Solar energy
History
In Australia, serious use of renewable did not really begin until 1997 when the Australian government stated its commitment to include the development of renewable energy in Australia’s energy plan to reduce carbon emissions. A Mandatory Renewable Energy Target was specified in 2001 as a result (Bhandari & Aloha 2013).
In Australia, serious use of renewable did not really begin until 1997 when the Australian government stated its commitment to include the development of renewable energy in Australia’s energy plan to reduce carbon emissions. A Mandatory Renewable Energy Target was specified in 2001 as a result (Bhandari & Aloha 2013).
Consumption
Australia’s energy consumption of solar energy is still quite small in proportion; with only 2.4% of all renewable energy use and around 0.1% of primary energy consumption (AERA 2014). This form of energy cannot be stored for more than several hours nor can it be traded. Commercialisation
Currently there are only a small number of small scale commercial solar energy projects proposed due to the relatively high capital investment costs. Government policies in both public and private sectors are vital factors in the future commercialisation of larger scale solar energy systems (AERA 2014). Image (opposite)
Source: Australian Energy Resource Assessment 2014, ‘Solar energy flows’ [image], Chapter 10: Solar Energy, Australian Energy Resource Assessment, viewed 15 April 2014, <http://arena.gov.au/files/2013/08/Chapter-10-Solar-Energy.pdf>. |
Source: Australian Energy Resource Assessment 2014, ‘Average annual solar radiation’ [image], Chapter 10: Solar Energy, Australian Energy Resource Assessment, viewed 15 April 2014, <http://arena.gov.au/files/2013/08/Chapter-10-Solar-Energy.pdf>.
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Source: Australian Energy Resource Assessment 2014, ‘The four types of solar thermal concentrators’ [image], Chapter 10: Solar Energy, Australian Energy Resource Assessment, viewed 15 April 2014, <http://arena.gov.au/files/2013/08/Chapter-10-Solar-Energy.pdf>.
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Benefits/limitations
Solar energy does not reduce natural resources, doesn’t cause carbon dioxide or other gaseous emission into the air and does not generate liquid or solid waste products (Falk & Settle 2011). However high capital costs and risks are the main factors that limit more prevalent use of solar energy.
Solar energy does not reduce natural resources, doesn’t cause carbon dioxide or other gaseous emission into the air and does not generate liquid or solid waste products (Falk & Settle 2011). However high capital costs and risks are the main factors that limit more prevalent use of solar energy.
It is well known that the world's primary energy source is the sun, however Solar energy can only generate electricity during the day. Wind turbines, on the other hand, are at work all day and long after the sun goes down.
Click on ‘NEXT’ below to learn more about Australia's fastest growing renewable energy source, Wind energy.
Click on ‘NEXT’ below to learn more about Australia's fastest growing renewable energy source, Wind energy.