Posts Tagged ‘solar’
Cost-Effective Distributed Energy Systems in Australia
Posted in Opinion, Research by Kate Archdeacon on December 15th, 2011
Source: Climate Spectator
Photo by twicepix via flickr CC
From It’s time for a smarter grid by Giles Parkinson:
Imagine for a moment that you are the head of a large group of network operators, faced with a decision about what to do about rising peak electricity demand. And you are presented with a choice: invest $2.6 billion over five years on upgrading your network – the route you would normally take; or spend a comparable amount on solar power and energy storage, distributed throughout the network. This was the question posed by Professor John Bell, of the Queensland University of Technology, and Warwick Johnston, a leading solar analyst with Sunwiz, when they sought to find out if there was a better way than the traditional response of building more poles and wires to cope with rising peak demand.
Using Queensland network operator Energex as an example, and its forecast peak demand growth of 1.25GW over the five years to 2014/15, the study analysed the existing approach of spending $2.6 billion augmenting the grid, or investing a comparable amount in either 25GWh of storage, or 1.25GW of solar PV and 10GWh of storage. The study concluded that a combination of battery and solar PV produced a far better outcome, because of the ability to generate revenue from the energy produced, and the use of battery storage to resell energy. Over a five year period, the net present value (NPV) of the poles and wires solution was negative $2 billion, while the NPV of the solar/storage solution was negative $750 million. But because these could produce revenue over a 20-year period, the solar/storage had a positive NPV of $2 billion over a 20 year period.
Bell and Johnston say the main take-home messages from this are that the integration of distributed PV and battery storage into the existing energy system has the potential to be cost effective now, and it underpins the case for reform of the National Electricity Market, to ensure that distributed generation is fairly treated and that network providers are encouraged to opt for the solutions that have greater market benefit, rather than simply being least upfront cost.
[...]
>>Read the full article by Giles Parkinson on Climate Spectator.
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>>Read about VEIL’s work on Distributed Systems.
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Retrofittable Window Insulation
Posted in Models, Research by Kate Archdeacon on November 14th, 2011
Source: EcoVoice
Photo by sanbeiji via flickr CC
In October 2011 MEP Films launched Enerlogic® Window Film, a retrofit window film designed to give single-glazed windows the thermal performance of triple-glazed windows. Adding up to 92% more insulation to windows, it can deliver year-round results in cold, warm or mixed climates, with two types of film available. Enerlogic®35 has been designed to deflect 99% UV rays and 76% solar heat, and is suited to warmer climates. Enerlogic® 70 allows the winter sun’s natural light and warmth to enter the building while shielding the heat from the summer sun, for cooler climates.
Read more about this product on Eco-Voice.
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NB: We try not to promote specific products here on Sustainable Melbourne, and we can’t endorse a brand, but this seemed like a product that would be of interest. KA
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The Gemasolar Plant Reaches 24 Hour Solar Power: Concentrated Solar Technology (CST)
Posted in Events by Mark Ogge on October 31st, 2011
| 7 November , 2011 | ||
| 6:30 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
Santiago Arias is the Technical Director O&M of Torresol Energy which constructed the 19.9MW Gemasolar plant in Seville, Spain. Gemasolar is the world’s first plant to apply the salt thermal-storage system in a configuration with a central tower and an array of heliostats. Gemasolar reached 24 hours of uninterrupted production in June 2011.
This is the baseload concentrated solar power technology modelled by the Zero Carbon Australia 2020 Stationary Energy Plan to supply 60% of Australia’s stationary energy requirements. Mr Arias will join us via Skype.
Time: 6:30- 8pm Monday 7 November 2011
Fritz Loewe Theatre (entry via level 2)
McCoy Building
University of Melbourne
Cnr Elgin & Swanston Streets, Carlton
Thank you to the University of Melbourne Energy Research Institute, our Zero Carbon Australia project partners for joining us in bringing you this event.
Entry: Gold coin donation
Further reading:
http://www.sener.es/News/gemasolar-solar-power-plant-reaches-24-hours-of…
http://www.torresolenergy.com/TORRESOL/gemasolar-plant/en
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CERES Global India Cultural Exchange Information Session
Posted in Events by ceres on September 14th, 2011
| 21 September , 2011 | ||
| 6:30 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
| 20 October , 2011 | ||
| 6:30 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
When: Wednesday 21st September 2011 & Thursday 20th October 2011
Time: 6.30 – 8.00pm
Where: CERES Eco House
Address: Lee St, East Brunswick, 3058
RSVP: ceresglobal@ceres.org.au
Learn about how CERES connects with grassroots community development organisations that focus on women’s empowerment, education, health, and climate action, and how you can be involved through a CERES Global culture exchange program.
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Delivering Clean Energy Solutions: Info Session
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on September 2nd, 2011
| 3 September , 2011 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 12:00 pm |
Photo by Stuck In Customs via flickr CC
Brunswick DCES Info Session
Interested in solar but find it confusing?
Delivering Clean Energy Solutions is a community bulk buy offering efficient, high quality and cost effective solar electricity and solar hot water systems. The DCES info session is your opportunity to meet the suppliers, have your questions answered and find out how to get the most out of your solar electricity or solar hot water system. DCES is project managed by MEFL on behalf of partners.
When: Sat 3 Sept, 10am-12pm
Where: Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Rd
RSVP for catering: dces@mefl.com.au or 9385 8526
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Australia’s Premier Handbook on Sustainable Homes Design
Posted in Research, Visions by sashashtargot on May 9th, 2011
From the Passive Design Section: Solar shading in Summer and heating in Winter using trees or eaves.
The updated fourth edition of Your Home Technical Manual is now available.
Your Home is a thorough compendium with 340 pages of environmentally sustainable solutions for designing and building a home. For people who are building, buying or renovating, it shows how to make a more comfortable home that has less impact on the environment – one that will also be more economical, healthier to live in and adaptable to changing needs.
A project of the Federal Government in collaboration with the building and design industry, Your Home is written by architects, designers and builders and edited by award-winning architect Paul Downton. The fourth edition has updates on insulation, lighting and solar hot water.
Your Home is a comprehensive guide to:
- Building with sustainable materials
- Passive solar design
- Designing and building for your climate
- How to collect and save water
- Insulation products and installation
- Shading and ventilation
- Energy-saving appliances
- Solar hot water
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Renewable energy for home
The manual is available for download (section by section) from the yourhome.gov.au website. Hard copies are available for purchase from The Alternative Technology Association’s Online Shop or contact the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) on (03) 9631 5401.
Your Home Technical Manual is distributed by the ATA, Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, green building and water saving in the home.
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Mapping Solar Potential of Rooftops in Germany
Posted in Events by Mark Ogge on March 31st, 2011
| 4 April , 2011 | ||
| 6:30 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
Image © SUN-AREA
The Zero Carbon Australia Buildings Plan research team is currently assessing the total solar potential of rooftops in Australia. Similar studies have been completed around the world. Germany’s SUN-AREA project estimates that solar photovoltaic (PV – solar panels) power could meet the entire energy needs of residential homes throughout the country. It is sponsored by the University of Osnabrück and the TOPSCAN topographical information company.
Project director and geomatics engineer Professor Martina Klärle, will join us via Skype video conference to present their findings. Detlef Gerdts, environmental manager for the city of Osnabrück will also be presenting the experiences with the results.
Time: 6:30- 8pm Monday 4 April 2011
Fritz Loewe Theatre (entry via level 2)
McCoy Building
University of Melbourne
Cnr Elgin & Swanston Streets, Carlton
Thank you to the University of Melbourne Energy Research Institute, our Zero Carbon Australia project partners for joinig us in bringing you this event.
Entry: Gold coin donation
Further reading:
http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/fall09articles/mapping-the-solar.html
http://geodaten.osnabrueck.de/website/Sun_Area/viewer.htm
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Choice Review: Solar Payback Times
Posted in Research by Kate Archdeacon on March 8th, 2011
From Solar Pay-back Times by Zoya Sheftalovich:
CHOICE Magazine has recrunched the numbers to give you the latest ‘payback times’ for a small solar panel system.
Installing a solar system is not cheap; the rewards come over time as the system gradually pays for itself out of the energy savings made and the money paid to you for the solar energy generated. These “feed-in tariffs” from the government vary from state to state. In a bid to find out how long your investment might take to pay for itself, CHOICE asked the Alternative Technology Association to calculate approximate payback times for a 1.5 kW solar system in each state.
Visit Choice to read this free article, which covers solar incentives, feed-in tariffs, small-scale technology certificates (STCs), NSW changes, payback times, and Contacts.
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Easy Tips on Solar Power from the ATA
Posted in Movements, Research by Kate Archdeacon on January 31st, 2011
Image: Solar Panel and Charger by sridgway via flickr CC
Solar panels are springing up on roofs across Australia as thousands of people make a commitment to lower power bills while helping the environment. Over 100,000 solar power systems were installed in 2010, more than for the entire previous decade, according to the Clean Energy Australia 2010 Report. Solar power has become more affordable as prices for panels and installation have dropped steadily in recent years. The Alternative Technology Association (ATA), in the latest issue of its magazine ReNew, has compiled a 10-page Solar Installation Special, providing easy tips for consumers on every aspect of buying and installation. The ATA is Australia’s leading not-for-profit, consumer-based organization promoting renewable energy, sustainable home design and water saving.
In his article in ReNew, Aaron Hodgson, who spent six months researching before buying solar panels to cover his home’s power usage, shares his advice on the potential traps and pitfalls for first-time solar buyers. Here are brief excerpts of some of what he says:
- Home efficiency first – Before installing solar electricity the most important thing is to make your house as energy efficient as possible.
- Full site analysis – Ensure the installers inspect your property first as there might be issues with shade from trees and buildings, extra wiring and installation costs, space constraints or roof angles.
- Fix your roof – Before installing a system, inspect your roof for leaks, cracked, damaged and shifted tiles, recapping or rusty tin.
- Rebates change – Be aware that state and federal government solar panel incentives, feed-in tariffs, RECs and any other rebates can chop and change, sometimes with little notice.
For expert comment on solar power, contact ATA energy projects manager Damien Moyse on (03) 9631 5417/0439 900 692; damien@ata.org.au
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Solar Power: Taking a Long Term View
Posted in Opinion, Research by Kate Archdeacon on November 24th, 2010
Source: Moreland Energy Foundation
Moreland Energy Foundation have published a considered perspective on the solar power debate on their advocacy blog, outlining current criticisms and sensible responses:
“People interested in solar power may have noticed an increase in media attention to solar recently, following the NSW Premier’s decision to dramatically reduce the NSW feed-in-tariff.
Some media reporting has drawn a link between solar and other renewable energy policies (including feed-in-tariffs) and electricity price rises, and some reports have gone so far as to suggest that solar schemes are heading the same way as home insulation. This article attempts to explain the costs, benefits and objectives of solar energy policies, and dispel some of the myths surrounding these policies.”
Read the full article at mefladvocacy.blogspot.com
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