal with the cabling (using cable tray). They have done a lot of work in Melbourne.
Solar Panels
A quality solar systems Melbourne can generate enough power to substantially reduce your electricity costs and lower your carbon footprint. With a little upfront research and a good installer, you can benefit from the abundant sunshine and government incentives available in Melbourne.
The best way to determine the right type of solar panel for your home is by discussing your energy consumption patterns with a reputable provider. They can help you decide the optimum number of panels and the size of your roof to maximise your energy savings.
Solar panel prices continue to fall, but it’s important to compare the features of different brands before making a purchase. For example, monocrystalline solar cells have a better conversion rate than polycrystalline or thin-film solar cells. It’s also worth considering the 'temperature coefficient', which measures how much output is reduced when temperatures deviate from optimal. The lower the temperature coefficient, the more efficient your solar panels will be.
Inverters
While Melbourne sits a little further south than the sunnier state capitals, it still receives enough sunshine for solar energy systems to be cost effective. Thanks to plummeting equipment costs, a typical north facing 6.6kW system in Melbourne can payback within 4 – 6 years (depending on electricity consumption habits).
In a nutshell, solar panels collect the sunlight and convert it into power for your home. The inverter is the ‘heavy lifting’ part of the solar power system and without it, your solar PV system would not function.
There are a number of inverters on the market to choose from, depending on your needs and budget. A couple of good options are TYCORUN and Solaredge. Both are reputable companies offering quality products that have been designed, tested and made in Australia for Australian conditions. They also have stringent testing requirements to ensure safety.
Batteries
A residential solar battery can be a great addition to your solar system. It can save you money on your electricity bills and help you contribute to a renewable energy future for Australia. It can also store any excess energy generated by your system and allow you to sell it back to the grid for a Feed-in Tariff.
There are many different types of solar batteries available, ranging from lithium-ion to super-capacitors. Choosing the right one for your needs depends on factors like capacity, depth of discharge (DoD), round trip efficiency and warranty.
The my solar & battery calculator separates out solar and battery savings to help you decide whether or not a home energy storage system is the best fit for your needs. It can also help you compare the prices of different brands and systems in your area. It also explains key terms like voltage and current, and compares hybrid inverters to make it easier for you to understand the technology.
Monitoring
With a solar green power monitoring solution installed, you can keep tabs on your system from anywhere in the world using a simple web portal or smart device application. This can help you notice trends and maximise your energy efficiency, which reduces your electricity costs.
Basic solar monitors display your live solar output, logging daily, monthly and yearly figures, and notifying you or your installer if there’s an issue. They also provide insight into your energy use, such as discovering what appliances suck power even when they’re turned off – this can help you increase your solar self-consumption ratio.
Advanced solar monitoring solutions can offer data visualisation, performance tracking, predictive analytics and remote control capabilities. These systems connect to your off grid solar system via the power optimizer or inverter, and send measurement data to a cloud-based software platform over the internet. This enables users to track their system performance, make informed decisions about energy management and system optimisation, and take swift action when issues arise.
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greenpowerelec · 1 month
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Considerations for Solar Power Installation
When installing solar panels, it’s important to consider the local permitting process.
This can vary by town, city, state and country. It’s the responsibility of the installer (you in a DIY system, or your chosen solar company) to secure all required permits and comply with all regulations.
This step can take several weeks or more. Be patient and follow up with your solar company regularly.
Cost
Solar panels account for only 7% of the total cost, while inverters and balance of system equipment make up 26%. The rest of the cost consists of soft costs, which include labor, permitting, customer acquisition, overhead, and profit. These costs are important to consider, as they will affect your return on investment.
It is recommended that you comparison shop for a solar company, just as you would with any other big-ticket purchase. You should look at companies’ online reviews, Better Business Bureau profiles, certifications and other information. You should also ask about local solar incentives and net metering rules.
Before you start installing your solar energy system, you must obtain the necessary permits and approvals. This process can take up to two weeks in some cities. Once you have all the permits and approvals, your install team will schedule a time to complete your installation. Then, the system will undergo a final inspection to ensure that it meets all the zoning and building codes.
Energy savings
The energy savings from solar power installation can pay for the upfront cost of the system within a few years. This is based on the basic formula of dividing the net system costs (after subtracting all tax credits, rebates and other incentives) by the yearly electricity bill savings from solar. However, the number of years it takes to break even depends on both upfront solar costs and local utility rates.
The climate and amount of peak sun hours in your area can also affect how much you save. Installing a battery bank can reduce the total system size and increase your potential savings. You can also install a power inverter between the batteries and solar panels to convert the direct current into alternating current, which can be used for household wiring.
A solar installer will review your electric bills and perform a site assessment to determine the best option for your home. It is important to choose a reliable company with extensive experience in solar energy installation.
Federal tax credit
Homeowners can claim 30% of the cost of their solar power system as a tax credit.
This is called the Residential Clean Energy Credit, and it is non-refundable. It can offset your income tax liability dollar-for-dollar, and you can carry over any unused credit to future years. It also covers the costs of installing battery storage with a solar system, adding batteries to an existing solar system, or installing stand-alone energy storage. The credit also covers sales and property taxes on the equipment.
The permitting process can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of the solar installation project. While local governments have worked to streamline the process in recent years, it can still take months to get approval. Often, this is due to a shortage of staff or the time it takes for inspectors to show up at your home.
Some states offer performance-based incentives, which are paid out to solar homeowners based on the amount of energy their systems produce. However, these incentives don’t affect the value of the federal solar credit.
Maintenance
Although solar power systems can operate reliably for decades with minimal maintenance, they do need to be inspected and cleaned on a yearly basis. For safety
reasons, it is important to hire a professional service for these tasks. These professionals should use a non-abrasive cleaning agent to avoid scratching or damaging the panels. They should also have the appropriate personal and climbing protection for accessing the roof.
In addition to visual inspection, it is also advisable to have electrical inspections regularly. These inspections can help prevent costly damage and maintain peak performance. For example, faulty wiring – often caused by pesky critters – can reduce energy production. Wiring upgrades and management can prevent this from happening.
The maintenance costs associated with a solar power installation vary depending on the size and location of the panels. For instance, larger arrays require more time and labor for inspection and cleaning. Also, if the system is located on a steeper roof, it may cost more to access it.
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greenpowerelec · 1 month
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What Is a Solar Power System?
Solar systems provide clean, affordable electricity. They also reduce a community’s reliance on fossil fuels, reducing air pollution.
The basic building block of any PV system is the solar panel. They produce direct current (DC) electricity which is then converted to alternating current electricity by the inverter. This is then supplied to the household.
Efficiency
Various factors contribute to a solar system’s efficiency, including material, panel size and location. The most efficient systems use monocrystalline panels made from pure silicon, which produce more electricity per square meter than polycrystalline or other cell types.
The best performing solar panel systems also feature anti-reflective coatings, which reduce the loss of sunlight from reflected light. Moreover, the routing of the cables connecting inverter, battery bank and PV array should be planned to minimize losses due to voltage drop.
In addition to selecting the best panel, you should also look into your utility’s electricity rates and incentives. A small PV system may be enough to get you into a different pricing tier, saving you a lot of money. You can check with your local utilities to see if you are eligible for rebates, tax credits and other incentives. You can also find information online from state and federal energy agencies. NREL also publishes bottom-up models of manufacturing and system costs.
Cost
The brunt of a solar energy system’s cost comes from the upfront installation and purchase of the panels. Minimal long-term costs make up the rest of the total system price.
Most solar companies use a past 12-month average of electricity usage to determine how many kilowatts (kW) of capacity your home needs, which clues them into the best size solar panel system for your property. Other clues include your EV charging and electricity usage trends, if you plan to switch to electric HVAC or other appliances, and if you want a battery backup.
The cost of a solar energy system also depends on where your house is located and the amount of sunshine it gets. Solar companies often factor in state and local investment tax credits to reduce the overall system cost, but those incentives can vary widely from one location to another. Also, the price of a solar power system can be significantly reduced by choosing a company that provides a full service solution with in-house engineering, racking and wired installation.
Energy Bills
Solar panels reduce your electricity bills and can make a huge impact on the amount of energy you consume. When your system is generating more power than you
need, the excess electricity is sent back to the grid, and your utility company will credit your account for this energy (known as net metering).
Most solar customers only receive an electric bill once per year when their utility companies “true up” a full year of solar credits. This annual billing cycle lets the company balance your imports and exports and see what impact your solar has had on your energy use.
Some utility companies have time-of-use rates that change monthly and can make solar less valuable, while others impose a service charge that doesn’t change regardless of your consumption. Understanding your current electric costs is a good place to start, and many solar installers can help you understand the charges on your utility bill before and after going solar.
Environment
A solar power system is an electric energy generation system that converts sunlight into usable electricity. It typically consists of solar panels that absorb and convert the sun’s rays into electricity, an inverter to transform the direct current from the panels into alternating current used by homes and businesses, and wiring or electrical cables to connect the components and allow the electric current to flow through them.
Solar energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change and can cause respiratory issues for humans and wildlife. It also helps reduce the strain on finite resources, such as natural gas, oil, and coal.
However, clearing land for large-scale solar facilities can have environmental impacts on the surrounding ecosystems. SETO works to identify and support best practices and field-proven strategies that improve siting and permitting processes, allowing developers to minimize the impact on ecosystems while reducing soft costs associated with large-scale solar projects. These include the cost of maintaining healthy habitats for native plants and animals around solar sites.
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greenpowerelec · 1 month
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Offset Your Carbon Emissions With Green Power Australia
Green Power is an easy way for Australian households to offset their carbon emissions by buying renewable energy from accredited generators. Electricity retailers match their GreenPower customers’ electricity usage with a purchase of electricity from accredited wind, solar and hydro projects.
These GreenPower credits are then added to your electricity bill. The program is government accredited, so you know that your money is going to the right places.
GreenPower is a government-managed scheme
Green Power is a government-managed scheme that allows Australian households and businesses to offset their electricity usage with renewable energy. This is done by purchasing Large-Scale Generation Certificates from accredited renewable energy generators. The program also organises publicly available independent auditing of these purchases. Its aims are to: facilitate the installation of new renewable energy generators across Australia beyond mandatory requirements; encourage growth in consumer demand for, and increase consumer confidence in, credible renewable energy products; and decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation.
The program works by allowing customers to choose the percentage of their household energy consumption they want to be offset by green power australia, which is then added to their electricity bill. This percentage is calculated using a standard formula. When a customer buys GreenPower, their electricity provider will purchase LargeScale Generation Certificates on their behalf.
Many of today’s energy consumers are looking for more sustainable options, which is why most energy retailers offer GreenPower products. However, these schemes need to be better regulated in order to meet the expectations of consumers. Appropriate legislation could overcome three of the most pressing issues with these schemes: their failure to take into account the public interest in promoting renewable energy resources; their lack of consumer safeguards; and their patchy availability.
It’s a great way to offset your carbon emissions
If you want to offset your carbon emissions, there are a number of options available. One of the most effective is GreenPower. This is a government-accredited scheme that allows you to add renewable energy credits to your electricity plan. This helps fund Australian renewable energy projects and creates jobs. It is also a great way to help protect the environment.
When you purchase GreenPower, your power retailer invests in renewable energy generators on your behalf. These are a mix of solar, wind, bioenergy, hydro and landfill gas projects. The program is government accredited to ensure your money goes to the right place.
GreenPower is a better option than carbon neutral programs because it backs Aussie renewables. However, it can be expensive. For this reason, if you can’t afford to buy GreenPower, then a carbon neutral provider is the next best option.
It’s a great way to support Australian renewable energy projects
There are a number of ways you can support Australia’s renewable energy sector. For example, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation offers financing solutions to help businesses overcome barriers to adoption. It also promotes research and development to drive innovation in the sector.
The GreenPower program is a great way to support Australian renewable energy projects and offset your carbon emissions. It is a government-managed scheme that requires electricity retailers to purchase and surrender GreenPower certificates in order to offer the product to customers. These certificates are independently audited through a two-tier process to ensure that the energy is coming from accredited renewable sources.
GreenPower costs around 5-8 cents more per kWh than standard electricity, but it’s well worth it for many Australian households. For example, a family using 400kWh of electricity per month would pay $80 with 20% GreenPower, compared to $85. For more information, visit the GreenPower website. You can also check out the Energy Made Easy website to compare electricity offers from different providers.
It’s a great way to save money
GreenPower is a great option for businesses that want to make a big difference in the environment. It is an accredited renewable energy scheme that ensures the green electricity you purchase from your electricity retailer comes from a certified renewable source. It is also a great way to save money on your business energy costs.
When you buy solar panel systems, your electricity provider purchases large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) on your behalf. These LGCs are credited to your account each year. These credits are in addition to the RECs that electricity retailers have to purchase from renewable generators to meet their national Renewable Energy Target obligations.
GreenPower is a great way to support renewables and offset your carbon emissions without investing in solar panels. It is available from most electricity providers and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by contributing to the construction of new renewable energy projects in Australia. However, it is important to remember that GreenPower does not replace electricity from the grid.
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