Please refer to the article “How a grid connected solar power system works” which can be downloaded from www.energymatters.com.au.
10 years ago, solar power in Australia got off to a flying start due to overly generous government incentives and “feed in tariffs” (payments for excess power fed back into the power grid). However, after only a few years, the government started slashing the feed in tariffs (from 66 cents when first introduced to 6 cents per KW hour today). But the government still pays approximately $700 per KW off the price of installing a solar power system.
So, what does all this mean for the home owner?
Installing a solar power system is currently very affordable at approximately $7,500.00 for a 5 KW (20 solar panels) system including the government rebate of $2,500.00. However, to get the maximum benefit from this system, you must consume as much of the power your system produces during the day. For most households, this is unrealistic because everyone is at work or school during the day and consuming most of their power usage at night. So, the cost cutting effect of the solar power system is greatly limited to 10 to 15% off the power bill in this instance. However, if a battery storage system is added, the household can potentially save up to 80% off their power bills.
For a full understanding of what residential battery energy storage involves, please see the article “What is a battery ready solar power system?” which can be downloaded from www.energymatters.com.au.
Also, please read the article “Small scale solar – the past, the future and 2017” written by Jake Ellen from JE Electrical.
