Renewable Resources

The five major renewable energy resources in Australia are solar, wind, water (hydro), biomass, and geothermal. Clean renewable electrical energy generation systems are becoming increasingly accessible to the average homeowner either installed at home and connected to the grid or purchased as GreenPower. Renewable energy can also be used for home heating and cooling, hot water and even cooking.

Electricity accounts for about 53% of the energy used in Australian households but creates around 87% of the greenhouse gas emissions (DEWHA 2008). Most of this energy is generated by burning non-renewable fossil fuels: coal, oil, natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Last month econews reported that solar energy usage was up on last years figures.

Renewable power systems use renewable energy sources to produce electricity with very low greenhouse gas emissions. These sources, such as the sun, wind and water, are replenished naturally but are not available continuously. 

In stand-alone systems, back-up electricity can be supplied from storage batteries and/or generators. For grid connected systems, the predominantly fossil fuel based electricity (i.e. coal or gas generated) supplied through the grid can act as back-up when renewable systems are not generating. If fossil fuel generators are used for back-up power sources, greenhouse gases are produced.

Equipment costs for renewable energy systems are generally declining.

These energy systems usually operate with low running costs but can be expensive to install, although equipment costs are generally declining. Maintenance can also be a cost issue for systems reliant on batteries. The cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the system life includes installation and maintenance costs, but they remain unaffected by future energy price rises and can thus act as a form of insurance against such rises. 

The design and installation of these systems is a complex task requiring specialist knowledge. The Clean Energy Council register at www.solaraccreditation.com.au lists accredited designers and installers who can ensure systems comply with the appropriate Australian Standards.

Rebates and other financial incentives may be available to offset the initial cost of installing renewable energy power systems. For details about current financial assistance in your state visit https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates