Off Grid Australians Feeling The Solar Pinch

 

When the RRPGP (Renewable Remote Power Generation Program ) program was suddenly ended in all states except Western Australia on June 22, many people living off grid were bitterly disappointed. Some were just days away from submitting their rebate application when the axe fell. A few days later, it was announced that off grid solar installations would be covered under the new Solar Credits program.
  
The Solar Credits scheme will provide some financial relief, but is well under the rebate levels offered under the RRPGP. 
  
For many Australians living in the bush away from the mains power grid, off grid solar power is a necessity rather than a luxury. Their only alternative is to use fossil fuel powered generators, an expensive and emissions intensive exercise.
  
Without the appropriate support, these rural dwellers are scrimping on systems to save money; which not only increases their reliance on fossil fuels, but decreases their standard of living far below people in the city energy-wise. An appropriate standard of living doesn't mean one meter wide plasma TV screens; but just the basics of a reasonably comfortable life.
  
Industry sources have also commented that since the end of the RRPGP, increasing numbers of rural home owners are choosing to self-install their systems in order to save money. This can often end with a less than efficient installation and in a worst case scenario, a safety hazard. Under the old RRPGP rebate scheme, in order to qualify for the financial support, systems would need to be installed by a BCSE accredited installer, which helped ensure these systems were safe and operating at their full potential. 
   

Solar Powered Advertising - Solar Cell IIM

 

LCD advertising displays in stores are becoming more commonplace - it's yet another energy sucking aspect of an already electricity intensive modern way of life.
  
However, a Korean company is working towards a solution to lessen the impact of these displays with a development called Solar Cell Ink In Motion (IIM). 
 
In addition to incorporating a thin film solar panel to power the display, Neolux makes use of electronic ink in their product. Electronic ink uses 50 to 100 times less power than liquid crystal displays.
  
Electronic ink is made up of millions of tiny microcapsules, which are around the diameter of a human hair. Each microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When a negative electric field is applied, the white particles move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the user. This makes the surface appear white at that spot. At the same time, an opposite electric field pulls the black particles to the bottom of the microcapsules where they are hidden.  
   
Due to the low power requirements of electronic ink, the technology is very compatible with solar power - even indoor lighting can enough to power a display. Neolux's Solar Cell IIM will function in as little as 400 lux; which is well below the lighting level in the average department store. The price of the solar powered display is only USD 5.00 higher than their standard battery type.
   
There is one major drawback at this point - the display will only works up to 18 months of continuous use; around a quarter of the lifespan of an LCD screen used continuously. While the display is very thin and lightweight, this relatively short lifespan will contribute further to an already over-burdened waste stream, so further development is needed in order to lessen the environmental impact of this aspect of the Solar Cell IIM.

News for Monday 13 July, 2009

 

• Suntech Pluto Solar Panels To Power Sydney Theatre Company
  


• Solar Panel Coating Boosts Module Efficiency
  

View all news for Monday 13 July, 2009 on one page

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