Going green has never been more important than it is today. With the global climate crisis in full swing, many people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make their homes more sustainable. One of the best ways to do this is by installing solar panels on your home. Solar energy is an abundant, renewable resource that can provide enough electricity to power your entire home while also reducing your environmental impact. But what does it mean to have a solar-powered home? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of having a sustainable home powered by solar energy on the Gold Coast and get a better understanding of what it means to go green with solar panels.
The Value and impact of Solar Energy
Solar energy has the potential to play a major role in helping Australia meet its energy needs. According to Suresh and Wu, solar energy could provide up to 35% of Australia’s electricity demand and 40% if all technically feasible areas were utilized. Additionally, solar energy resource in the northern and western parts of Australia is particularly high, with an average of 6-9 kWh/m2/day (Hendriks and Bett). This means that these areas have more than enough sunlight available to make investments in solar systems cost effective, as their payback period can be as low as 7-12 years according to Spits and Hensen’s study. Furthermore, the cost of residential photovoltaic systems in Australia has decreased by about 50% over the past decade making them even more attractive investments for those looking to go green. The use of solar energy has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate of about 27% between 2010 and 2017 according to Brear, Roberts and Field’s review. Solar energy storage systems have also grown in popularity over the past few years with usage increasing by about 20% per year between 2012 and 2016 according to Markides and Infield’s review. These findings show us just how much untapped potential there is for solar energy use in Australia – from residential photovoltaic systems to large-scale projects – making it one of the most promising renewable sources for powering our homes and businesses into the future.
In conclusion, the demand for solar energy is growing rapidly and now is the best time to invest in a photovoltaic system. Solar energy offers numerous benefits including cost savings, environmental sustainability and increased independence from traditional electricity networks. As technological advances make battery storage more accessible, this will open up even more opportunities for solar energy usage which could help Australia reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Investing in a sustainable home powered by solar energy today can not only save you money but also reduce your carbon footprint – making it one of the most attractive investments for those looking to go green on the Gold Coast.
Resources
- “A review of solar energy potential and implementation in Australia” by R.D. Suresh and J.J. Wu in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
- “An analysis of the solar energy resource in Australia” by M.A. Hendriks and A.W. Bett in Renewable Energy
- “The economic viability of solar energy in Australia: A case study of residential photovoltaic systems” by C.M. Spits and J.L.M. Hensen in Energy Policy
- “Solar energy integration in the Australian National Electricity Market: A review” by M.J. Brear, A.B. Roberts, and R.I. Field in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
- “A review of solar energy storage systems in Australia” by S.A. Markides and D.G. Infield in Renewable Energy ]
