The University of Canberra’s Embedded Solar Panels

The University of Canberra is embarking on one of the ACT’s largest embedded solar projects. It is aimed at generating enough energy to offset its electricity consumption and reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions.

Australian households with solar panels save on average $1300 per year on their power bills. This includes the savings from the feed-in tariffs and power discounts.

Cost

Solar panels are a big long-term investment, but the good news is that solar prices are declining. They are also expected to decrease further in the future, making them even more affordable for homeowners. Moreover, the installation of home batteries can further increase your savings.

The price of a solar system depends on the size of your roof and its inclination. It also depends on the amount of electricity you consume daily. The average Canberra household uses between 15 to 25 kWh per day. To maximize your energy savings, you should opt for a 5kW solar system or bigger.

Solar Panels Canberra are a great way to reduce your energy bills and support clean, renewable energy. Besides cutting your utility costs, these systems can also increase the value of your property. In fact, they’re seen as a selling point by real estate agencies. Additionally, you can take advantage of the ACT’s rooftop solar rebate program, which offers substantial up-front incentives for residential solar power systems.

Energy Savings

Solar energy is a renewable resource that can be used to produce electricity for homes and businesses. It can help lower power bills and reduce carbon emissions. It also has the potential to create jobs. However, the initial installation costs can be high. Fortunately, the long-term savings can offset these costs.

The University of Canberra has implemented an innovative solution for its energy needs: a solar-thermal system that generates both electricity and hot water. The system uses sun-tracking parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight on receivers, which then convert the light to energy.

These systems can provide significant cost savings and energy independence for schools and businesses. They can be combined with battery storage to further cut electricity costs and minimise reliance on the grid. Additionally, they can increase property value and improve a school’s image as a leader in sustainability. Moreover, advances in AI and machine learning are helping make solar technology more efficient and affordable.

Longevity

With solar panels now on over 3.6 million Australian roofs – including in the ACT – there’s a real chance that some of these systems are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. And when they do, up to 90 per cent of them could end up in landfill.

That’s because conventional boron silicon, the material used to produce PV cells, degrades under direct sunlight. And unless the research community can find a way to stop this degradation, we’ll be facing a waste bomb as these modules reach their EOL.

That’s why it pays to invest in the best quality panels you can afford. Quality brands will usually offer a warranty policy that covers the entire system, rather than just individual components. They will also have a proven track record in the industry, and be backed by reputable international manufacturers.

Maintenance

A solar panel’s generating ability decreases slightly over time. This is called degradation. Some companies offer a performance warranty that guarantees that the solar panels will perform at a high level for their lifetime. However, this warranty is not an insurance policy and is subject to conditions and exclusions.

Solar adopters should ensure that they understand equipment warranties and are prepared to pay for repairs. They should also create a maintenance program that addresses safety issues. For example, a fire in the surrounding area can affect power production by creating smoke that blocks sunlight from reaching the solar panels. This can result in a decrease in peak electricity generation of up to 27%.

Vegetation maintenance is another important maintenance concern. Overgrown grass, weeds, and other vegetation can block the panels from receiving sunlight. A good vegetation management program should include strategic planting, manual cutting and, if necessary, herbicide application. This will help prevent damage to the solar installation and protect it from bushfires and other environmental events.

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