How long have you been debating whether or not to make the transition to solar power?

It’s no surprise that solar power is becoming increasingly popular as an answer to the twin problems of global warming and skyrocketing electricity prices.

Adding solar panels to your home can help you save money on your energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and make a positive impact on the environment.

The purpose of this blog is to help you decide if solar energy is suitable for you by discussing some of the most compelling arguments in favour of switching to solar power.

There are several benefits to switching to solar power, whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or environmentalist.

Therefore, let’s dive in and learn about solar power’s many uses and why it’s gaining popularity among those who want to make a difference in the world while also reducing their carbon footprint.

Solar Energy

The term “solar power” refers to the process of harnessing the sun’s rays for the purpose of producing electricity or heating materials. It’s important to distinguish between the two primary solar power systems, which are:

• The process of transforming solar heat into usable heat energy is known as solar thermal (heat). Direct usage, space heating, and power generation via steam and turbines are all popular applications of thermal energy transported via air, water, or other fluids. In order to heat water, many people turn to solar thermal systems. Power generated using solar thermal energy, also known as concentrating solar power, is primarily built for utility-scale use.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology uses photovoltaic cells to directly transform sunlight into usable electricity. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can be set up on individual homes’ tops, built into the structures of entire cities, or even be scaled up to megawatt-sized power plants. Concentrating mirrors or lenses can be used in tandem with PV systems to generate massive amounts of centralised energy.

The two forms of solar energy, thermal and photovoltaic, can be merged into a single system to provide both heat and electricity.

Five Good Reasons to Go Solar

The installation of solar panels has increased rapidly during the past decade, both at the household and business levels.

Moving away from the grid and towards solar power as your primary energy source has numerous positive effects. It all depends on your point of view.

Going solar makes sense for a variety of reasons, including helping the environment and reducing your monthly electric bill.

Here are five of the most significant gains from switching to solar energy.

Beneficial to the environment

Solar energy is considered renewable since it is constantly replenished by the sun.

Putting solar panels on your roof is a small but significant step towards mitigating climate change by cutting down on the pollutants that cause it.

Since this clean energy source does not produce any glasshouse gas emissions, it has no negative consequences on the environment.

By switching to solar power, you can help reduce our reliance on finite fossil fuels to generate electricity.

The majority of today’s electricity still comes from the combustion of fossil fuels. Annual CO2 emissions are predicted to be 10 billion metric tonnes.

Sulphur and nitrogen oxides are two other types of pollutants that help create smog and acid rain.

Reduced energy costs

You can decrease your reliance on your utility company by connecting to a solar energy system. Installing solar panels can cut your electricity bill by as much as half, and with a battery, by a whopping 100 percent.

By taking part in a ‘feed-in tariff,’ you can become a nett exporter of excess electricity.

This is the money you get from the utility company for selling any clean energy you generate in excess.

There used to be very high feed in tariffs in Australia that someone might earn in exchange for investing in a solar installation back in the early days of solar.

Feed-in tariffs have been declining since 2012, when most of these schemes were completed. As a result, it’s no longer the primary incentive to switch to solar power.

The return on investment for switching to solar is still quite good due to the high cost of power. Better than putting the money in the bank, the normal payback period is between three and five years.

We made this payback calculator to help you figure out how long it will take for your initial investment to generate a profit.

Low maintenance costs

Typically, solar panel systems require minimal upkeep.

Good quality solar panels are built to resist all kinds of weather and have a warranty that lasts anywhere from 10 to 25 years.

Because there are no moving parts in solar panels, they require very minimal maintenance.

After 10–15 years, the inverter is typically the sole component that needs to be replaced, but at less than 20% of the initial investment, this is a negligible expense.

The standard inverter warranty period is 10 years, while some newer models provide a warranty of up to 20 years.

Coverage under the warranties extends to manufacturing faults, the identification of which must be made by a licenced electrician before the manufacturer will accept the claim.

Yet, we advise that every few years, you have a professional electrician go over your home’s electrical system. We advise businesses to get their systems checked once a year.

Such a visual check will help find problems like water seeping into the wiring or the parts before they become major problems.

In many circumstances, regular rainfall is sufficient to clean solar panels, thus it’s debatable whether or not you need to clean them.

We can say that advancements in solar cell technology have reduced the amount of efficiency lost to factors like shadowing and dirt buildup. An expert electrician can determine if cleaning your solar panels is necessary.

Increased Property Value

In some cases, the installation of a solar energy system can increase the selling price of a home. Realestate.com.au conducted a study and found that 85 percent of respondents agreed that solar panels raise a home’s market value.

According to another survey conducted by Origin Energy, seventy-seven percent of Australians believe a home powered by solar energy is worth more than one powered by conventional means. Five-seven percent of respondents said they would spend an extra $10,000 for a solar-powered house.

The added value of a 5 kilowatt installation is predicted to be around $29,000.

The government contributes to making it affordable

Small-scale Technology Certificates are one way that the Australian government encourages householders to put money into solar energy (STCs)

STCs are an element of the Renewable Energy Target established by the Australian government to minimise glasshouse gas emissions from the electrical industry and promote the generation of power from renewable and sustainable sources.

All solar systems that have an installed power output of less than 100 kilowatts (kW) are qualified for STCs. Additionally, you need to have it installed by a Clean Energy Council member who employs Clean Energy Council-certified solar panels and inverters.

When the price of a solar energy system is calculated, an STC can be viewed as a rebate.

Your STC rebate is scaled to the amount of renewable energy that you plan to produce.

Factors Promoting Solar Growth in Australia

The world over, solar power is expanding rapidly. Solar photovoltaic panels are becoming increasingly popular in Australia for a number of reasons. Five crucial elements fueling the expansion of solar in Australia are outlined below.

High Solar Potential

Australia benefits from high levels of sun irradiation all year round due to its privileged position on the planet. Throughout the winter, the country receives an average of 4 KWh/m2/day, but during the summer, that number rises to 6 KWh/m2/day.

Australia has high sun insolation, which increases the efficiency and economic viability of solar PV systems.

This results in a reduction in the number of solar panel rooftop systems required to power a residence.

The University of New South Wales conducted studies showing that Australia has the potential to build 179 GW of solar electricity on the country’s existing rooftops.

Enabling Environment

To promote the use of solar energy, the government and regulatory bodies in Australia have implemented rules and incentives.

The investment barrier of solar PV systems is lowered for homes and independent power producers because of these incentives. Moreover, they reduce solar energy investment payback times. Below are only a few of Australia’s existing incentives and enabling policies.

• Small-scale Renewable Energy Target (SRET): To comply with this regulation, the Australian power grids must purchase a minimum percentage of their electricity needs from distributed renewable energy generators. Small-scale renewable energy generators are encouraged under the strategy. The term “small scale generators” is used to describe solar systems that produce less than 100 kilowatts (kW).
• Solar Feed-in-Tariffs: Feed-in tariffs were implemented by the government to ensure that small-scale solar panel systems would be compensated for the electricity they generated in an effort to increase their use. The feed-in tariff has developed into the current nett metering setup of today. The system deducts your power usage from the power you produce. If you have an excess of electricity, the grid owner will compensate you for it.

Solar panels are at an all-time low price

Since the 1980s, when solar energy became popular, there have been tremendous technological advancements as a direct result of the rising demand for and supply of solar electricity.

The worldwide cost of solar photovoltaics (PV) per Watt fell from roughly USD 105 in 1975 to USD 30 by 1980. In 2013, the price of solar photovoltaics (PV) was less than $1 USD/Watt, and by 2020, it had dropped to $0.2.

Due to the falling costs of solar PV systems and the rising prices of fossil fuels, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Australia.

The cost of solar power has dropped to the point where it is competitive with grid electricity even without subsidies.

Strong off-grid solar potential

Australia ranks as the seventh-least-populated country despite having the sixth-largest land area.

Three people live per square kilometre in Australia. It can be difficult to wire every house in such a large area.

Around Australia’s coast and in and around its major towns is where the country’s energy transmission networks are most heavily concentrated.

Because of this, it is difficult to get energy to rural and isolated locations deep within the country. At present, over 28% of Australians make their homes in rural and isolated locations.

Those living in outlying sections of the country now have access to practical options thanks to standalone solar PV installations. The solar panels charge the batteries or power the generator at night in these setups.

They allow you to live independently of the energy grid and can be customised to meet your specific power requirements.

Revolution in green energy

A global green revolution has emerged as a direct result of the public’s growing understanding of climate change and its implications.

The advantages of solar panels are becoming increasingly well-known. Many people are making the move to solar today, not for financial reasons but for ethical ones.

The green energy revolution in Australia has prompted the government and authorities to make significant investments in renewable energy.

In 2018, for instance, Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator mandated the installation of 10,400 Megawatts of renewable energy within 24 months.

The Department of Environment and Energy has also begun initiatives to aid the innovation community, such as the Mission Innovation Champions Program.

The purpose of the programme was to provide incentives for those working on sustainable green energy initiatives.

Total renewable energy use in Australia is expected to increase from its current 21% in 2019 to 24% in 2021, from a low of 5% in 2011.

The shift in emphasis towards solar and other renewables is plain to see.

As a result of these shifts, more and more solar energy-related organisations and businesses have cropped up across Australia, giving residents a chance to reduce their carbon footprint and go completely grid-free.

Conclusion

Increasing numbers of people are turning to solar energy as a means of combating both climate change and rising electricity costs. It can have a beneficial effect on the environment while also lowering energy costs.

There are two main types of solar energy systems: solar thermal (heat) and solar photovoltaic (PV).

While PV systems can be installed on the rooftops of individual homes, integrated into the structures of entire cities, or scaled up to megawatt-sized power plants, solar thermal systems are limited to direct usage, space heating, and power generation via steam and turbines.

Rapid growth in the use of solar panels over the past decade reflects the fact that they can be combined into a single system that provides both heat and electricity.

Numerous benefits accrue from the use of solar energy, which includes helping the environment, cutting costs, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and cutting upkeep expenses. It’s good for the environment because it doesn’t contribute to global warming by releasing glasshouse gases.

Solar panels are guaranteed to work for 10–25 years and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Due to the high cost of electricity, the payback period for installing solar panels is typically between three and five years.

Solar panels can raise a home’s value and require little upkeep.

Warranty terms for inverters typically range from 10 to 20 years, though some newer models extend this considerably. A professional electrician can tell you if your solar panels need to be cleaned.

To reduce glasshouse gas emissions from the electrical sector and encourage the generation of power from renewable and sustainable sources, the Australian government established the Renewable Energy Target, which includes small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

Australia has a high solar potential, high sun insolation, fewer solar panel rooftop systems needed, an enabling environment, and a lower investment barrier, all of which have contributed to the rapid expansion of solar power in the country.

Investment payback periods in solar energy are shortened thanks to current incentives and enabling policies in Australia, such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Target (SRET) and Solar Feed-in-Tariffs.

Content Summary

• It’s no surprise that solar power is becoming increasingly popular as an answer to the twin problems of global warming and skyrocketing electricity prices.
• Adding solar panels to your home can help you save money on your energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and make a positive impact on the environment.
• There are several benefits to switching to solar power, whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or environmentalist.
• Moving away from the grid and towards solar power as your primary energy source has numerous positive effects.
• By switching to solar power, you can help reduce our reliance on finite fossil fuels to generate electricity.
• Reduced energy costs You can decrease your reliance on your utility company by connecting to a solar energy system.
• By taking part in a ‘feed-in tariff,’ you can become a nett exporter of excess electricity.
• The return on investment for switching to solar is still quite good due to the high cost of power.
• Because there are no moving parts in solar panels, they require very minimal maintenance.
• Yet, we advise that every few years, you have a professional electrician go over your home’s electrical system.
• An expert electrician can determine if cleaning your solar panels is necessary.
• In some cases, the installation of a solar energy system can increase the selling price of a home.
• All solar systems that have an installed power output of less than 100 kilowatts (kW) are qualified for STCs.
• When the price of a solar energy system is calculated, an STC can be viewed as a rebate.
• Your STC rebate is scaled to the amount of renewable energy that you plan to produce.
• The world over, solar power is expanding rapidly.
• Solar photovoltaic panels are becoming increasingly popular in Australia for a number of reasons.
• Australia has high sun insolation, which increases the efficiency and economic viability of solar PV systems.
• Below are only a few of Australia’s existing incentives and enabling policies.
• To comply with this regulation, the Australian power grids must purchase a minimum percentage of their electricity needs from distributed renewable energy generators.
• Small-scale renewable energy generators are encouraged under the strategy.
• The term “small scale generators” is used to describe solar systems that produce less than 100 kilowatts (kW).
• Feed-in tariffs were implemented by the government to ensure that small-scale solar panel systems would be compensated for the electricity they generated in an effort to increase their use.
• Solar panels are at an all-time low price Since the 1980s, when solar energy became popular, there have been tremendous technological advancements as a direct result of the rising demand for and supply of solar electricity.
• Due to the falling costs of solar PV systems and the rising prices of fossil fuels, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Australia.
• Because of this, it is difficult to get energy to rural and isolated locations deep within the country.
• At present, over 28% of Australians make their homes in rural and isolated locations.
• A global green revolution has emerged as a direct result of the public’s growing understanding of climate change and its implications.
• The green energy revolution in Australia has prompted the government and authorities to make significant investments in renewable energy.
• Total renewable energy use in Australia is expected to increase from its current 21% in 2019 to 24% in 2021, from a low of 5% in 2011.

FAQs About Solar Power

What is the main challenge with solar power?

Takes up a lot of room. To generate more electricity, you’ll need more solar panels to bring in more of the sun’s rays. However, not all roofs are large enough to accommodate the quantity of solar PV panels you might want.

Can I power my home solely with solar energy?

Solar energy has provided electricity to entire villages in various countries. Consequently, it is possible to use only solar energy to power a home. It can run anything from handheld calculators to whole cities, making it the most versatile power source ever created.

How long can a house run on solar power alone?

A 10 kWh battery can provide enough energy to run a home’s essentials for at least 24 hours without using any auxiliary power sources, such as air conditioning or electric heating.

What happens to solar power when batteries are full?

When the storage capacity of the batteries is at capacity, the system will stop drawing energy from the sun. Although solar panels will keep producing electricity, it won’t be consumed or stored until there’s a sufficient demand for power or enough room in the batteries.

Are solar panels environmentally friendly?

In order to safeguard people, animals, and ecosystems, it is essential to reduce emissions of glasshouse gases and adapt to the effects of climate change. Solar energy can play a significant part in doing just that. Cleaner air and less water needed for energy generation are two additional benefits of solar power.