Dr. Solar answers a question related to Western Australia’s proposed introduction of a gross feed in tariff

While it may seem that solar power is experiencing an overnight success, it’s been a long time coming – it’s been over 3 decades since solar power crept quietly onto the general market.

According to Ernst & Young, Australia has maintained its position at number 13 in the world in relation to attractiveness for renewable energy investment for Q1-Q2 2008

Researchers from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA believe the heat-soaking properties of asphalt could be a very viable alternative energy source and are developing a solar collector that could turn roads and car parks into sources of electricity and hot water. 

The farming village of Freiamt in Germany now produces 17% more renewable energy than they require and have become model for communities around the world.

The Western Australian Government has promised payments of a gross feed in tariff to owners of grid connected solar power systems for all energy they produce if returned to power in the next election.

Nicole Kuepper, a PhD student and lecturer at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of New South Wales, has developed a revolutionary solar cell that can be manufactured at low temperatures and with low tech equipment

New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has floated the idea of a large scale renewable energy program for New York city that would include placing wind turbines on city bridges and solar panels on skyscrapers.

For the necessary growth required to meet renewable energy targets in Australia, there is a critical need for the Federal Government to introduce a gross feed-in tariff scheme for residential grid connect solar power system owners. Net feed-in tariffs offered in some states simply do not provide the incentive need to help Australia achieve our renewableenergy target of 20% by 2020.

San Francisco Based Pacific Gas and Electric Company recently announced the launch of their 550 megawatt Topaz Solar Farm Project, which will deliver an average of 1,100,000 megawatt-hours annually of renewable electricity; to serve approximately 239,000 residential homes.