Solar Power Can Thrive Economically in Australia
November 21, 2008
New modelling shows sun can shine on Australian solar power
NATIONAL: Australia is in a strong position to develop a thriving national solar industry over the next 20 years, according to a report into the renewable energy sector released today by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
The report, undertaken by Access Economics, provides a compelling economic case for the implementation of a gross national feed-in tariff in Australia.
“What this shows is that with the right policy and investment, there’s a strong future for sustainable and profitable growth in Australia’s renewable energy sector,” said CEO of the Clean Energy Council, Matthew Warren.
“Australia’s share of the global solar market has fallen from seven per cent in 1992 to one per cent in 2007 - despite having the highest average solar radiation of any country in the world, Australia significantly lags behind other countries in its investment in the solar industry.”
The report shows a gross national FIT would drive investment in solar PV systems by the commercial and residential sectors, assuming 3,000 MW of capacity is deployed, of up to $17.9 billion over the next 20 years (NPV at 5.7 per cent).
Solar industries in other countries that have adopted a national gross feed-in tariff have developed strong industries that encourage take-up of solar through consumer earnings and cost savings.
“The report shows a gross feed-in tariff will be the trigger for strong investment - and growth - in the solar sector,” Mr Warren said.
“This kind of policy in Australia could help reduce residential and commercial demand for energy and help deliver electricity on hot sunny days when it is the most valuable.
“As a result, the modelling suggests solar energy can defer investment in gas-peaking plans”.
The Access Economics report records the sharp increase in deployment of solar panels in Australia since 2007 when the increased federal government rebate triggered increased awareness and affordability of the technology.
The report also states Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) may be insufficient to drive significant investment in the solar sector.
“A gross feed-in tariff is entirely complimentary to a CPRS and a 20% MRET, but it’s important to note that currently, less than one per cent of the MRET comes from solar sources,” said Mr Warren.
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Eco Living Centre Appointed the Solahart Lower North Shore Distributor
October 27, 2008
Hot water break down? Want to go solar, but not sure how to go about it? Eco Living Centre is the newly appointed Solahart Lower North Shore distributor and can provide a 24 hour service to install your Solahart system.You’ll benefit from free hot water from the sun, saving between 50-90% of your hot water bills, and feel good knowing that you are doing the right thing saving CO2 emissions.
Alistair Duncan, founder of Eco Living Centre, says, “We are delighted to be appointed as the Solahart Lower North Shore Distributor. It means we can respond quickly to any request to install a new Solahart hot water system, anywhere in the lower North Shore, from Mosman to Epping, across to Ryde and down to Woolwich. It’s an ideal time for anyone wanting to save on their energy bills; after all they are only going to get more expensive.
“A Solahart system gives you peace of mind and safeguards you against those ever increasing bills. You have more than enough hot water for your needs. Originally developed here in Australia nearly a century ago, the range today is extensive. Our trained consultants are on hand to advise on the best system for the householders’ needs. Our emergency response team can ensure that a new hot water system is installed quickly.”
“Eco Living Centre can also advise you about the Government rebates,which make solar hot water a very attractive proposition with up to $3000 available, depending on the system. Our showroom at 236 Victoria Road, Gladesville offers a comprehensive range of water and energy saving products from water tanks to LED lighting, ideal for the householder or business, and including Solahart hot water systems that offer a great investment in energy saving. Homes featuring sustainable systems not only save money, they add value to your property.” Call Eco Living Centre on 1300 308 823 or visit the showroom.
Eco Living Centre Now offers you lighting design solutions
June 24, 2008
LIGHTING DESIGN
Eco Living Centre is proud to announce that we now have a full lighting design and rendering facility available. By utilizing the AGi32 program Eco Living Centre can show you how LEDs and other energy efficient lighting solutions can work for your lighting applications. AGI32 is not only a comprehensive point-by-point program, but a lightning fast, photometrically correct, colour-rendering tool as well. Imagine computing all of your point-by-point values simultaneously with a full colour image. Now you can not only review the “numbers”, but incorporate accurate visualization into your everyday lighting design. This is enormously powerful for both conceptualization and presentation. You get great lighting design to show your clients and the confirmation its meets the power lumen densities required for section J.
Eco Living Centre has the capability of predict lighting system performance for any application from one luminaire in a jail cell to hundreds of luminaires in a professional sports facility. Interior or exterior, we can build environments for most any lighting application with unlimited luminarie, calculation points, reflective or transmissive surfaces. Eco Living Centre can present lighting designs to you and to your clients with just the click of a mouse, this programs allows us to take you on an animated walk through of your design as shown below.
‘Don’t be kept in the Dark’
June 11, 2008
Learn about the latest trends in lighting, and how technologies are being refined to meet new benchmarks in energy usage. The
LEDs-R-Us can keep you the up-to-date so you can advise your clients about the many options LEDs offer, and importantly what you cannot do. This informative talk will give you the information you need to talk knowledgably. You will see actual demonstrations and products. We will also discuss the latest in CFL’s and why they may be banned in the
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