Renewable Energy | Solar Emporium

Why Do We Need Renewable Energy?

Electricity generation is the leading source of industrial air pollution. Most of our electricity is generated by coal, nuclear, and other non-renewable power plants. Producing energy from these resources has a significant environmental impact, polluting our air, land, and water. This simply answers why we should switch to renewable energy from fossil fuels.

But why do we need renewable energy? Can renewable energy solve the environmental struggle we are facing? This article will give a detailed explanation of this particular topic. So, let’s begin the article by taking Australia as an example.

According to UK-based thinktank Ember, Australia is the second most co-dependent country for power generation. Australia’s greenhouse gas pollution from coal was higher than any other developed country in 2021. However, the boost of solar and wind energy usage reduced pollution significantly.

What is Renewable Energy?

Before knowing the importance of renewable energy, we need to know what renewable energy is. Simply put, renewable energy is clean energy derived from natural resources. Most renewable energy is sustainable. And Australia’s renewable energy sector accounts for about 32.5 percent of overall energy generation.

Check out our previous blog Main Source Of Renewable Energy In Australia, for a detailed overview of Renewable Energy.

Common Forms of Renewable Energy

Common forms or sources of renewable energy are mentioned below-

Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Biomass
Geothermal Energy
Hydro Energy
Ocean Energy

All these renewable energies are active in Australia and fully contribute to Energy generation. In addition, these renewable energies don’t create any harmful impact on the environment. Polluting emissions or greenhouse gases can be eradicated by using renewable energy. Contact us to get renewable energy solutions for residential and commercial purposes.

Brief History of Energy Usage

The first energy source was the sun, providing both heat and light. A lightning strike later started a fire. Fire was then used for a variety of purposes as an additional source of heat and light. They used fire in cooking too.

Humans discovered they could use sails to harness wind energy for transportation over 8,000 years ago. Later, it used wind energy to power the first wind farm, which consisted of windmills turning water wheels to grind grain.

Prior to 1850, wood-fueled fires were the primary source of heating, cooking, and producing steam for railroad engines. Water, wind, coal, and manufactured natural gas were also used at the time.

Surprisingly, the Chinese used natural gas as early as 500 BC. Bamboo was used for piping. The gas was discovered leaking from the ground for use in boiling seawater to remove the salt. That’s right, the world’s first natural gas pipeline!

Engineers in ancient Rome created a heating system known as a hypocaust around the same time. When they built houses, they added open space beneath the floor, so fire could pass hot air through and heat the room above. Romans used this process to warm rooms and heat baths. And it became a common addition to new construction in the region.

In 1816, streetlights in Baltimore, Maryland were powered by manufactured natural gas made from coal. Coal was the primary fuel source from 1850 to 1945 due to the Industrial Revolution. Heat was provided by wood, and lighting was provided by natural gas. With the rise of coal, the use of water and wind energy decreased.

As electricity became more common in the late 1900s, oil and natural gas became the primary fuel sources at that time. Coal-fired power plants also became regular then. Nuclear, solar, water, and wind have played a more prominent role in energy production since 1945. Furthermore, alternative energy sources such as geothermal and biomass are becoming more popular, with technological advancements improving viability.

Why do We Need Renewable Energy?

We have already mentioned that renewable energy is clean and healthier for the environment. But there’s more than meets the eye. Renewable energy has numerous other benefits. Clean energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants that fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas produce. Renewable power can only salvage the environmental impacts crude oil from fossil fuels has caused.

It also diversifies the energy sector and its supply and reduces dependence on imported fuels. And automatically, it is creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and more. Hence, it is the perfect time to invest in renewable energy. Let’s discuss the benefits in detail in the next section of this article.

Benefits of Renewable Energy

Clean and efficient energy usage – Renewable energy doesn’t negatively impact our environment. Therefore, it’s a better and cleaner way of electricity generation. As the energy is clean, it ought to be more efficient than fossil fuel usage.
Less global warming – Every human activity is overloading our earth with co2 emissions, and greenhouse has. Ultimately, it’s causing our atmosphere to warm up. Renewable energy sources are the only elements helping to create less global warming.
Improved public health – Unlike fossil fuel, clean energy doesn’t contribute to air and water pollution. More clean energy usage will automatically improve public health significantly.
Limitless energy – Fossil fuels might have been convenient for us till now. But we are forgetting that this conventional energy is finite. It is assumed that in the next 51 years we will no longer have the oil to support our power grids, transport, or keep ourselves warm. Renewable energy is our only way out, as its energy is infinite and limitless.
Jobs and other economic benefits – The energy transition is underway in full swing. Whether people want it or not, the sector is booming. It is diversifying the market and creating sustainable and improved jobs for people. People working in the renewable sectors are getting many incentives and economic benefits.
Stable energy prices – As renewable energy is inexhaustible, it will not go anywhere. It will always be available for our use, maintaining a stable and affordable cost.
Energy independence – Renewable energy is freeing us from energy enslavement. Since we will have limitless power, we will no longer have to worry about it. Thus, creating energy security and independence.
Easier electricity supply – Many energy-related businesses have already shifted to the renewable sector. The abundance of power provides a constant and more accessible electricity supply. Indeed, it is a profitable sector.

Is Energy Transition Really Worth It?

Even though renewable power is abundant with many visible benefits, people still need to be convinced to use it.

Opponents of renewable energy enjoy emphasizing the variability of the sun and wind in order to increase support for coal, gas, and nuclear plants. On the contrary, it can more easily operate on demand or provide continuous power. The argument is used to undermine large investments in renewable energy. They are posing a rhetorical barrier to increased wind and solar adoption rates.

However, the reality is much more favorable to clean energy. Solar and wind are highly predictable. And when distributed over a large enough geographic area with complementary generation sources, they are highly reliable. Modern grid technologies such as advanced batteries, real-time pricing, and smart appliances can also assist solar and wind. These can be essential components of a high-performing grid.

So, if we put things into perspective, YES! Renewable energy and energy transition is worth it. It is worth our atmosphere and our people.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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Main Source Of Renewable Energy In Australia

Over the last five years, Australia has seen significant growth in the renewable energy sector. Australia’s electricity system has become more affordable, dependable, and environmentally friendly. In 2021, renewable energy accounted for 32.5% of total electricity generation in Australia. Marking the first time, more than a quarter of the country’s power came from renewable sources. The number only grew in 2022.

But one might wonder about the main source of renewable energy in Australia. On the journey towards clean energy, the Australian government played a vital role. Their target to reduce 43% of emissions by 2030 and entirely eradicate it by 2050. This energy target has been the flag bearer of renewable energy usage.

As electricity prices increased by 18.3% last year, the federal government is focusing entirely on renewable energy usage and storage. Technologically advanced and complex designs for renewable storage solutions have already hit the market. Government will also deploy 400 more storage installations this year. These storage facilities are capable of holding the peak hour pressures and electricity demands.

Humans have been dependent on fossil fuels for over 150 years. It may have been convenient for production back then for countries such as the USA, the UK, India, and Australia. However, does it really have a place in the 21st century? Renewable electricity generation has gotten more popular through renewable energy sources. Depending on Australia’s abundance of renewable energy, it is the perfect time to utilize it. Country’s weather seems to align with the new energy shift too.

What Are the Main Sources of Renewable Energy in Australia?

Renewable energy is clean energy derived from renewable resources from our nature. It includes sources like sunlight, wind, water movement, and geothermal heat. The majority of renewable energy sources are sustainable. In 2021, the Australian renewable energy industry accounted for 32.5 percent of total electricity generated in Australia. Compared to 2020, the number increased by 5% in 2021. Therefore, the year 2022 was pivotal for renewable energy targets.

Geothermal Energy

Australia has significant geothermal energy resources that have yet to be defined and quantified. Hot-rock geothermal resources are associated with buried high heat-producing granites. It also works with hot polluted groundwater.

Hydro Energy

The majority of Australia’s hydro energy resources are located in areas with the highest rainfall and elevation, primarily in New South Wales and Tasmania. Hydro energy resources were first developed in Australia and are now the most important source of renewable electricity. Over much of Australia, a dry climate with high evaporation rates and highly variable rainfall limits significant hydropower expansion.

Wind Energy

Australia has some of the world’s best wind energy resources. These are primarily concentrated along the western, south-western, southern, and south-eastern coasts. But these areas extend to hundreds of kilometers in land and include highland areas in south-eastern Australia. Wind energy technology is relatively mature, and wind power is rapidly expanding. Thanks to government policies such as the Renewable Energy Target. Wind energy is expected to overtake solar energy as Australia’s primary renewable energy source soon.

Solar Energy

Australia has some of the best solar resources in the world due to high solar radiation levels over large areas. The best solar resources are mostly concentrated in Australia’s northwest and center. Often these areas use off–grid electrical systems because these areas far from major population centers and key energy markets. To date, relatively high capital costs have limited the widespread use of solar energy resources. Still, significant investment in research and development is aimed at increasing solar power efficiency and cost-effectiveness, including the development of solar thermal power stations.

Ocean Energy

Australia’s western and southern coastlines have world-class wave energy resources, particularly in Tasmania. On the other hand, the best tidal resources are located along the northern margin, Particularly along Western Australia’s northwest coast. These places are far from major demand centers. Most ocean energy technologies are still in their early stages and must be tested in pilot and demonstration plants.

Bioenergy

Another significant potential energy resource in Australia is bioenergy. Biomass (organic matter). It can be used to generate electricity, heat, and liquid fuels (biofuels) for transportation. Currently, Australia’s use of bioenergy for electricity generation is limited to bagasse (sugar cane residue), wood waste, and gas from landfills and sewage treatment plants. A small but growing amount of biofuels are produced.

Opportunities in Renewable Energy

In 2021, renewable energy sources will account for 29% of total electricity generation in Australia, including solar (12%), wind (10%), and hydro (6%). The renewables share of total electricity generation in 2021 was the highest on record, surpassing the previous peak of 26% in the mid-1960s.

Over the last decade, wind and solar have been the primary drivers of more than doubling renewable generation expansion. Small-scale solar generation increased by 29% in 2021 and 28% on average over the previous ten years. Wind generation increased by 19% in 2021 and 15% per year on average over the previous decade. According to rainfall and market conditions, hydropower output has fluctuated fairly consistently, losing dominance as generation sources diversified.

Large-scale solar generation has recently begun to expand rapidly. Large-scale solar generation increased from negligible to 4% in 2016. By 2021, total Australian electricity generation representing a 1,747% five-year growth rate.

Many wind farms and solar farms are taking over Australian markets. We can take South Australia as an ideal example in the renewable energy industry. They have been building many power stations and profiting from those.

Benefits of Renewable Energy

Clean and efficient energy usage.
Less global warming.
Improved public health.
Limitless energy.
Jobs and other economic benefits.
Stable energy prices.
Reliability and resilience.
Energy independence.
Easier electricity supply.

Contact us to get energy solutions for your homes and offices. Check out our solar packages and get a free quote TODAY!

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Federal Government Announcement – 50% Increase in Power Prices

We thought we would give you an update on the 2022 Federal Budget released last night. It’s not often the government releases estimations on energy prices but due to the current energy crisis we are facing the expectations are that residential customers will face a significant increase in energy prices in the next 12 months of 50%.

20% is scheduled to hit before the end of 2022 with a further 30% scheduled for 2023.

Coupled with inflation the government has announced no subsidies will be handed out to residents to help cover this cost as it will further fuel inflation. The best way that you can cover yourself is by reducing your dependency to the energy grid with Solar and or Solar & Battery.

The winners will be the ones who get solar before the STC Federal Solar rebate drops off on 1^st of January 23 almost 2 months away (and the system must be installed before that date in order to obtain the rebate).

The Australian Financial Review reports that “Treasurer Jim Chalmers flagged an aggressive regulatory crackdown in the energy market after the budget revealed households would be whacked with a 56 per cent increase in power bills over the next two years, leaving Labor’s promise to cut electricity bills by $275 all but dead.”

Electricity and gas will rise sharply as the cost is passed on to households, the budget said, with power bills set to rise 20 per cent in the second half of 2022 and a further 30 per cent in 2023-24.

The wholesale energy market reported by AEMO (the energy regulator) currently looks as follows with no expectations that this will decline as everyday Australian foot the bill for a slow uptake in national renewable energy sources and an increase cost in fossil fuel generation.

Regardless of whether you were putting off Solar before now, hesitated, or can’t find the funds to get started, it’s time to re-think.

We have competitive fixed interest rate Greenloans for customers wishing to take up renewable options with no penalty to pay off early and in most circumstances these repayments will be lower than the amount you will save with a system before we even take in to consideration the rising costs of energy.

Resources below:

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/australians-will-feel-the-pinch-later-this-year-with-the-treasurer-revealing-one-key-date/news-story/86f3e0ddb9c7753ca8726ccdb622a4cc

https://www.9news.com.au/national/federal-budget-2022-power-bills-to-rise-50-per-cent-as-electricity-gas-prices-soar/a8c42449-3a24-4e7b-990b-85a056539fc8

https://7news.com.au/politics/aussies-hit-with-another-cost-of-living-blow-as-power-prices-tipped-to-rise-by-50-per-cent-c-8657366

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How Much Power Do I Need to Live Off Grid

Our energy demands increase with the advancements in science and technology. This growing demand led us to rely more and more on the grid electricity but depending on burning fossil fuels is a surefire way to trigger global warming. That’s why going off the grid is becoming popular, both in an attempt to save nature as well as ditching the ever-growing energy prices.

With off grid living comes the concern of meeting the power demands. Many of us do speculate if an off the grid solar system will be able to meet the needs of my family or how much power do I need to live off grid. It’s absolutely possible to live off the grid and power an entire village let alone one family; that’s one thing I can assure you of; however, how much power would you need to live off the grid is a decision that has to be tailored to your needs at a price you can afford.

Here is how you can summarize and understand how much power you might need to live off the grid.

Know The Energy Pattern of Your Household

Firstly, observe your everyday life and document what are the things you tend to use most. It’s best to take into consideration different seasons, as in winter, you may not need to use the air-con as much as you would in the summer.

In a typical household which, for example, let’s say is a family of four, the daily power consumption pattern may look like this- for heating and cooling purposes, the family uses 35% of the energy available for lighting up the house, about 7%, for hot water about 22%, for computers, styling tools, pool, dishwasher, other appliances about 20% and for other miscellaneous usages the rest of the energy is used.

For this particular family, it can be assumed that they use about 38kWh to 40kWh of energy a day without any alternative source of power. Please know that this is not a definite number but an illustration.

So, if your family’s energy consumption pattern looks anything similar, you can expect to go for a system of that size when you decide to go completely off the grid. In reality, people tend to shy away from using a lot of energy in fear of scarcity while living off the grid, but if your system is sized correctly, you don’t need to miss out on anything ever again.

Analyze Your Current Power Consumption

Above was speculation about the energy needs of a typical Australian household. But you can get legit numbers if you take a look at your quarterly energy bills. Usually, there is a usage pattern and count given in the bill paper along with the average daily kWh use.

That is also not a definite number but an idea of your pattern. Depending on these factors, you can get your off the grid solar house designed to perfection.

Remember that it’s always a good idea to go up a size while designing the solar system rather than expecting to limit your energy consumption if need be. Along with situations like suddenly needing a bit more electricity than usual, you can also expect your solar panel system to sometimes yield lesser than expected. This could happen because of the weather, lesser peak solar irradiation, shading issues, dirty solar panels, and a number of other reasons.

By upsizing the solar system, you can make sure to have an ample amount of energy to be at your disposal and go without generating solar energy for at least a couple of days.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

How many solar panels you would need to live off the grid depends on a number of variables which are-

Your daily average electricity usage
Amount of roof space you have
If your choice of installation area (can be roof or ground mounted system) has shading issues
Daily solar irradiation in peak and off-peak hours
The type of solar panels you choose

However, your energy needs and the output of each solar panel are the two core elements that determine the number of solar panels you will need to go off-grid.

Standard testing settings are used to assess panel performance. These circumstances include 1,000 W/m2 of solar radiation, AM 1.5 of the solar spectrum, and a 25 °C module temperature.

Typically, a panel’s performance increases with size. A 100-watt solar panel, for instance, is normally 47 x 21,3 x 1,4 inches in size. The size of a 200-Watt solar panel is 64 x 26 x 1.4 inches (rough projections). More photovoltaic cells can be put inside of a larger framework, increasing their performance here forth.

Also, if you choose to go for monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels is a deciding factor in this matter. Polycrystalline panels being inferior to monocrystalline ones, will require you to install more in numbers. One pro in favor of polycrystalline panels is that they are cheaper.

In short, if the solar panels are made from fragments of silicon or ingots of silicon is the core difference between the two types of solar panels; monocrystalline ones being from solid chunks of silicon and polycrystalline ones from fragments of silicon.

To be more precise about the whole ordeal, it is highly recommended you consult with a solar expert approved by the CEC. Learn more about off grid solar systems here.

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Benefits to The Environment of Going Off Grid

In Australia, 33.6% of total emissions come from burning fossil fuel. Why is burning fossil fuel essential, you may ask? It’s needed to generate electricity. So, that proves a massive amount of environmental harm comes from our high dependency on grid energy which can be catered for with other renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc.

On the flip side, going off the grid means eliminating that dependency on grid energy, ultimately lesser fossil fuel combustion each year. Off grid living facilitates the lifestyle of ultimate energy independence, leading to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Not only this, but there are also many other benefits of living off the grid.

Here are some of the benefits to the environment of going off grid discussed in brief –

Fight Against Global Warming

Global warming is more prevalent now than ever. As we gravitate towards grid electricity because it’s easy, we are indirectly facilitating the giant electricity retailers to burn more fossil fuels. This repetitive practice has increased the greenhouse gases in the environment. As a result, the heat of the sun gets trapped in the atmosphere, and the temperature rises significantly. This phenomenon is called global warming.

It is granted that not just the electricity retailers are solely responsible for this, all the other major corporations, especially manufacturing facilities, are also contributing to the problem. However, almost one-third of the GHG emission comes from fossil fuel burning, and none other than the energy retailers are to be blamed.

If you choose to live off the grid, you can fight against this by opting for renewable sources of energy. Sources such as solar panel systems, micro hydro energy, and wind energy are some of the ways many people generate power off the grid. Find out more about how you can generate power off grid here.

These are clean power sources for your household, limiting your carbon footprint remarkably.

Not only will you not be emitting harmful gases, but also you can become completely energy independent. This means no power cuts during storms and no power cuts during maintenance at an odd hour.

Become Energy Efficient

As mentioned above, living off the grid will make you completely energy independent, but this also gives you the opportunity to remodel your surrounding in the most energy-efficient way possible.

For instance, you may reduce the likelihood of heat loss and add additional insulation by changing the foundation, form, and architecture of your house. Your dependence on energy and other heat sources will decrease, as a result, allowing you to satisfy your demands with a much smaller solar or wind power system.

Installing solar is the easiest of all renewable energy systems.
Solar panels are cheaper in comparison to grid connections.
It’s a reliable source of power that requires little to no maintenance.
Transporting solar and solar equipment is easier.
Within a few years, a well-designed system may pay for itself and offer a good ROI.
If problems arise, they are quite simple to resolve and, for the most part, do not require professional guidance.

Learn about off grid solar systems here.

No More Fossil Fuel Burning

Burning fossil fuel such as coal is one of the core reasons why we are suffering from the drastic effects of climate change. The sea level has risen about 8 to 9 inches since the 1980s. These changes will become faster if we don’t take proper measures as soon as possible. Going off grid is one of those measures that we can take.

It’s ultimately the energy we consume to carry out everyday chores that do the most damage. When you choose to live off the grid, you are carrying out these everyday chores, not at the expense of the environment. Rather power sources like solar can give you essentially free energy for the rest of your life (at least the next 25 years) on top of being completely clean.

Recycling & Upcycling- A Sustainable Habit

You may develop the practice of recycling and upcycling if you live off the grid. It is conceivable in any sort of living situation, but they become simpler if you have access to a large property. For instance, many people who live off the grid make use of the property by setting up recycling areas where they can turn food scraps into compost. Additionally, there are many opportunities for upcycling as it is not as simple to dispose of what we generally regard to be rubbish in this situation. Using a pickle jar as a cookie jar or flowerpot, for instance, is upcycling.

Growing your own vegetables and herbs is another fantastic option for lowering your carbon footprint. As you grow your own food, you become less dependent on large-scale producers, who actively contribute to GHG emissions by utilizing expensive machinery and equipment.

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How To Generate Power Off Grid

If you are looking forward to starting to live off the grid, sorting through different options for power generation is extremely important. There are many stand-alone systems that can generate energy for your household which are completely green, sustainable and carbon emission free. Although all these options may seem attractive, you are going to have to make the call to choose the one that is suitable for your house, keeping all the other aspects in mind.

The article is intended to help you through the process. On that note, here’s how to generate power off grid explained.

Different Renewable Energy Sources for Your Home

As we are mainly looking into powering a residential property or a small farm or business, this suggestion will strictly be catered to that. Solar emporium does not favour the non-renewable options of power generation for any off the grid property because of the extreme effects on the environment happening right now.

To power your off the grid home, you can choose the following power generation options (renewable)-

Solar panel system
Wind electricity
Micro hydro electricity

Solar Panel System

There are many ways to be energy independent and have no carbon footprint, like using wind and water electricity, but the process is time consuming and needs ongoing maintenance. A residential off-grid house that uses a power source other than solar is therefore uncommon. Without much effort on your part, solar energy can give your house the constant electricity it needs to run and store some more.

Wondering how solar panels work? Solar panels function by reacting when sunlight strikes them. The amount of energy generated depends on the angle and intensity of the sunlight, but solar panels will continue to produce energy for as long as they receive sunlight. After that, a solar inverter transforms it into useable electricity, which you may use to power your house.

In an off grid home, you are required to have solar batteries tied to the system. This way, you can reserve the surplus of energy generated by your panels to use later. Also, a charge controller is essential, which can determine the flow of electricity either to the house or the battery, also control when to switch to the backup generator if required.

Kilowatts, or kW, are the unit of measurement for a solar system’s power rating. It is a measurement of the size of your solar system, not the amount of energy it will generate. The size of your system (x kW) is multiplied by the Peak Sun Hours unique to your area, which vary between summer and winter, to get the kWh (kilowatt hour). The generated energy, measured in kWh, will initially be used to power the house’s daytime loads before being used to charge the battery bank.

Solar panels are the ideal choice for your off grid home among the other power generation alternatives.

Here is why-

Advantages of Solar Power

Easy installation process.
Requires little to no maintenance and labour.
Solar panel prices are dropping at an astonishing rate with recent technological advancements.
Government rebate under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
A well-designed system can provide excellent ROI and pay for itself within a few years.
No additional establishment is required to maintain the system.
Sustainable and independent energy source.
Fixing any issues, if faced, is extremely easy and can be done without any expert supervision in most cases.
Does not require any additional connection fees or permissions.

Areas to Improve

If solar panels could work at a 100% efficiency rate, the entire world could be powered by only 1 hour of peak sunlight hours. Which is a rather imaginative scenario but the system’s efficiency can always approach growth.
With scientific revelations and effective supply chain management, the prices of a solar panel system have the potential to drop even more.

Wind Electricity

This is another option to generate power off the grid. It might not be the most feasible option if you do not have a lot of space in your off grid property. However, a 5 to 15 kW system is sufficient to provide for an average household’s monthly electricity needs. The efficiency rate of a wind electric system depends on the wind speed of the area, which can vary in different seasons.

A typical wind electric system which is enough to generate power for a single residential house can be at least 23-25 feet in diameter and 100 feet tall.

The rotor blades of a wind turbine, which function similarly to a helicopter rotor blade, convert wind energy into electricity using aerodynamic force. The air pressure on one side of the blade falls as the wind passes by. Both lift and tug are produced by the different air pressure on the blade’s either side. The rotor spins because the force of the lift is greater than the force of the tug.

If the generator is a direct drive turbine, the rotor is connected to it directly; otherwise, a gearbox that speeds up the rotation and permits a physically smaller generator is used. Electricity is produced as a result of the conversion of aerodynamic force into generator rotation.

Micro Hydro Electricity

As the name suggests, the micro hydro electricity generation system requires water, a steady flow or stream of water. Using the kinetic force of a water stream micro hydro system can produce electricity to power any off the grid residential property. These off grid systems are usually the cheapest solution for any off grid home but with that comes some difficulties as well. It’s a high-maintenance system that requires quite a lot of attention.

Besides that, this is the most cost-efficient green energy source that can run 24/7 if designed properly. There are many commercial power plants that run on hydro electricity using a massive water stream, either man-made or natural, but a micro one is a miniature version of such systems.

The impact of the high-pressure water on these cups rotates an alternator, which produces energy. Batteries are typically charged by the alternator.

Maximum electrical output for hydroelectricity is determined by the formula: flow rate (litres per second) x head (meters) x 10. (watts). Therefore, a stream descending at 20 litres per second down a 10-meter head would have a 2000-watt maximum output.

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Off Grid Solar Power Simplified – Off Grid 101

An off the grid solar system is simply a set-up that is not connected to any utility grid; thus, it’s an autonomous solar system that can generate enough power for an entire household, small office, or farm etc. However, putting together some panels and inverters without any prior assessment is a sure-fire way to waste money in exchange for a lousy PV module.

That brings us to today’s topic, how does the off grid system work in its true essence and how you can get the most out of it? Here’s off grid solar power simplified for your convenience, take a look.

What Is an Off Grid System Comprised Of

There are 5 main components that work together to create an excellent off the grid solar system.

Solar Panels– Solar panels, also known as PV modules, are the ones responsible for capturing sunlight and generating direct current, which is essentially electricity in its raw format. How much sunlight can the panels capture and effectively convert into electricity depends on module quality, quantity, amount of sunlight exposure, roof angle and geo-location.

Solar Inverters– The solar panels have generated electricity in the DC format, and that remains unusable until its run through the solar inverter. It converts DC into AC (alternating current) for the appliances to use and operate. There are many types of solar inverters, some of which are even capable of storing energy for later use. In an off grid house, you will be using a standalone inverter which is not connected to the grid.

Solar Batteries– Solar panels are designed to operate using the power of the sun, but for a majority of the households in Australia, electricity is most needed in the evening hours or at nighttime. To store the surplus of energy generated at midday (the most optimum solar hours), you will need solar batteries. It’s an essential component for an off grid solar system.

Solar Charge Controller– It’s not a feasible arrangement if you always have to manage the energy flow in the correct direction. To aid in that issue, a charge controller is necessary. It controls the direction of energy flow to the correct path according to the situation and prevents the solar batteries from overcharging, essentially extending their life.

Backup Generator– If all things go south, a diesel-powered backup generator will come to your rescue. It is not an everyday event with a quality system, but on the off chance you do experience a power outage through solar, it’s best to have an off grid solar system with a backup generator.

If you want to know more about how an off grid solar system works visit here.

Why Go Off the Grid?

Off grid solar is not for everyone that is true. But if you look at the electricity price hike in recent years, it makes total sense why people chose alternative energy sources like solar, wind etc., over the grid.

Because of the changes that happened on July 1st 2021, this year by the Australian Energy Regulator, using grid electricity has become more expensive when it’s a fact that this entire procedure actively participates in GHG (Green House Gas) emission.

Check out the exact price changes for the 2022-23 financial year here- Click me.

Besides the negative impact on the environment and increased prices of energy, it’s not a lucrative option for you to choose grid connection if you live in a remote area. While it almost costs a fortune to pay for a grid connection in remote areas, you will have to pay a hefty amount in electric bills each year.

On the other hand, choosing an off grid solar system will cost you less than a grid connection, and after installation, you will never have to worry about paying electric bills again (not at least in the upcoming 25 years). Not to mention the freedom over the system as well as the serenity that comes from living amid nature.

Pro-tips: Off Grid Solar System Basics

Here are some of the facts that you need to know before you go off the grid, along with some tips from our off grid solar experts-

It’s almost always better to upsize the solar system. As you will be living off the grid, an essence of uncertainty can make you nervous; we are only human. So, experts suggest you upsize your solar system to the point where you can go without charging your batteries for at least 2 days if necessary. You might not need it, but it doesn’t hurt to have it.
MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Tracker) are important. Your solar panels might struggle to operate at their maximum efficiency without MPPTs. For an off the grid solar system, its essential that you get the most out of your system, so it’s suggested that your system has MPPTs, yup multiples of them.
Some might say that cleaning your solar panels does not do much, but experts may tell you otherwise. It has been proven in many studies that not cleaning your solar panels can decrease their efficiency by up to 30%. So, please do keep your panels clean. Here is how you can clean your panels yourself- How to clean solar panels.
Be very aware of the local government rules and regulations. Different councils may have different legislations; you must be aware of them along with any changes while in the process of shifting to your off grid property. Your chances of claiming the government rebate depend on it. Learn more here.

Going off the grid is not only an attractive option for those who live in a remote area but also for those who are experiencing an unexpected surge in power bills.

Is going off the grid the right call for you? You will have to consult an energy expert to answer this question tailored to your circumstances. We can arrange a FREE consultation session for you with one of our solar experts; all you must do is click the get help button below.

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How to Live Off the Grid | Off Grid Living 101

With the ever-rising cost of living in Australia, living off the grid is becoming more and more popular every day. However, it can be challenging to live off the grid for some. It requires you to follow through with certain procedures and be consistent with them.

Let’s jump right into how to live off the grid and sustain the lifestyle.

Double Check Legal Matters Before You Go Off the Grid

There are two ways you can go by when deciding to go off the grid.

First, you can convert your current residence into an off grid system. Technically, off grid living means cutting off your reliance on the power grid that is used by mass.

As energy prices are at their peak at the moment and it only seems to be getting worse, you can cut off your reliance on the public shared grid and generate your own power through sustainable and renewable sources like solar, wind, water, etc.

Before you do that, you will have to check with the authorities as different councils may have different regulations in place. Also, when you decide to go for certain renewable energy sources like solar, you may be eligible for government rebates for an off grid solar system as well. Make sure you explore all the benefits of off grid solar living like the rebates or consult a solar expert.

The second way to live off the grid is to relocate. That comes with a completely different set of challenges, as not only power, but you may also need to build every repetitive cycle management like power generation from scratch. There are many remote locations in Australia that do not need a permit to live or build; you can relocate to those areas to build your own sustainable lifestyle

In short, there are three aspects in which you need to look out for in regard to legal obligations, which are-

Zoning and housing permits
Land allocation and ownership
The government provided rebates and incentives

Keep in mind that relocating somewhere remote does give you complete freedom and being one with nature may seem tempting. However, if you are heavily reliant on city life and the convenience of a town, this might just not be your call.

How to Live Off the Grid- Essentials

Without some basic essentials living off the grid is impossible. Here is a list of things you need to think about before you go ahead with the decision-

Daily Nutrients- Food and Fresh Drinking Water

It goes without saying you will need food and fresh drinking water to survive. When living in a remote area, you will not have easy access to them, so it’s better to stock up. But that is not a permeant or sustainable solution. It’s best if you do your own farming for fresh veggies, herbs, and livestock. Also, collecting rainwater and a deep well can be your source of fresh drinking water.

Power Generation – A Sustainable Power Source

This is a major undertaking and could be the most crucial part of living off the grid. There are numerous methods to be energy independent, leaving no carbon footprint, such as using wind and water, but the process is labor-intensive and requires constant upkeep. As a result, you are unlikely to find a residential off grid home that uses any other power source beyond solar. Solar energy can provide your home with the constant electricity it needs to function without much work on your part.

How does off grid solar system work?

Solar panels, solar inverters, inverter chargers, battery banks, and backup generators are the key components of an off grid solar system. How do all these elements combine to form the ideal off the grid home?

First, when sunlight strikes the solar panels, a photovoltaic reaction occurs, producing energy. The quality of the panels will determine how much power is produced in “x” duration. The solar inverter transforms the produced power into a useful type of energy after that. To put it simply, the electricity produced by the panels is DC (Direct Current) electricity; however, what we want is AC (Alternating Current). This conversion gets handled by the trusty solar inverters with 99% efficiency in the best cases.

After use, the extra energy is kept in the solar batteries. However, there is a catch—the battery bank can only be used to store DC. In order to do the reverse conversion and communicate when to stop the conversion and run it the other way, a charger inverter is used. On the rare occasion when your batteries run dry, you may resort to diesel generators.

Hot Water Supply

Water heating is the second largest energy-consuming task in the residential sector in Australia. That means you will have to ensure an off the grid heating system that runs without the help of traditional coal-burning grid energy. There are some pollution-free and sustainable solutions like a heat pump for your hot water needs that needs less electricity to run, and production gets multiplied with their use.

Check out some energy-efficient water heating systems here.

Also, there are solar hot water systems that runs using the power of the sun. They are energy efficient and do not emit any harmful gases. Aside from these hot water systems to rely on, you can always opt for a handy wood stove, but convenience is questionable in this method.

Waste Management

This is something that you would think is easy to manage; however, it’s quite a chore to manage. An off the grid house does not have a central waste management system access provided by the government, so in order to manage your waste and grey water, you will have to build a cohesive system that takes care of it efficiently and hygienically.

You can turn your food wastes into self-made compost in this manner; your waste can become your resource.

Do People Live Off the Grid in Australia?

Definitely! There are communities like Chewton Bushlands that have lived off-grid for decades if you’re seeking for like-minded people who have cut themselves off from the grid. Additionally, organizations like the Cohousing Australia Initiative and Tiny Homes Australia provide in-depth instructions on how to live off the grid.

In conclusion, living off the grid is challenging yet rewarding, and as time passes by, more and more people are opting to live off the grid for its convenience. Talk to an expert today to know more about how to live off the grid.

Our Solar Experts are here to Help!

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What is the Best Off Grid Solar System

There are 5 main components that make up a perfect off the grid solar system. Here is what makes up an off grid solar system –

Solar Modules: In solar modules, photovoltaic conversion transforms solar energy into usable electricity (DC).

PV Inverter: To use in the house or to charge the battery bank, a solar inverter transforms the DC electricity generated, into AC.

Charger Inverter: This device converts AC power to DC so that it may be stored in batteries for later use. A battery bank is only able to store energy in DC.

Battery Bank: To store the power produced by the modules for later usage, lithium-ion batteries can be used. However, lead-acid batteries and nickel cadmium batteries are also used to achieve the same goal.

Backup Generator: Just on the off chance there is no stored energy in the battery bank, a diesel generator is used as a backup power source if needed.

How Does it All Work?

How do all these components come together and create the perfect off the grid house?

Firstly, the solar panels generate electricity through a photovoltaic reaction when sunlight hits the solar panels. The amount of electricity generated in ‘x’ amount of time will depend on the quality of the panels. Then the generated electricity travels to the solar inverter to convert into a usable form of energy. To explain that, in simple terms, the energy generated in the panels is DC (Direct Current) electricity and what we need is AC (Alternating Current) electricity.

After the conversion, the surplus amount of energy gets stored in the solar batteries. But there is a catch; you can only store DC in the battery bank. And this is where the charger inverter comes into play to do the conversion and also send signals across when to shut off the conversion and run it the other way.

With all that being said, there can be extremely cold days when the sun does not shine, and your solar panels can’t process to render a surplus for you to use later. In these rare occasions, you just might want to be safe with a backup generator that runs on diesel.

And that is about it, on how an off grid solar panel system works.

Some Well Performing Off Grid Solar Component

We suggest products to prospective clients by thoroughly investigating the property, and these products might not suit your needs or be more than what you need.

Please see below our top 4 solar systems-

Solar Panels

Hyundai Solar Panels- With about a 21.3% efficiency rate offered with 25 years of warranty, the Hyundai solar panels are spectacular. Also, their shingled cell solar panels allow more room for PV conversion on the same size of rooftop.