A State of Renewables in Australia – How can You Contribute by Going Solar?

Australia is among the top countries in the world when it comes to per capita power consumption. So where does all this energy come from? How much is produced? How is it produced? And is it good for the environment? We are also among the top nations to emit carbon emissions while generating electricity. Fossil fuels being the base of generating power leads to greater greenhouse gas emissions. However we also have access to renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydro energy. In this article we have made an attempt to discuss the basics of each of them and review its reliability.

Hydropower 

A hydroelectric plant harnesses the energy of moving water to generate electricity. Water typically powers hydroelectric power plants. The dam releases water into a conduit that flows over a turbine. The turbine is spun by the water’s force, which powers a generator. Electricity generated by the generator is fed into the grid by way of a substation. According to the Geoscience department, Australia has more than 100 operating hydroelectric power stations with a total installed capacity of about 7800 megawatts (MW). These are located in the areas of highest rainfall and elevation and are mostly in New South Wales (55 per cent) and Tasmania (29 per cent). 

However, the functioning of hydropower plants requires water and lack of availability of the same can lead to its ineffectiveness. Hydropower plants are expensive to build and do have some adverse environmental impacts. 

Wind Energy

In order to harness the power of the wind and turn it into electricity, a wind turbine is required. The turbine’s outermost blades spin as a result of the wind’s force. This motion is transmitted to a generator by way of a gearbox. Electricity generated by the generator is fed through a transformer to a substation. On hilltops or close to the coast is where you’ll typically see wind turbines. According to Australian renewable agency, this energy type is one of Australia’s main sources of renewable energy, generating enough electricity to meet 7.1 per cent of the nation’s total electricity demand. At the end of 2018, there were 94 wind farms in Australia, delivering nearly 16 GW of wind generation capacity.

However, the wind energy completely relies on the flow of the wind. They may not be able to function well during stormy or bad weather conditions. Just like hydropower plants, wind turbines are costly to set up. They are also a threat to wildlife and people due to their sharp blades. The most challenging part being they are really difficult to set up and maintain. 

Solar Energy

Any energy produced by the sun’s heat or light is referred to as solar energy.

Australia has a lot of sunshine! In reality, compared to other continents, we receive the most solar energy on average. So it should come as no surprise that solar energy has a great deal of potential. Using photovoltaic cells, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology turns sunlight directly into electricity. Rooftop solar panels are pretty common in Australia and solar energy is one of the most preferred renewable energy sources by individuals in our nation. According to Australian renewable agency, Solar PV generated approximately 10 per cent of Australia’s electricity in 2020-21, and is the fastest growing generation type in Australia. More than 30 per cent of Australian households now have rooftop solar PV, with a combined capacity exceeding 11 GW.

Solar energy is a sustainable source of power helping the environment, saves money, is pretty low maintenance and isn’t very costly to set up. 

To wrap things up…

The pros of solar energy outweigh the cons of hydropower and wind energy. Solar energy is logically reliable, environmentally friendly and solar installation is easier than we think. Savvy Solar can help you find the best solar panels for your property in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. We work with some of the top solar brands in Australia in order to provide our customers with reliable and customized solar power solutions. Contact our team now at 1800728897 to explore your solar options while discussing your energy consumption patterns.