Green power is the generic name given to
electricity generated from clean, renewable energy sources. Green power sources
can include solar (photovoltaic and thermal), wind power, new hydro on existing
dams, biomass, wave energy and landfill gas.
It is also the name used for a national
scheme that sets stringent environmental and reporting standards for renewable
energy products offered by electricity suppliers. Consumers can request
electricity suppliers instead to source the energy they use from renewable
sources such as wind, solar and hydro power.
Photovoltaic (PV) technology relates to the use of solar cells that convert solar energy directly into electricity. Typically, solar cells operate by using sunlight on a semi-conductor to produce an electric current.
A recent development in renewable energy technology is 'grid-interactive or two way grid interconnection. These systems use sophisticated control equipment so that when your renewable energy system produces more power than you need, the excess power is fed back into the grid. When your system doesn't produce enough power, then you get power from the grid. The renewable electricity is produced as Direct Current (DC). The DC electricity from the panels passes through a grid-interactive inverter, which converts the DC electricity into Alternating Current (AC). Electricity supplied by the grid is AC. This AC electricity is then used by any appliances operating in the house.
Another advantage with a grid interactive system is that you can start with a small renewable system and add to it over time as finances allow, thus reducing the need for large initial capital expenditure. Since the renewable system is connected to the grid, it will not provide electricity in the event of a blackout.
In a grid-interactive solar system, electricity is
generated by solar panels. Many houses in
Cost effectiveness
The current cost of solar panels, and other renewable
energy systems, means that grid-interactive systems are not as cost effective
as relying purely on the grid for electricity. In spite of this, many people
are choosing to install grid-interactive solar systems, as they do not create
any greenhouse gases when generating electricity, unlike coal-fired power
plants. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the equivalent amount of
electricity used to make a solar panel is generated by the panel within the
first two years of operation, hence a solar panel will repay its greenhouse gas
'debt' within this time.
Prices for grid interactive systems can start from as
little as $2000 for a pair of solar panels and a small inverter. A system
capable of running an average suburban home would cost around $20,000 to
$25,000, and would include a solar array of 1.5 to 2 kilowatts and an inverter
to suit.
Who can have grid connected
solar power systems?
Generally, if you have a grid-connected house with a
structurally sound north-facing roof, then you can install a grid-interactive
PV system, providing your power utility allows it. In
Power companies and grid
interactive systems
Most utilities now provide support for customers who want
to install photovoltaic power systems on their houses or in commercial
premises. Arrangements differ for either buying the electricity generated or
deducting the value of the electricity produced from your regular bill.
As part of the redevelopment of the North Haven Surf Club, our then club Vice President Ashley Ruth coordinated the installation of 9 PV panels. This system cost over $17,000 which after the rebate was approved, meant that the club would required to fund approximately $13,000 of the total cost.
The club was fortunate that it could proceed with the installation at this time as no doubt, there will be a massive increase in power consumption associated with running a bigger club with more members. As the new club has central air conditioning and heating, (both of which didn’t exist in the original club rooms) and a bigger bar and kitchen, larger electricity bills would be expected. The PV panels will help reduce this burden on the club by generating approximately 6Kw’s of power per day.
During the week when no one is at the club, it is hoped
that the power consumed by the appliances running during the day inside the
club (such as our essential services like fridges and the Emergency Exit signs)
will not exceed what is generated by the panels as the excess will be bought
back by Origin Energy thus reducing our electricity bills. However, even if these appliances do use all
the power generated by the panels, it will still mean a huge saving for the
club each year.
Solar panels on the
boat shed roof at the
Paul Hunter from Origin Energy has been a great help and
can answer all your questions about going solar. Paul can be contacted on (08)
82458220 or E-mail paul.hunter@originenergy.com.au
If you are down at the club, check out our solar panels
or ring Ashley on 0417 829 012 to arrange a viewing of the panels and the
inverter.
Going
solar in 10 easy steps;
Step 1 - Read through the info pack supplied by Origin
Energy and your electricity bills to work out how many panels you would prefer.
Step 2 - Call Origin to arrange a home visit.
Step 3 - Origin will provide a written quote.
Step 4 - Sign and return the Government rebate forms to
origin energy so they can obtain the rebate for you.
Step 5 - Pay 50% deposit.
Step 6 - The government will send you and Origin the
rebate approval letter.
Step 7 - Origin will apply to the relevant electricity
distributor for permission to connect to the mains electricity grid.
Step 8 – Once the kit is ready, Origins installer will
contact you to arrange a convenient date for the installation of your solar
system.
Step 9 – After the system is installed you will be sent
an invoice to pay the remaining balance.
Step 10 – Origin will advise the relevant electricity
distributor if you need to have your electricity meter changed to a new
bi-directional digital type.
For more information on Photovoltaic Technology, or other Green Power solutions, visit any of the below websites
www.portenf.sa.gov.au
- www.greenhouse.gov.au - www.originenergy.com.au/solar
www.energy.sa.gov.au
- www.agsu.gov.au/renewable - www.yourhome.gov.au