Reducing Your Environmental Footprint
Solar Panels
The 'Solar Electricity Consumer Guide' by Trevor Berrill, is a comprehensive information kit for the consumer. It can be bought online or stockists of the guide can be found by going to http://www.whichenergy.com.au/going-solar
Quick Guide to Buying and Installing Grid Connected PV Systems
(Solar Electricity Consumer Guide, p7)
1. Do your research.
What system size will suit you? Is your roof suitable? etc.
2. Obtain quotes and understand the installation contract.
Talk to several Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited system installers. Ask questions.
3. Choose a system.
A list of approved panels and inverts is available on the CEC website. See also www.whichenergy.com.au
4. Understanding rebate and feed in tariffs.
Information on Small scale Technology Certificates (STC's) and other initiatives of the Federal Government are available at www.climatechange.gov.au STC's are an electronic form of currency created under the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) is responsible for managing the SRES. See www.orer.gov.au
5. Obtain approval for connection.
Your supplier or installer may organise this for you. Procedures of each State and Territory available at www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
6. Install the system and connect to the grid.
This should only be done by CEC accredited installer who is also a licensed electrician.
7. Apply for rebates/solar credits.
For solar credit advice you can contact the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator at www.orer.gov.au
8. Post Installation.
Your grid connected PV system may be inspected by your local electricity authority. For all complaints of a commercial nature, contact the Office of Fair Trading.
9. Further Information.
- The 'Install Solar Power' guide at Living Greener: http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/home
- Ezygreen: offers a range of energy saving options and energy supply alternatives. http://www.ezygreen.com.au
- Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme: pays eligible households and other small customers for the surplus electricity generated from solar PV systems, which is exported to the electricity grid. http://www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au/solar_bonus_scheme.cfm
- Solar Sport and Community Grants (QLD): available to elegiable organisations through the Gambling and Community Benefit Fund (GCBF). Applications can be submitted for both a Solar Sport and Cummunity Grant and a separate GCBF grant per funding round. There are four funding rounds per year.http://www.olgr.qld.gov.au/grants/gcbf/solarSportAndCommunityGrants/index.shtml
- Alternative Energy Association (ATA): http://www.ata.org.au/sustainability/generating-power/
- Origin Energy: http://www.originenergy.com.au/174/Solar-power
- No deposit finance from QLD Conservation Council: As part of their solar challenge, you can put a solar system on your roof for no upfront cost, then use the saving from your elecitricty bills to pay off the system. http://www.ingenero.com.au/qcc-solar-challenge
Rainwater Tanks
Details to come soon...