Why Is Solar Energy Suitable For Australia?

Posted in: Solar Power, Panels & Batteries
Solar Flow Team
March 7, 2023

Want to know more about the benefits of solar energy in Australia? Want to know how solar power compares to other renewable energy sources in this area?

Fortunately, harnessing solar energy in Australia is not only feasible but also offers some advantages.

In this article, we’ll examine why Australia’s climate, geography, & environment make solar energy a good fit.

In addition, we will talk about the possibilities for utilising this eco-friendly power supply in both commercial and domestic settings.

If you’re curious about why solar is such a promising investment opportunity in Australia, now is the time to do your homework.

Potential Of Solar Energy

Power from the sun (sunlight) is called solar power when it is utilised to create electricity or warm materials like air or water. It’s important to distinguish between the two primary solar power systems, which are:

Transforming solar heat into usable heat energy is known as solar thermal (heat). Direct usage, space heating, and electricity generation via steam and turbines are popular thermal energy applications transported by air, liquid, or other fluids. A widespread application of solar thermal technology is in providing hot water. Concentrating solar power, also known as solar thermal electricity, is ideal for producing massive amounts of power on a big scale.
By using photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity, solar photovoltaics (PV) can generate electricity from the sun. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are flexible enough to be used in various contexts, from rooftop installations to megawatt-scale power facilities. Concentrating lenses or reflections can be used with PV systems to generate massive amounts of centralised energy.

You may build a system that produces heat and power from the sun by integrating solar thermal & PV technology.

Solar Energy Resources And Production In Australia

Australian solar energy resources are among the best in the world since the continent receives more sunlight than any other. The deserts in the continent’s northwest and central areas receive the most sunlight.

An Australian Energy Resource Review details Australia’s energy resources, especially solar energy assets, and the variables influencing the development and use of the various energy assets through 2030.

Every year, Australia is bathed in an average of approximately 58 million PJ of solar radiation, around 10,000 times greater than the country’s annual energy need.

Presently, however, just approximately 0.1% of Australia’s total use of primary energy comes from solar power.

Solar hot water heating is the most prevalent application of solar power. Off-grid solar PV systems provide reliable electricity to communities without access to traditional power sources.

Government regulations, most notably the Renewables Target, and the development of solar and concentrated solar thermal technology through large-scale R&D efforts have led to an increase in electricity output.

The Australian government has pledged $1.5 billion to fund the construction and show of strength of up to four huge solar electricity plants throughout Australia, using concentrated solar and PV technologies, as part of the Clean Energy Action plan Solar Flagships Program, which the Department of Resources, Energy, and Tourism manages.

The government aims to build a solar power plant with a capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW).

To aid the solar business and the scientific community, Geoscience Australia is contributing to this effort by collecting and analysing data on the competitiveness of solar resource prospects.

The first elements of this project were to expand the Bureau of Meteorology’s solar monitor ground station network and enhance the satellite model base used in conjunction with those stations.

A map and details on some of the operational solar ground stations now collecting insolation data in Australia are available for those interested.

Why Is Solar Energy Gaining Popularity In Australia?

Australia is ideally suited to explore the potential of solar energy. To put it another way, Australia receives an annual average of around 58 million megawatts (PJ) of solar radiation. To put it in perspective, that’s around 10,000 times as much energy as it uses.

The world must immediately switch to renewable energy sources like solar electricity to end its reliance on fossil fuels.

Businesses of all sizes in Australia are feeling the influence of government programmes like the Renewable Power Target and also the Clean Energy Initiative’s Solar Flagship Program, which encourage the adoption of solar PV systems.

Also, homeowners are just doing their part by putting money into renewable energy sources for their homes.

For a long time now, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been used in off-grid areas. Even in highly populated places, rooftop solar panels are becoming increasingly common.

There are more than 2 million homes in Australia that have installed solar panels on their roofs, according to recent statistics. This accounts for roughly 20% of all houses.

Better Technology

Solar cells installed in residential rooftops nowadays are efficient and aesthetically pleasing, thanks to the efforts of research organisations like ARENA.

Power monitoring and management gadgets are typically included in rooftop units as well. These instruments monitor the energy produced and used by solar panels, allowing you to exercise full command over your power setup.

Financial Success

Saving money is a major benefit of making an upfront investment in solar energy.

The energy cost is rising, and that’s expected to continue. Switching to solar power can help you save money on overall energy costs and generate income from selling excess electricity.

When your solar panels create more electricity than you use, the utility company must give you credit for the difference.

The term “solar feed-in-tariff” describes this arrangement. Rooftop solar power installations in Australia are not cheap, but the government offers subsidies and incentives to offset some of the initial outlay.

Benefit To The Environment

Last, switching to solar electricity will help you and your country reduce glasshouse gas emissions. Fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources at present meet around 60% of Australia’s energy requirements.

The environmental effect of a home can be drastically reduced if its energy needs are met through renewable energy sources. Nothing but good!

Solar Energy In Australia: Costs And Benefits For Health And The Environment

Solar energy production in Australia may take advantage of a few of the best circumstances in the world, and recent studies suggest this will be the case.

In this research, we weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using solar power. It concludes that solar has fewer negative effects on human health and the environment than fossil fuels and that its value will grow as the price of natural gas rises.

If solar energy could provide 60 per cent of Australia’s energy needs, it would significantly cut the country’s carbon footprint and dependence on petroleum and coal.

According to a survey conducted by The Australia Institute, 63% of respondents ranked solar as their top option for the energy source of the future, and 90% ranked it in their top three.

In stark contrast, just 35% and 38% of Australians, respectively, named coal & coal seam gas (CSG) as two of their top three energy sources.

Coal and CSG are two examples of fossil fuels that have been severely criticised for their negative effects on the environment and human health.

It is estimated that six out of ten Australians believe that coal and CSG harm the environment, but only 1 in 10 (13%) feel the same way about solar power.

Although the conditions are favourable and public support is high, Australia’s solar energy production is only about average compared to the rest of the world.

Given Australia’s sunny outlook, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of investing in solar power.

When compared to individuals working in the fossil fuel industries, the hazards to solar industry employees are much lower.

Several potential health problems are mentioned in the paper during the production of solar photovoltaic materials. However, as technology improves, these problems should be lessened.

Using solar energy has negligible effects on the natural world. Even though solar resources require a lot of land area, there is little indication that they compete with other land uses like farming.

Both big and tiny size solar projects can have positive effects on local communities by creating opportunities for locals to find gainful employment.

When compared to traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, solar power is determined to have significantly fewer negative effects on human health and the environment.

More than 90% of Australians support increasing the country’s use of solar power. Experts believe that as technology develops, solar will become one of the cheapest forms of energy production.

Why Is Now The Best Time To Go Solar?

Installing solar panels as soon as possible is a great method to assist the environment and help you save money. A 1.5-watt photovoltaic solar (PV) system can prevent roughly 2.2 tonnes of CO2 glasshouse emissions from being released annually.

But there are additional fantastic reasons to get solar panels now instead of later, like contributing to green the globe.

Solar Panel Prices Are At An All-Time Low

Solar energy has many advantages for the typical Australian home. The ability to save money is a major plus. Installing a solar energy system at home is more affordable now than ever.

The cost of solar modules has plummeted by more than 75% over the previous five years due to technological advancements and excess inside the global manufacturing industry.

Because of this remarkable decrease in cost, the typical size of a solar electric system has nearly doubled, from one to two kilowatts (kW), with between 4 and 5 kW, which can have a far greater influence on your electricity costs.

You can rejoice since this is excellent news for your financial planning and savings.

The Sooner You Purchase, The Sooner You Will Save

You may be tempted to wait to see if the price for solar power systems drops any more before making a purchasing decision, but doing so may not be in your best financial interest.

Nevertheless, while the price of solar electricity is at an all-time low, other forms of energy, such as natural gas and coal, are expected to rise. Except for Canberra, all of Australia’s major cities currently have solar power costs that are lower than those of the retail grid.

Minimum Maintenance

There is hardly any upkeep involved with solar panels.

Although some manufacturers used to recommend having customers have their solar panels cleaned every several years to keep them functioning properly and producing energy, modern solar panels don’t need any sort of maintenance to carry on generating power.

High-performance solar panels should still function efficiently even when unclean, so most experts now think cleaning them isn’t worth the trouble or money.

Solar Panels Raise The Resale Value Of Your Home

The solar power system may increase your home’s resale value in Australia due to favourable environmental conditions. Solar panel installations are a quick and simple approach to increasing your home’s value and appeal to potential purchasers.

Today’s panels are sleek and made to match the pitch of your roof with minimal concealed wiring, rarely affecting the appearance of your home, in contrast to the bulky rectangular eyesores of yesteryear.

Even if selling isn’t in the cards right now, investing in solar panels will help you save money in the long run and make your property more marketable if you ever decide to sell.

And while you’re waiting, remember that the Climate Council has found that most solar systems in Australia may now recoup their initial investment in under ten years.

Participate In The Solar Power Revolution

About 15% of homes across the country have installed solar panels, with an average order size of 4.5 kW, and that number is steadily climbing. Get in touch with a solar expert from EnergyAustralia now to learn how you can become one of the 1.6 million Australian families that generate their clean energy from the sun.

FAQs About Solar Energy in Australia

What is the current status of solar energy in Australia?

In Australia, the solar energy industry is booming. The total installed capacity of solar PV systems in Australia is over 20.4 GW as of 2021, with over 2.68 million systems in operation.

Is solar energy cost-effective in Australia?

Cost-effectiveness of solar energy is confirmed in Australia. Australia receives some of the highest levels of solar irradiation in the world, and the price of solar panels has dropped dramatically over the past decade, so solar power is now an affordable and reliable option there.

Does Australia have government incentives for solar energy?

The Australian government does offer incentives for solar power, however. These include the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET). These rebates and tax credits help pay for the cost of putting in solar panels and other forms of renewable energy.

What is the future of solar energy in Australia?

A bright future lies ahead for solar power in Australia. There is a growing trend in Australia towards using solar energy to power homes and businesses in order to meet the country’s renewable energy goal of 50% by 2030.

What are the environmental benefits of solar energy in Australia?

Reduced glasshouse gas emissions, enhanced air quality, and less reliance on non-renewable energy sources are just a few of the environmental benefits that solar energy in Australia can provide.

The use of solar energy also protects Australia’s precious natural resources and lessens the effects of global warming.

Conclusion

As a result of its favourable climate, geographical location, and overall environment, solar energy offers excellent potential for profit in Australia.

Solar power is typically broken down into two categories: solar thermal (heat) and solar photovoltaic (electricity production) (PV).

Rooftop installations to multi-megawatt power plants can both benefit from solar thermal systems’ adaptability. Since Australia receives more sunlight than any other continent, the country’s solar energy resources and production are among the best in the world.

The Australian Energy Resource Review describes the country’s energy assets, how they will be used from now until 2030, and the factors that will affect those variables.

The environmental impact of solar energy is small, and it has the potential to benefit local communities by providing new avenues for economic growth.

More than 90% of Australians are in favour of increasing the country’s use of solar power, and as the technology improves, solar is expected to become one of the cheapest methods of energy production.

Using solar panels is a wonderful way to help the environment and save money, and it can prevent 2.2 tonnes of CO2 glasshouse emissions from being released annually.

The cost of solar panels has dropped to historic lows, making residential solar energy systems more accessible financially. Recently, the average size of a solar electric system has increased to between 4 and 5 kW, nearly doubling in size.

Solar energy systems don’t require any maintenance and have lower upfront costs than traditional power plants connected to the retail grid. Natural gas and coal, on the other hand, are expected to increase in production.

Solar panels in Australia are sleek and made to match the pitch of the roof with minimal concealed wiring, which increases the resale value of homes thanks to the country’s generally favourable environmental conditions.

You can save money over time and increase your home’s resale value by installing solar panels. The majority of Australian solar systems may see a return on investment in under ten years, according to the Climate Council.

Content Summary

Every year, Australia is bathed in an average of approximately 58 million PJ of solar radiation, around 10,000 times greater than the country’s annual energy need.
Presently, however, just approximately 0.1% of Australia’s total use of primary energy comes from solar power.
Solar hot water heating is the most prevalent application of solar power.
The Australian government has pledged $1.5 billion to fund the construction and show of strength of up to four huge solar electricity plants throughout Australia, using concentrated solar and PV technologies, as part of the Clean Energy Action plan Solar Flagships Program, which is managed by the Department of Resources, Energy, and Tourism.
The government aims to build a solar power plant with a capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW).To aid the solar business and the scientific community, Geoscience Australia is contributing to this effort by collecting and analysing data on the competitiveness of solar resource prospects.
A map and details on some of the operational solar ground stations now collecting insolation data in Australia are available for those interested.
There are more than 2 million homes in Australia that have installed solar panels on their roofs, according to recent statistics.
Switching to solar power can help you save money on overall energy costs and generate income from selling excess electricity.
Around 60% of Australia’s energy requirements are met by fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources at present.
The environmental effect of a home can be drastically reduced if its energy needs are met through renewable energy sources.
If solar energy could provide 60 per cent of Australia’s energy needs, it would significantly cut the country’s carbon footprint and dependence on petroleum and coal.
In stark contrast, just 35% and 38% of Australians, respectively, named coal & coal seam gas (CSG) as two of their top three energy sources.
It is estimated that six out of ten Australians believe that coal and CSG harm the environment, but only 1 in 10 (13%) feel the same way about solar power.
Although the conditions are favourable and public support is high, Australia’s solar energy production is only about average compared to the rest of the world.
Given Australia’s sunny outlook, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of investing in solar power.
When compared to traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, solar power is determined to have significantly fewer negative effects on human health and the environment.
More than 90% of Australians support increasing the country’s use of solar power.
Experts believe that as technology develops, solar will become one of the cheapest forms of energy production.
Installing solar panels as soon as possible is a great method to assist the environment and help you save money.
Solar energy has many advantages for the typical Australian home.
Installing a solar energy system at home is more affordable now than ever.
Nevertheless, while the price of solar electricity is at an all-time low, other forms of energy, such as natural gas and coal, are expected to rise.
Except for Canberra, all of Australia’s major cities currently have solar power costs that are lower than those of the retail grid.
The solar power system may increase your home’s resale value in Australia due to favourable environmental conditions.
And while you’re waiting, remember that the Climate Council has found that most solar systems in Australia may now recoup their initial investment in under ten years.
About 15% of homes across the country have installed solar panels, with an average order size of 4.5 kW, and that number is steadily climbing.
Get in touch with a solar expert from EnergyAustralia now to learn how you can become one of the 1.6 million Australian families that generate their clean energy from the sun.