Solar power systems 'flood Australian market'

25th Jun 2012

Australia could be in the running for the title of one of the world's great solar power users, as a new study reveals just how popular the systems have become in recent years.

Analysis from Frost & Sullivan, entitled Australia and New Zealand Renewable Energy Markets, shows that the industry is already heading in the right direction – and will continue to do so.

Research analyst Subha Krishnan said that the Renewable Energy Target (RET) – which aims to see Australia sourcing 20 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2020 – has played a big role in this success.

"Ever since the RET target for 2020 was amended to provide a 'solar multiplier' for roof-top solar systems, and some states introduced generous feed-in tariffs, small-scale installations such as PV systems and solar hot water systems have flooded the Renewable Energy Certificate market," he commented.

Solar has proved to be a stand-out performer over recent years, as it boasted the highest revenue share in 2011 – but Subha believes Australia can do more to reach its potential.

This is largely due to Australia having unambitious solar targets compared to other countries such as Japan and Germany, Frost & Sullivan suggested – but this is not the only reason.

Another source of concern is that too much emphasis is being placed on improving the capacity of coal-fired thermal power plants, which means that project developers are not focusing as highly on solar energy.

So although we might be doing fairly well, the report indicates that there is certainly some room for improvement.

Installations of home solar panels are faring well at the moment, but perhaps more needs to be done to encourage their adoption on a much larger scale.

With the carbon tax just around the corner (it comes into force on July 1), businesses could soon be given the encouragement they need to shift to more efficient sources of energy.

NuGreen, a sustainable project manager, recently outlined how much benefit companies can reap from becoming more energy efficient.

It cited findings from Allen Consulting, which believes the average cost of operating a 25,000 sq m building in Sydney will increase by approximately $61,961 when the tax is introduced.

With solar power systems more affordable than many people think, this could be the perfect time to protect businesses from the rise while also giving Australia a boost in the solar stakes.

Posted by Mike Peacock

 

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: