Demand for solar power on rise

Canberra Times
Saturday 9/6/2007 Page: 21

Rising electricity and water costs, as well as blackouts, are expected to accelerate the switch by Australian households to solar energy and water-saving devices. Some energy experts believe NSW will face power blackouts as the water-powered turbines of the Snowy Hydro, which are used in peak-demand periods, may sit idle because of the drought.

NSW Greens MP John Kaye said last month that dwindling dam levels were threatening power supplies. He said the eastern seaboard states faced blackouts, largely because many coal-fired power stations were also running out of water. Dr Kaye said renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency could operate through droughts and reduced the risks of blackouts.

Dux Hot Water general manager Les Patterson said that with consumers already concerned about the effects of climate change, there was a shift towards greater use of solar power. "With rising energy costs, the various rebates and incentives available for consumers and requirements for more energy efficient housing, solar hot water systems are becoming a more compelling option for both domestic homes and commercial premises," Mr Patterson said.

Electric hot water systems are huge consumers of energy and can eat tip to 30 per cent of an average household's energy usage. EnergyAustralia, one of the nation's largest energy suppliers, said switching to solar power was the single-most effective choice required to reduce greenhouse emissions by a household. EnergyAustralia spokesman Anthony O'Brien said the utility received hundreds of inquiries each week about solar-gas hot water systems.

Although EnergyAustralia does not install such systems, it is offering rebates to those who do. "If you choose to go from a electric system to solar hot water or heat pump or gas [system], you can get a rebate of $750 to $1000 off the price," Mr O'Brien said. "The average savings is about $240 off [an annual] electricity bill ... and you cut between two and three tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Todae, an online shop offering ecologically sustainable products and services, said there could be a waiting time to buy water tanks from six weeks to as long as five months.

Todae's owner Danin Kahan there had been a jump in interest from people wanting to buy water saving devices and solar-powered generators. "Inquiries have tripled since the Government's rebate was doubled last month." In a $150 million package for solar announced in the budget, the maximum rebate for solar panels on homes provided through the Government's Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) will increase from $4000 to $8000.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the photovoltaic rebate was effective from May 9, and he expected the number of solar panels on Australian homes to more than double over the next five years.