Potential for Solar to Power wheatbelt

This study from researchers at UWA confirmsthe potential for CSP in the wheatbelt and mining industries in the area.

A study by researchers from The University of Western Australia has confirmed the potential for Concentrated Solar Power to generate electricity for communities and mining interests across the Wheatbelt.

Assistant Professors Julian Clifton and Bryan Boruff of UWA’s School of Earth and Environment found that areas in the central and eastern Wheatbelt are ideal sites for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP).

CSP concentrates solar radiation which is then converted to steam to drive a turbine or engine for electricity generation. Unlike photovoltaic cells the heat may be stored to generate electricity outside of sunlight hours.

The Average American’s Annual Energy Consumption

Here’s a great infographic explaining on average, just how much energy our American friends use annually. Note that solar, wind and geothermal usage still sits on 3.7% and coal at 48.2%. We wonder how that’s going to change now with sweeping advancements in solar, wind and hydroelectric power generation.

How do we Australians compare to this? Take a look at some of the energy usage for Australians from Australian Bureau of Statistics Although the data is a little behind:

Thermal
Black coal	1,379	56.4
Brown coal	671	27.4
Oil	25	1.0
Gas	284	11.6
Total thermal	2,360	96.4
Renewables
Hydro	52	2.1
Wind and solar photovoltaic	23	0.9
Biomass	5	0.2
Biogas	7	0.3
Total renewables	87	3.6

This data is for household and industry usage over 2006-2007. In general it would seem we’re in a similar path, if not slightly ahead. We know that Perth / Western Australian solar industry has a large part to do with Australia’s overall renewable energy development.

Download the full statistics here.

Apple Obtains Patent For Solar Powered Devices

TechCrunch reports Apple has got itself the patent for a solar powered device that it applied for in 2009.

This could mean multiple sources of power for mobile devices such as the iPad and iPhone. A solar powered device? Let’s hope so.

Portable devices having multiple power interfaces are described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, a portable electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a processor, a memory coupled to the processor for storing instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to perform one or more functions, a battery coupled to provide power to the processor and the memory, and a battery charging manager coupled to charge the battery using power derived from a plurality of power sources including a solar power source. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Developments like this not only provide us better tools for remote locations, but spin off further technology advancements in the solar energy industry.

http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/13/apple-obtains-patent-for-solar-powered-devices/

Solar Grid Connected Feed-in tariff: Questions and Answers

These ‘Questions and Answers’ (Q&A’s) have been developed to provide general information on the design parameters of the feed-in tariff scheme and how these may be implemented in practice.

The Q&A’s will be regularly updated to reflect any new or amended responses to questions contained here. As the Q&A’s are subject to change, please ensure the version you have is the most up-to date available. There are a number of other factors that determine the benefit provided by a small renewable energy system and some of these are outlined in Question 13. It is recommended that customers consider all of these factors when considering purchasing a renewable energy system.

1. What is the net feed-in tariff scheme?

The net feed-in tariff scheme is a subsidy designed to encourage the installation of residential renewable energy systems. The subsidy (called the net feed-in tariff rate) is paid per unit of net electricity exported to the electricity grid from eligible systems.

2. How does the net feed-in tariff scheme work?

Swan Energy mentioned on International Mining Website

Swan Energy was mention on the International Mining site regarding our Galaxy solar tracker & wind turbine installation.

Galaxy Resources has placed an order with Swan Energy to install 15 large solar panels and two wind turbines generating a total 214 MWh/y of clean green energy at its lithium operation in Ravensthorpe. The company will be the first mine site in Australia to install the state-of-the-art solar generation tracking technology which will supplement its diesel power generation. Managing Director, Iggy Tan: “Our renewable energy installation will remove about 190 t/y of CO₂ emissions from the mine site which is the equivalent of planting 19 ha of forest every year.

Solar Energy Trends in Australia

By taking a look at search trends on Google, we can get an overall picture of what people are looking for online when it comes to renewable energy. We sat down and looked at solar. Below are graphs of search results from Google since 2004.

Below is a state by state breakdown of who is searching for “solar energy” on Google.

And a run down of what the top search keywords and their percentage against each other. As you can see, the solar energy rebate is what’s peaking people’s interest as the moment.

Solar Owners Guide Snapshot – RET Renewable Energy Target

For those considering a solar system to reduce their energy usage, the Office of Renewable Energy Regulator has a handy guide for you to read through. We recommend giving it a read.

RET explained

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme has been established to encourage additional generation of electricity from renewable energy sources to meet the Government¡¦s commitment to achieving a 20% share of renewables in Australia¡¦s electricity supply by 2020. The RET legislation:

• places a legal liability on wholesale purchasers of electricity (liable parties) to proportionally contribute to an additional 45,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy per year by 2020.
• sets the framework for both the supply and demand of renewable energy certificates (RECs) via a REC market.

Who is eligible?

Renewable energy power stations, solar water heaters, heat pump water heaters and small generation units such as small-scale photovoltaic panels may be entitled to RECs if they fulfil accreditation and system eligibility requirements. For more information regarding eligibility requirements see the Solar Water Heater Owners Guide and Small Generation Unit Owners Guide.
RECs are sold and transferred via a market based online system called the REC Registry to liable and other parties in exchange for a financial benefit. This provides significant incentive for growth in renewables across Australia.
What’s the difference between solar photovoltaic panels, heat pumps and solar hot water systems?
Solar photovoltaic panels generate electricity whereas solar water heaters absorb energy from the sun to heat water. Heat pump hot water systems draw heat from the air to heat water.

What is a REC?

A renewable energy certificate (REC) is a commodity in the REC market. RECs are created by eligible parties (renewable energy power stations, solar water heaters, small generation units) and sold to liable parties (wholesale purchasers of electricity) and other parties via the REC Registry to meet their liability under the RET.

Solar owners guide snapshot

Swan Energy is a Platinum Sponsor for Energising South East Asia Conference and Exhibition 2011

Swan Energy is a platinum sponsor for the Energising South East Asia Conference and Exhibition 2011 to be held from Monday 21nd March 2011 to the Saturday 26th March 2011.

The National Solar Schools Program funding round for 2010-11 has now closed

The National Solar Schools Program funding round for 2010-11 has now closed

Popularity of the National Solar Schools Program continues with more than 2,000 applications received from schools across Australia for the 2010-11 funding round.

This incredible response reinforces the popularity of this program and the desire for schools to become more energy efficient.

The Department is currently finalising the assessment process for applications submitted in the 2010-11 funding round. It is expected that an announcement on the successful schools will be made shortly.