March 2023

Solar power, climate change and carbon emissions — words you often come across when people talk about environmental sustainability. These days, Queenslanders have become more aware of how their decisions affect the world around them and are making an effort to do better for the planet, from ditching plastic to investing in solar panels for their homes.

But have you ever wondered if the push for solar makes a difference in reducing climate change and emissions? This blog will define what climate change is, explain the benefits solar energy has on climate change and discuss the current challenges solar faces.

 

What is climate change?

According to the United Nations (UN), climate change refers to the shifts in temperature and weather patterns the planet experiences. Until the 1800s, these shifts were a natural phenomenon brought on by variations in the solar cycle. Nowadays, these shifts are caused by harmful human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Burning fossil fuels generates what’s known as greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap the sun’s heat and raise the planet’s temperature. You might commonly know this as ‘global warming’.

These fossil fuels are used for various purposes, from petrol being used to power a car to major plants burning coal or oil to generate the electricity we use in our homes. So, how does solar power help climate change?

 

The four benefits of solar energy for climate change and the environment

From a low power bill to reducing dependency on energy providers, we all know solar power’s benefits for the average Queensland household. However, regularly generating clean, renewable electricity also has a ripple effect toward repairing the damage caused by unethical habits, including:

• Slows down climate change — As we know, traditional electricity sources, like fossil fuels, contribute to global warming. Solar power, generated by solar panels, emits zero greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. If used by millions of people worldwide, solar power can drastically reduce the effect of climate change.
• Reduces air pollution — Electricity produced by fossil fuels emits harmful gases, like carbon dioxide and methane and impacts air quality. Breathing polluted air is not only uncomfortable, but it can also lead to major health complications. Some studies have shown that air pollution can be linked to asthma, allergies, heart attacks and cancer.
• Uses less water — Fossil fuels require significant water to produce electricity. It’s used to cool generators and refine the fuel to be transported through pipes. Solar photovoltaic cells require no water to generate electricity.
• Replenishable — Unlike solar power, fossil fuels cannot be replenished once fossil fuels are used. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydropower and wind energy, can be constantly regenerated, making them an unlimited energy source.

 

Where does Australia stand on solar power and climate change?

The Lowy Institute found that 60% of Australians believe ‘global warming is a serious and pressing problem’, which ‘we should begin taking steps now even if this involves significant costs’.

So while Australia may have ways to go regarding its implementation of solar power, fortunately, we still boast some impressive results. According to a 2022 report by the Analysis and Policy Observatory (APO), the renewable energy industry accounted for 32.5% of the country’s total electricity generation in 2021.

Queensland is also leading the way in terms of solar uptake, with the Queensland Government revealing that over 722,000 Queensland homes now have solar.

Various banks and financial institutions have also expressed interest in green energy by offering ‘green loans’ to help Australians switch to renewable energy.

 

Does solar power contribute to climate change?

Solar photovoltaic cells are one of the cleanest ways the world can access electricity. However, producing these materials has been linked to negative human activities, such as toxic waste, unethical mining practices and habitat loss.

And over the years, many experts have recorded a silent battle between climate change and solar power. According to a paper by the European Geosciences Union, while solar power has begun making a difference in reducing greenhouse gases, present climate change issues continue to make it increasingly difficult.

When the climate changes drastically, such as cloudy days, extremely high temperatures and wind, solar PV generation decreases. This impact has already been noted in southern Europe, where severe weather conditions were unfavourable for renewable energy generation.

 

What can be done to help?

Many experts argue that a sustainable energy transition is required to meet our renewable energy goals and work against climate change. It’s crucial to understand how solar PV panels respond to drastic changes in the climate to develop advanced technology that can withstand this.

 

Take a stand against climate change with Green Energy Technologies 

Climate change, solar power benefits and green energy are just some of the areas Green Energy Technologies want to help our clients understand better. We are a leading solar energy company in Queensland that installs solar panels for homes and businesses across the Whitsundays, Townsville and Mackay areas. Call us today at 07 4940 2900 to discuss your options, or head online for a non-obligation quote.

While other things have come and gone within Australia, solar is here to stay. Over the years, we’ve seen interest in solar and renewable energy soar to new heights, whether it’s government bodies pushing for change or homeowners keen on switching to a cleaner, sustainable energy solution. 

Many Australians have taken their love for solar and all things renewable to new heights over the last few years, with solar installations at an all-time high. Many organisations have also begun harnessing solar’s true potential through innovative technologies, from smart bins to vaccine refrigerators and even household paint!

That said, solar still has ways to go regarding uptake, development and more. But what does this actually look like for Australia? In this blog, we’ll look at how far our country has come with solar and what the future of solar power may look like. 

 

How solar has transformed Australia so far

Solar power has touched almost every part of Australia, from new home buyers to large commercial buildings and rural farmland. Figures from energy.gov.au have revealed that Australia has the highest uptake of solar worldwide, with approximately 30% of residents utilising solar power for homes. And as of 31 January 2022, the government body recorded more than three million rooftop solar PV systems installed in Australia. 

Queensland and South Australia are currently leading the way for solar uptake, with both states nearing 40% of homes having rooftop solar. 

This means that more than three million Australians are enjoying the benefits of solar, such as slashed power bills, a lower carbon footprint and a reduced dependency on their energy provider — in short, solar delivers users greater flexibility and control over their budgets. 

Speaking of budgets, as more Australian households and businesses choose to switch to solar, installation costs have also declined. Research shows that the cost of installing solar panels has fallen by an impressive 90% since 2010, making the renewable energy solution more affordable than ever. 

The result of this revolutionary adoption? Happy solar customers. 

Energy giant Origin Energy revealed in 2020 that 92% of Australians feel extremely or very satisfied with the energy savings their panels have delivered. Queenslanders with a 3kW system can save an average of $1,146 based on a 5% export.

With such an effective and valuable solution at the fingertips of Australians, the question is, how can this technology be further developed to provide everlasting benefits to its users? 

 

The future of solar energy in Australia — what’s to come? 

With the cost of solar panels declining and energy savings rising, many experts within the industry have begun to experiment with how they can further develop solar energy systems to provide a more advanced experience and greater results. The good news is that as solar panels’ future expands, it creates a ripple effect across several sectors. 

Green Energy Technologies are huge solar fanatics and keep a close eye on the latest developments within the industry. We also want to share these fascinating insights with our customers to illustrate the real potential of solar. Let’s take a look at the future of solar energy and its potential  positive impacts.

 

Better-developed solar cell technology

Solar panels have an extensive history dating back to the 1950s when researchers at Bell Laboratories unveiled the world’s first solar silicon cell. Since then, the future of solar panels’ efficiency has continued to develop. Let’s start with the basics. As we know, solar panels are made of cells responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity. Naturally, the materials that make up these cells must capture sunlight efficiently.

To choose the right material, developers must measure the gap between two energy sources called the valence band and the conduction band. The valence band is filled with tiny negatively charged particles, known as electrons, while the conduction band is empty. As the electrons receive light particles, called photons, they absorb energy which moves from the conduction band to the valence band, where the extra energy in the electrons is converted into electrical energy. 

Silicon is one of the few materials that provide a significant gap between the valance and conduction band and allows approximately 32% of light energy to be converted into electricity. Silicon is also a highly inexpensive material and is in rich supply worldwide. But that doesn’t mean things can’t be improved. To further decrease solar costs, scientists have begun pushing silicon solar cells’ boundaries so that household solar systems can absorb more renewable energy than ever before. 

For instance, scientists have begun crafting anti-reflective coatings to be placed on the front of solar cells, helping existing solar users experience higher levels of electricity generation and to entice new users to invest in cheaper but quality solar materials. 

Many experts believe this is the key to onboarding more solar customers and that, in essence, the future of solar panels depends on cost reduction and smarter cells.

 

Increased job opportunities

As the future of solar power continues to develop on a scientific front, it also stimulates the economy by creating a wealth of job opportunities. If the country had 50% of its electricity supply from renewable energy by 2030, more than 28,000 jobs would be created nationwide.

Ideally, these jobs would be introduced across the construction, operation, maintenance and installation industries, with half of these jobs concerned with rooftop solar installations. Interestingly, Queensland and New South Wales are predicted to have the largest job growth at around 6,000 and 11,000, respectively. And as we know, QLD and NSW are among the top states with the largest solar power penetration.

Aside from solar power, other renewable energy sources, such as wind and hydropower, will also create more jobs, especially as large-scale renewable energy projects continue to be approved. In 2021 alone, 66 large-scale wind and solar projects were in development or under construction, accounting for 19,000 jobs. 

 

Commercial solar power — what business owners need to know 

Commercial solar power is booming across Queensland. From energy savings within the thousands to effective marketing material, many businesses are reaping the benefits of solar in more ways than one. No matter your brand, industry, product or service, sustainability is a massive indicator of a business’s relevancy — and for companies still playing catchup, that means taking the plunge with solar.

According to Bright Earth Solar, Gen Z is among the most mindful generation regarding their impact on their planet and will implement these ‘green’ lifestyle choices anywhere they can. Approximately 66% of consumers would spend more on a product if it came from a sustainable business. 

Aside from staying relevant, growing organisations must consider alternative measures to reduce long-term operating costs, especially as the cost of running a business continues to climb. We crunched the numbers to give you an insight into how much your business could save with solar.

A business’s average annual power bill totals a jaw-dropping $60,000. By investing in solar, the average business could shave around $23,000 off their bill, or 39%. Having that extra cash in your pocket could be the difference between achieving long-term business goals, like expansion, hiring new staff and more.

 

Play your part in the future of solar energy with Green Energy Technologies

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that the solar industry is showing no signs of slowing down, so why not take part in one of the world’s most significant transitions and switch to solar power? 

Our GET360 Solar Package is the ultimate solution for households looking to reduce their power bills. Meanwhile, we have different commercial solar options available for businesses, no matter their stage in their solar journey. 

Located in the Whitsundays, Townsville or Mackay area? Get started by contacting our solar experts on 07 4940 2900, or get an obligation free quote directly from our website.

From locating credible installers to getting your budget sorted, switching to solar power requires a great deal of research. And while you may already be well aware of the benefits of solar, including lower energy bills and a lower carbon footprint, Queenslanders are often left wondering how durable solar panels are when it comes to Australia’s chaotic weather. 

Between scorching summers and icy winters, Australia endures some of the most intense weather conditions around, leaving many Australians to question whether their solar investment will be affected. So, are solar panels weather resistant, and can they continue to generate renewable energy even during harsh rain, wind and sun? Read on to find out!

 

How does solar power for homes work?

Your solar panels are composed of three main components: the photovoltaic panels, the inverter and a solar battery if you purchase one. During the day, your panels’ cells absorb sunlight, converting it into a direct current (DC). The inverter then converts the DC into an alternating current (AC), which flows into your home and powers your appliances. 

Given how solar panels generate electricity, many Queenslanders believe that summer is when their system thrives and is at peak production. However, this is not always the case. In fact, the best weather for peak solar panel generation may surprise you!

 

The best weather for solar panels

When we talk about the best weather for solar panels, it’s more practical to think about it in terms of temperature, as this is a greater indicator of solar panel efficiency. Solar panels work from sunlight, not heat, so the sunlight hitting the panels directly is the most optimal for solar panels. Direct sun with no clouds is the best scenario. 

Most solar panel systems are tested for their performance at around 25 degrees, though they can work at peak efficiency during temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees. The heat level can determine their effectiveness, not necessarily the UV rating. The better your system performs, the more electricity can be generated. 

It’s important to note that even though solar panels perform better during lower temperatures, Australia experiences long summer days, which means generation levels are higher than during winter.

 

Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?

Yes, but they may produce energy at a lower rate than on a sunny day. Think of it this way, anything that blocks sunlight from your panels, such as clouds, fog or shade, reduces the electricity your system produces. According to Paradise Energy Solutions, on a partly cloudy day, your panels’ electricity production can drop by 10% to 25%, depending on how frequently the clouds pass over your system. 

Reputable solar energy installers will consider many factors when producing a quote for your own solar system, such as the type of roof you have, energy consumption and the weather conditions in your area. 

 

Do solar panels work in the rain?

Yes, but its power production may not be at its highest, especially if heavy clouds are around. One benefit of rain on solar panels is that it is a low-effort, hassle-free way to clean your system. Consistent rainy weather can keep dirt, dust and other waste from covering your solar panels and blocking the sunlight.

For solar customers living in drier areas, you will need to clean your panels to prevent this waste buildup regularly. Qualified professionals best complete this task. As part of our service, Green Energy Technologies offers ongoing maintenance to all customers. 

 

What about wind?

Wind can increase your system’s energy production by keeping your panels cool and reducing humidity levels — a major benefit to solar panel owners. Wind removes the water droplets that humidity causes on solar panels’ surfaces. These droplets reflect sunlight away from your solar panel’s cells, decreasing your electricity production and potentially the lifespan of your solar panels. 

 

Commercial solar panels — are these weather resistant?

If you’re like most business owners, you want to know that you’re getting the most out of your investment. Here at Green Energy Technologies, we believe that no investment will deliver an ROI like solar panels, regardless of weather conditions. 

While your system may be larger than a typical residential solar panel system, it will still withstand changing weather conditions, keeping your commercial solar power production levels stable. 

 

Trust Green Energy Technologies for durable and high-quality solar panels

If you’re looking for durable and reliable solar panels for your home or business, look no further than the quality solar products available at Green Energy Technologies. Our GET360 solar panel package is the ultimate solar solution for homeowners, broken down into four easy steps — GET Going, GET Control, GET Battery and a $0 power bill.

If you are interested in installing solar on your property or business and are located in the Whitsundays, Townsville or Mackay area, contact our solar experts on 07 4940 2900 to discuss your options or get an obligation free quote directly from our website.

Do solar panels reduce electricity bills? It’s the age-old question many have when it comes to solar energy. Solar panels have become an increasingly popular investment choice for Queenslanders, thanks to our consistent sunny weather.

But is there actually a noticeable difference in your electricity bill after a solar system installation, and is it really possible to achieve a $0 power bill? In this blog, we’ll explore how solar panels work and their benefits, discover how much you could save by switching to green energy and much more!

 

What we know — the average energy bill and solar’s uptake across Queensland

If you’ve been keeping on top of the latest finance news or taken a look at your spending recently, you’ll know that the cost of living has skyrocketed over the last few years — and that includes the average power bill. According to Alinta Energy chief executive Jeff Dimery, power bills in Queensland are set to soar by 35% in 2023, placing more financial strain on Queensland budgets.

To keep extra cash in their pocket, many Queenslanders have opted to install home solar systems. The result? Mass uptake. In 2022, the Queensland Government revealed that over 722,000 Queensland homes now have solar. 

Comparison site Canstar also revealed that Queensland is one of the top states that receive the highest household solar credit at $271 per quarter, or $1,084 a year. 

Now that we know the impact of solar, let’s look at how they work. 

 

How do solar panels work?

There are four components of a standard home solar system. They are:

• The panels — These are the grids that sit on your home’s roof and are the most visible part of your home solar system. Your photovoltaic panels absorb the sun’s rays before it is converted into electricity. 
• The inverter — Your inverter converts sunlight into an electric current. There are two types of inverters: string inverters and microinverters. String inverters are usually installed on a wall or shaded area, while microinverters are installed on the back of each panel.
• A battery — While they are not a necessity, many homeowners complete their solar installation with a battery. Your solar battery stores any excess renewable energy your system generates throughout the day, so you can continue using clean energy even after the sun goes down. 

During the day, your solar photovoltaic system absorbs the sun’s rays, converting them into a direct current (DC). Your solar inverter converts the DC into an alternating current (AC) — electricity that can power your home. 

 

Will solar panels reduce my electric bill?

Yes! As you’ll be using the sun’s rays to generate your own power, you won’t rely on your energy provider as much and will experience a lower bill. The amount you’re set to save on your electricity bills with your solar system depends on several factors, like your energy consumption, how much sunlight your home receives and whether you are selling excess power back to the grid or storing it in a battery.

Fortunately, houses and buildings in Queensland will save the most out of any other state in Australia, thanks to its location. According to Hush Energy, Queensland has the world’s greatest solar radiation concentration. This means Queenslanders are in the best spot to benefit from the savings offered by solar power. 

 

What are the other benefits of installing solar power for homes?

While there’s nothing better than watching your power bill fall, there are plenty of other benefits that come with installing solar, such as: 

• Avoiding blackouts — As solar is a clean, renewable energy source, if you install a battery, your home can avoid blackouts during summer or when energy consumption is at its highest. 
• Potential profits — If you don’t install a battery, you still have the chance to maximise your excess power by selling it back to the grid. This is called the feed-in tariff.
• Reducing your carbon footprint — As solar is a clean energy source, you’ll be making a positive contribution to reducing your carbon footprint. Research from Go Solar Quotes shows that solar panels offset around 50g of carbon dioxide for every kilowatt-hour of power they produce. Solar also requires little to no water, unlike fossil fuels, which use 383 billion litres of water annually. 
• Increase your property’s value — Switching to solar can also increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell. Buyers often look for smart technologies while searching for the perfect home and are willing to pay top dollar for it. 

 

The difference between residential and commercial solar panels

Solar panels are a fantastic addition to any residential property, but they also make for excellent commercial investments. If you’re a business owner looking to make the switch to solar power, you’ll be happy to know that your business has the potential to save thousands of dollars annually! We think no better investment can deliver an ROI than commercial solar panels. 

Commercial solar has one key difference from residential solar — its size. Commercial solar panels perform just like residential solar systems, they are simply naturally larger in scale.

 

Looking after your residential or commercial solar power system 

If well maintained, solar panels can last up to 25 years and, by our calculation, features a payback period of only five. That means once your installation is complete, it will have paid itself off in just five years. They’re also highly low maintenance and are mostly self-cleaning in the rain.

As part of our service, Green Energy Technologies provide ongoing maintenance and servicing for our solar panels, so you won’t need to lift a finger. Using GET360 monitoring, you will be alerted when your system isn’t performing as expected. If this happens, all you need to do is get in touch, and we’ll organise a service as soon as possible.

 

How else can I lower my electricity bill?

One of the most common questions we get asked by clients is how they can continue to reduce their power bills post-solar. Lowering your annual bill comes down to being smarter with your consumption — here are some of the ways you can do this:

• Switching appliances off at the wall — While you may not be using your appliances, they still continue to guzzle energy! Make an effort to switch appliances off at the wall when you’re done using them. 
• Wash clothes in cold water — Washing your clothes in cold water is just as effective as washing them in hot water. The only difference is that cold water uses less electricity, lowering your bill in the process.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting — Lighting accounts for around 10% of your annual electricity bill, so it’s never a bad idea to switch bulbs over to energy-efficient ones. 
• Put the aircon on its most efficient setting — Australia is known for its sweltering summers and chilly winters, which means households heavily rely on their heating and cooling systems. However, these systems account for around 40% of your annual bill. Keep your cooling between 23 and 24 degrees during summer and 18 to 20 degrees in winter. These temperatures ensure your system runs efficiently while keeping costs low.

 

Green Energy Technologies — your number one choice for solar power for homes and businesses 

With Green Energy Technologies, you can rest assured that your solar investment is in safe hands, as all our staff CEC qualified installers with extensive experience in the field. We service homes and businesses across the Whitsundays, Townsville and Mackay areas. Call us today at 07 4940 2900 to discuss your options, or head online to get a quote.