Solar Panels at the University of Canberra

Canberra households can now access a significant up-front discount on solar power systems. This discount is in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which electricity companies and other liable entities are required to purchase under Australia’s national renewable energy target.

Up to 90 percent of solar panels end up in landfill as toxic waste at their end-of-life, but scientists have developed a thermal and chemical process that could help change this.

Cost

A solar power system can save you money on energy bills, reducing your dependence on the grid. You can also earn a feed-in tariff for excess electricity that you send back to the grid. However, the return you get will depend on the size of your system and your consumption habits.

Canberra has a favourable climate for solar energy, with lots of sunshine. In addition, the ACT offers low electricity prices and attractive feed-in tariffs. A high-quality solar system can pay for itself in 4-5 years.

Australian researchers regularly break world records for solar efficiency and the technology developed here forms the basis of a large proportion of the world’s renewable energy production. This research is now being augmented with funding from ARENA to deliver Ultra Low Cost Solar (ULCS). ULCS would cut the cost of renewable energy in hard-to-abate sectors and maintain Australia’s position as a leader in global decarbonisation. This would be achieved by boosting solar cell efficiency and lowering the cost of solar PV systems to 30 cents per watt, fully installed in the field.

Environmental impact

The University is looking to tender for the supply and installation of Australia’s largest rooftop solar PV system, a 2.0MW installation across 15 buildings at its Bruce campus. It is designed to offset some of the University’s electrical energy consumption and reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar panel waste can cause environmental and human health problems if it is not disposed of properly. Various pollutants can be generated from the recycling or disposal of these panels, including gases and wastewater effluents. These substances can be harmful to human and animal health, and they also can contaminate soil and groundwater.

To minimise the impact of end-of-life solar PV waste, countries need to adopt Product Stewardship schemes. These schemes can be voluntary or mandatory and involve taking responsibility for the entire life cycle of a product. They can also encourage manufacturers to design solar panels with recyclable materials. This will increase the chances of a second-hand market for these products.

Energy generation

A quality 6.6kW solar panel system can generate up to 26.4 kilowatt hours of electricity per day in the ACT, which is more than an average Australian household’s daily consumption. This energy can be used to reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill. Additionally, you can take advantage of Australia’s solar feed-in tariff, which pays you for any surplus electricity you export to the grid.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has become the dominant electricity generation technology in many regions of the world. In fact, Australia is one of the world leaders in solar PV research and development. Four Australian researchers won the 2023 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for their work in developing Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) solar PV cells. These technologies have underpinned the recent exponential growth in high performance, low-cost solar electricity.

The University of Canberra’s Microgrid includes a solar energy farm, central battery storage and rooftop solar generation systems on campus buildings, including student residences. It will supply half of the University’s energy requirements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12,000 tonnes a year.

Maintenance

Depending on the type of solar energy system, a variety of maintenance issues can occur. For example, a solar panel system that is tilted 5 degrees can accumulate dirt that reduces its efficiency and causes hot spots. Generally, a qualified electrician can advise you on the best way to clean your solar panels.

Some companies offer a monitoring app that makes it easier to track your solar system’s performance. For instance, Reposit’s smart technology allows you to monitor your solar battery usage and energy consumption using a smartphone app. The company also focuses on automation, which is important for home owners looking to save money on their power bills.

To ensure your solar PV system is performing properly, it’s important to monitor its condition and identify problems as early as possible. A good way to do this is by conducting visual inspections with a torque tester. Having key parts in stock and technicians nearby can also reduce downtime.



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