Wider solar power deployment needed in Australia

9th Mar 2012

The deployment of solar panels needs to be more widespread in Australia in order to help lower the cost of renewable energy, an expert believes.

Matthew Wright, executive director of Beyond Zero Emissions, highlighted that there has so far been a "pushback against feed-in tariff legislation", despite solar power proving itself to be invaluable.

At present, solar is proving cost-neutral as generators are lowering their prices and seeing reduced demand for their wholesale electricity.

Mr Wright argued in his article for Climate Spectator that in order for solar power to halve in price all over the world, then efforts must be made to install systems in the western world.

One of the best ways to achieve this is through feed-in tariffs, which have proved a success in Germany and China, among other countries.

Australia therefore needs to follow suit, providing additional research and development has been carried out among private, public and government institutions.

The challenge will then be to encourage public support in solar panels, which will be best achieved through emphasising the cost-saving benefits on electricity bills.

In light of this, Mr Wright said that improving the uptake of solar power through better feed-in tariffs "should be an urgent national priority".

This follows the release of a report from the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) entitled Energy in Australia 2012, which identified that solar power is becoming an increasing part of the country's energy make-up.

Australia was named the ninth-largest energy producer in the world, as it accounts for approximately 2.5 per cent of global production.

In 2009-10, renewable sources were found to generate eight per cent of the country's energy – although growth is expected in the near future.

Professor Quentin Grafton from BREE said: "Australia's primary energy consumption is projected to grow by one per cent a year over the period from 2008–09 to 2034–35, compared with the 1.6 per cent growth over the last decade."

Australia is far from the only country to be recognising its solar ambitions, as a number of large-scale projects are planned all over the world to help lower emissions and meet energy needs.

For example, a 16.2MWp utility scale solar power plant is currently undergoing construction in Bulgaria and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year.

Posted by Bob Dawson

 

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

The election that could cast a deep shadow on solar power
This just in: You are nothing but a means to profit for big utilities and NSW government
The Tongans know a bad solar deal when they see one
Solar feed-in tariffs: Who's getting screwed?
Australian government at a solar power crossroads
WA government admits fault in solar rebate debacle
WA Government saves millions while solar customers are up in arms
SA's solar feed-in scheme costs to rise higher
CEC slams FIT deregulation in SA
Carbon tax announcement 'just a ripple'
Industry reactions to Rudd carbon price changes
New government 'must be made aware of renewable achievements'
Solar features prominently in ARENA funding plans
Calling all solar panel installers - 'save clean technology grants'
Manufacturers set to see bright side of economic slump?
Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'
'Not FIT for purpose' - ACT government on tariffs
QLD government under fire for negative solar stance
China's first trading emissions scheme begins
Details of the Queensland solar controversy
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
Tasmania's solar future no longer too uncertain
Renewable energy funding on the brink
The Clean Energy Council calls for more renewables
Reactions to renewable energy decisions from the 2013-14 federal budget
Federal budget announcement offers a mixed bag
The impact of the carbon tax
Govt energy efficiency success
Renewable Energy Target achievements
New funding for solar panels
Australia and China further carbon cutting collaboration
Examining Australia's environmental efforts
Renewable Energy Target survives its review
Solar powered cinema a possibility
New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states
Renewable recommendations for WA
Renewable energy target hangs in the balance
Deadline approaching for QLD PV installations under 44 cent solar tariff
Electricity emissions down since carbon tax introduced
Reactions to RET review final report mixed
CCA: RET on track to achieve goals
Experts slam Solar Credits decision
Government support 'needed for commercial solar development'
Shadow ministers slam ARENA withdrawal
Industry expert lauds solar PV impact
Australian Solar Council chief hits back at CCA review suggestion
Australian Solar Council debuts solar electorate map
CCA report 'victory for common sense'
Productivity Commission draft 'good for solar'
SA solar campaign reaches government level
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: