Solar panels are an integral aspect of renewable power that is used to power homes and businesses all over the world. It is a clean and sustainable approach to energy production that harnesses the solar energy of the sun and converts it into electricity. This helps decrease dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
A solar panel contains numerous photovoltaic solar cells, which essentially convert light into electricity; this setup is referred to as a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. When sunlight strikes these solar cells, it energises the electrons within them, setting them in motion and generating electrical energy. This energy then flows from the panels to a solar inverter. Solar inverters transform the electricity from your panels into a form that your household appliances can utilise. The inverter is linked to your switchboard, allowing you to use the electricity as needed and, depending on your system’s capabilities, to send excess power back to the grid.
With both solar for homes and solar for businesses, millions of Australian residences are already reaping the benefits of solar solutions. If you’re considering a solar panel installation in your own residence, you can scroll on to learn more about the many benefits, or browse solar system solutions here.
Solar Power’s Rise in Victoria
Victoria’s solar installations are on the rise, with no signs of slowing down. This is because of the increasingly important advantages that solar power offers; with the climate crisis worsening, and energy prices soaring, solar power offers a solution that’s easy on the environment as well as our wallets. Little wonder then that solar energy is soon expected to be one of the county’s major renewable energy sources. In fact, according to a recent report by the Australian National University, Australia will be at 50% renewable energy in 2024, and at 100% by the end of 2032.
A Green Energy Markets report forecasts that this will more than triple by the year 2054 as Australia exponentially embraces renewable energy sources, with close to 20 gigawatts of small-scale solar having already been implemented across the country’s largest electricity systems. As solar power technology becomes increasingly accessible to Australians everywhere, we can expect to see a strong upward trend for solar technology being implemented in both commercial and domestic residences across the nation.
The Reasons Behind Australia’s Solar Boom
While the reasons behind Australia’s solar energy adoption are manifold, we can perhaps still narrow down some specific contributing factors:
Solar Power is a Vital Renewable Energy
The first and perhaps most obvious reason behind Australia’s fast embrace of solar energy is the climate crisis. It’s been found that the energy derived from fossil fuels — such as coal, oil and gas — contribute to around 75% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, and approximately 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. With rapidly worsening climate catastrophes, there is a widespread need to transition to clean and renewable energy, such as solar power.
Australia Has Abundant Solar Resources
As the name implies, solar power takes its energy directly from the Earth’s sun. The good news is: there’s plenty of sun to go around. Especially in Australia. Because of our location and climate conditions, our sunbaked nation experiences excessive sunlight all the year around. These high levels of sunshine allow our solar panels to efficiently generate electricity in large quantities, meeting commercial and residential energy needs across the country.
There’s Solar Support From the Government
To help Australian citizens pivot to solar power, the Australian Government is offering a wide scope of incentives, rebates and tax credits. There are even “feed-in tariffs”, which effectively pay you money if you save more generated electricity than you use. The government is active in offering these solar incentives.
You can find out here if your residency is eligible for a solar rebate.
Solar Energy Trends in Australia 2024
Recent advancements in solar panel technologies have revolutionised both the efficiency and aesthetics of solar installations. In terms of efficiency, innovations such as bi-facial solar panels (that capture sunlight from both sides), nanotechnology, microinverters, and improved storage capabilities stand to significantly enhance the overall power output of solar systems. Aesthetically, solar panels are evolving to become sleeker, lighter, and more adaptable to different architectural styles, improving their visual appeal. Notably, the introduction of transparent solar panels that can be integrated into windows is a groundbreaking development, merging functionality with design seamlessly.
Expansion of Large-Scale Solar
Within Australia, solar energy is essential not just for households but also for many businesses that rely on it to meet their energy needs. By adopting solar power, these businesses can lower their operational expenses and become more cost-effective. Moreover, large-scale solar projects are crucial as they generate substantial amounts of electricity, which significantly enhances Australia’s renewable energy capacity.
Increasing Solar Production & Solar Storage Solutions
Solar production contributes to greater energy independence and sustainability, and the demand for solar storage solutions, such as batteries, is increasing rapidly. Australians are quickly realising the importance of storing surplus solar energy for use during times of limited sunlight or as an emergency backup power source during grid outages.
Continued Growth of Energy Ecosystems
The solar revolution doesn’t have to end with solar panels; you’ll soon be able to take advantage of a holistic solar energy ecosystem, where your solar power serves as the cornerstone of a comprehensive, interconnected energy network. By employing energy storage solutions such as batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and control over appliances such as air conditioning and hot water systems, you can steer your energy towards long-term cost savings as you reduce your reliance on the grid.
Rooftop Solar’s Ongoing Expansion
Rooftop solar PV systems are expected to remain dominant in the Australian solar market for the foreseeable future. This ongoing trend is driven by the increasing affordability of solar panel installations, supported by government rebates and the cost-saving benefits on electricity bills.
What Solar Rebates Are Available in Victoria?
Residents of Victoria can now take advantage of several solar energy rebates exclusive to their region, separate from nationwide initiatives like the feed-in tariff. You may wish to consider some of the following option:
Solar Panel (PV) Rebate
Eligible households can receive a rebate of up to $1,400 on solar energy systems. You can find out about solar panel rebate eligibility here.
Solar Rebate for Rental Properties
The Victorian government will offer a rebate of up to $1,400 for rental properties, contingent on an agreement with tenants.
Solar Hot Water Rebate
Consumers can secure a rebate of up to $1,000 for solar hot water systems that are STC rebate approved and qualify for the Victorian Solar Hot Water rebate. You can find out more here.
Maximise You Solar Power With Total Solar Solutions
With a strong focus on quality and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Total Solar Solutions Australia is proud to be recognised as one of the most reputable names in the Victorian solar industry as Solar panels, commercial Solar Panels etc. We specialise in installing premium solar systems and in both domestic and commercial residencies across Australia. Our mission is to bestow Victorian families with the finest solar products available. To learn more about our solar products and solar rebates, you can visit the Total Solar homepage, or get in touch with us directly by emailing us on [email protected], or calling us on (03) 9729 0894.