Alternative Energy Sources

Free Best Alternative Energy Practices

• Before calculating alternative energy requirements, save as much energy as possible using the other methods discussed in previous chapter, therefore saving on capital costs
• Measure your current energy consumption rate using a power meter as discussed in the measurement chapter.
• Perform a return on investment calculation before implementation an alternative energy plan
• Consider future increases in energy costs and inflation
• Compare related technologies to see which one suits you best; perhaps a blend of technologies may work for you

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Solar Hot Water

Hot water can be a large part of your energy bill, averaging around 28%. This can be reduced substantially by using solar technologies. Cash rebates are available from the Federal government ($1000 for electric to solar conversion) and some from some state governments (amount varies). Installing a Solar Hot Water system will also earn you Renewable Energy Credits (REC) which can be on sold for $500-$1500. Solar hot water systems can have the water tank on the roof or on the ground with a circulation pump. When deciding on the type of system, consider the weight on the roof and the approvals required from your local council. Where the water tank is on the ground the roof collector is less than 100 kg.Energy savings of 60% to 90% should be expected. Retrofit kits are available for existing ground tanks which saves about 33% of hardware costs. Complete solar hot water hardware costs from $3200. Retrofit solar hot water hardware costs from $2000. Installation costs vary relating to roof type, roof height, roof pitch, distance from solar hot water collector to hot water tank and council fees. Green loans may be available to you for the capital costs of a solar hot water system. Consider a period of accurate electricity measurement of hot water power circuit before embarking on a major investment.Try to calculate your consumption per year and then work out the potential savings using the tables below.

No energy saving electric hot water

Assuming 80% solar energy savings for making hot water

Suggestions: Minimize hot water consumption as part of the hot water strategy. Confirm that your existing hot water system has zinc anodes inside as they prevent corrosion within the tank and that they are replaced as recommended. If hot water is on its own off peak tariff then its cost can be read from the power bill. Get multiple quotes for solar hot water. Compare how many RECs can be claimed for each system which relates to efficiency. Compare the return on investment relative to other energy efficiency measures. If your existing hot water system breaks then solar hot water may calculate to be more appealing financially. Check conditions of rebates before embarking on a solar project. Solar hot water may not suit small consumers of hot water. Some suppliers referenced have online calculators for rebates.

Related Sections: Hot Water Measurement

Local Assistance: Hot Water Calculator Solar Hot Water Calculator Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water

References for further information 1 62 63 64 65 125 126 132

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Solar Power

Solar power (PV) can be used to contribute to your energy provision and the Federal Government has large rebates are now available for installing solar power, for example $8000 for 1kW system. If you participate in the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) can get up to 50% of capital costs for solar or wind projects where fossil fuels are being replaced. When your site is located away from the grid power network alternative power may be cheaper to install than trying to connect to the grid. Installing a Solar Power system also earns Renewable Energy Credits which can be on sold. The cost of solar panels is around $8000 for a 1kW total of panels. To connect to the grid you will requires a special grid inverter that will cost about $2000 for a 1kW connection. Other costs to consider include labour, mounting hardware, cabling and a new power meter that can accept 2 power sources. Australian schools are eligible for up to $50000 rebate to install over 2kW solar systems. Solar systems can be installed as a community with income coming back to the persons who initially paid for the solar panels. This concept has enhanced the Emerald State School solar installation with an additional 9 solar panels. New feed-in tariffs for net power into the grid can earn from 44 to 52 cents per kWh. The ACT will pay 60 cents for every kWh generated by solar power which is much better. For those with remote solar systems, then cost of batteries and inverters need to be added to the calculations of set up costs. Power transfer switching is available that can change between the solar power inverter output and generator power and it can also switch if load exceeds inverter ability. For remote regions consider installing concentrated photo voltaic with sun tracking capabilities which works out to be more cost effective than conventional fixed solar panels. Wind energy may also work with a remote alternative energy mix.

Compare this type of calculation for your area with what you pay for electricity now and how much you use. Also consider if you will earn any feed in tariffs. Consider that electricity prices will increase over the next 25 years (the approximate life of a solar systems) while generating your own power will have a fixed up front cost only.

Suggestions: Minimise electrical consumption before calculating alternative energy requirements by implementing methods discussed earlier in the book.

Related Sections: Measurement Concentrated Photo Voltaic Solar Night Lighting Solar Night Lighting Solar Thermal Power Remote Solar Micro Turbine Wind Energy Large Turbine Wind Energy

Local Assistance: Solar Power Calculator Solar Power Cost Calculator Zero your Electricity Bill - How many home solar panels does it take?

References for further information 1 62 66 67 68 71 72 126 142 143

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Solar Security Lighting

Solar security lighting contains batteries to collect solar energy during the day and will illuminate when motion is detected and the ambient light is low. It requires no wiring and can be useful in entrance ways, and for perimeter security and path lighting. The use of LED lighting with a solar power source can improve endurance of these lights. This class of lighting can be bought for approximately $40 to $150 each. No electrician is required for installation but remember to follow installation directions carefully.

Suggestions: Compare the cost of mains cabled lighting versus solar lighting

Related Sections: Solar Night Lighting

Local Assistance: Outdoor Solar Lighting

References for further information 1 69

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Solar Night Lighting

Solar night lighting contains batteries to collect solar energy during the day and will illuminate when the ambient light is low. It requires no wiring and it can be useful for street lighting, path lighting, bus shelters and parking lots. The use of LED lighting with a solar power source can improve endurance. Simple single LED garden lighting is available for less than $10 each. Multiple LED lighting will cost from $40 to $150 each. No electrician is required for installation, but follow the installation directions carefully. Larger lighting systems can be designed using separate solar panels, batteries and lighting with more options possible.

Suggestions: Compare the cost of mains cabled lighting versus solar lighting when purchasing. Review lighting specifications to expected runtime each night.

Related Sections: Solar Security Lighting Halogen Lights vs LED Lights

Local Assistance: Outdoor Solar Lighting

References for further information 1 69 126

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Remote Solar

Related Sections: Solar Power 12 Volt Lighting Micro Turbine Wind Energy Large Turbine Wind Energy

Local Assistance: Outdoor Solar Lighting

References for further information 1 62 69 70 71 72

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12 Volt Lighting

Twelve volt lighting operating from a battery is suitable for alternative power systems and is classed as low voltage which then gives you greater freedom on who can do the wiring. LED lighting, CFL and fluorescent lighting can operate from 12 volts DC. Running DC devices saves some inverter provisioning and improves efficiency by not needing to go through an inverter. Most lighting formats are now available in 12 volt styles and if supplied from an alternative energy power source once set up they can be operated practically for free.

Suggestions: Use alternative energy or switch mode power supplies to supply the 12 volts. Include overload protection components for each lighting circuit.

Related Sections: Solar Night Lighting Solar Power Linear vs. Switched Mode Power supplies

References for further information 12 28 29 70 73 137 138

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Green Power Options

It is now possible to sign up with your electricity company for a green power option for all or part of your power bill. There will be a slight increase in the cost of your electricity if you nominate the green power option. It is suitable for people who rent or move frequently or those who want to make a difference. If the demand for green power increases, electricity companies will need to build more green power generators such as wind, hydro, solar and biogas to accommodate the demand by making this choice. People power could go a long way in contributing to the solution of reducing carbon emissions.

Suggestions: Buy at least a part of your electricity from green sources. Perform comparisons between suppliers including where the green energy is coming from and try to acquire 100% Green sources.

Related Sections: Co-Generation

References for further information 74 75 148

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Micro Turbine Wind Energy

This is a new class of alternative energy that is cheap to set up and expand. It works with lower initial wind speeds 1 m/sec as compared to large wind turbines. The system consists of plastic turbines where the outer circumferences have a tooth finish so that they can be interconnected. A 12 turbine kit is capable of 100 Watts at 10 m/s winds. Newer models that can automatically turn to face the oncoming wind are more efficient. The cost of micro turbines is less than solar to set up and would suit cool windy areas. Another new wind turbine design is to use multiple smaller wind turbine blades on a common shaft. A 2 kW turbine can be bought for US $2000, plus the cost of the tower. Vertical wind turbines can be set up on top of buildings and will work with urban turbulent wind attributes. Special regulators are required for wind power as all power generated must be used up for charging batteries, directly to the load or a dummy load in a power or heat dump. Special control equipment is available to use the wind energy to charge batteries and run an inverter to a load with a fallback of switching to mains power. This type of system achieves use of all wind energy produced in a day.

Suggestions: Experimental kits are available. This will accommodate large variations in wind speed. Micro turbines are less obtrusive to large wind turbines.

Related Sections: Large Turbine Wind Energy

References for further information 76 77 68 81 141

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Large Turbine Wind Energy

For larger energy requirements of 200 to 20000 Watts and in areas with wind speeds of 3 to 20 metres per second, wind turbine kits are available. The costs of wind turbines are less than solar but require clear space for a tower and guy wires. A 1.8 kW wind turbine is available with inbuilt 240 V grid feed inverter for approximately $11000 (plus tower). This type of wind turbine is being piloted in New Hampshire (USA) on top of power poles with the electrical lines lower down the pole. A 20 kW DC wind turbine can be bought for $32000 (plus tower). Obstructions such as houses and trees should be distant from the turbines. Wind maps are available to see what type of winds can be expected in your area. For larger projects multiple turbines can be used. The larger the turbines, the better the economies of scale in terms of setting up manpower and equipment hire. Connection to the grid high voltage lines may be required so consider the voltage and the distance. Large turbines can be bought in the range of 300 kW to 2500 kW, with the largest ever built record at 6000 kW. Wind energy will reduce diesel generator running costs when used with storage systems such as batteries and flywheels. Distributed wind farms on the grid can improve wind energy availability. Careful selection of location can achieve over 90% availability for wind generated electricity. Wind farms can be built off shore, as seen in Denmark and the UK. Building wind farms close to the end users of the energy can reduce capital costs and reduce transmission losses. Wind energy can be produced for less than 5 cents per kWh. Ireland is in the process of constructing a 200 turbine wind farm with a generating capacity of 520 MW which will accommodate 10% of the countries needs. Portland, Victoria has a 120 turbine, 195 MW, A$330M wind farm in construction. Areas around wind farms can still be used for grazing. Mawson Station in Antarctica has a 600 kW wind farm which is used for electricity, melting ice for water and general heating. A community group is organising two 2MW turbines in Hepburn Shire Victoria using a share offer to raise the necessary funds. Wind farms do not depend on water supplies like conventional thermal plants and hydro electricity. Tasmania and Queensland have had to turn down electrical output at some plants due to lack of water. As each wind turbine is connected to the grid it can start making a return on investment which is an advantage to large solar thermal plant with needs to be completed before creating electricity.

Suggestions: Confirm that your average yearly wind speed is 6 metres per second or higher. Cool air is denser and therefore generates more energy for the same wind speed. Consider local planning approval requirements of large tower.

Related Sections: Micro Turbine Wind Energy

References for further information 71 72 77 78 79 80 68 137 140 141

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Wave Energy

A submersible pump that captures power produced by the action of waves of a floating buoy going up and down 1-2 metres. This creates pressure which is fed into a hydro style turbine on land. The first pilot of this system is in Fremantle, West Australia. It is estimated that a 1 metre high wave front can generate 20 kW per metre width. As most of the Australian population lives on or near the coast, the transmission losses to the load are minimal. An additional significant benefit is that the pressurised water can also be used for direct desalination using osmosis, without the electrical consumption of other desalination systems. One option that could be useful is to use the system for electrical generation during the day peak electrical load and then to produce desalinated water at night.

Another system is to use the wave pitch with floating metal cylinders containing hydraulics and generators inside. These can be arranged in joined lengths with electrical connections from each cylinder fed back to land.

Tidal power can be used for electrical generation by using submersible turbines connected to a structure fixed to the sea floor. A 1.2 MW version with two 16 m turbines with connected on a crossbeam is being used around the UK and Ireland.

Suggestions: First perform an audit of the wave and tidal energy first by using meteorological information to predict ahead of time the likely generated output.

References for further information 109 110 111

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Solar Thermal Power

Related Sections: Solar Hot Water Concentrated Photo Voltaic

Local Assistance: Solar Thermal Calculator

References for further information 82 83 84 85 86 117 134

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Concentrated Photo Voltaic

There are many designs to magnify the sun onto high efficiency solar cells. Magnification of the sun by a factor of 1000:1 in area is now possible. The best multiple junction solar cells currently available are near 40% efficient. To achieve better efficiencies with this technology the system needs to track the sun throughout the day. The benefits of such systems is a lower overall cost  in $ per Watt output; no requirement for water systems; solar cells will be a smaller proportion of overall costs; and higher output will be achieved by tracking the sun with the best efficient solar cells. Australia is planning a 154 MW plant in Mildura Victoria at a cost of $420 M. This will utilise tracking mirrors directing sunlight to a central tower containing the high efficiency solar cells. Smaller individual parabolic dishes with solar cells at the focal point are available and will generate 35 kW. The payback period is 5 years. More dishes can be erected as required to suit electrical requirements or to extend an existing solar system. If new higher efficiency cells come out then the small 0.23m² cells can be easily be upgraded. Other designs available use lenses and parabolic dishes to achieve a rectangular prism shaped system. Smaller systems which can compete effectively with regular flat solar panels are coming to market. Comparing $ per kWh output of CPV systems to flat solar panels, CPV is more cost effective.

Suggestions: Very suitable for regions that depend on diesel generators.

Related Sections: Solar Power Solar Thermal Power

Local Assistance: Concentrated Solar Power

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Local Energy Efficiency Assistance