• Reduction in energy costs to heat the water used in your home
• High efficiency collectors to absorb the maximum available solar energy (collectors available for frost prone areas also).
• Light weight tanks allow installation on a wider range of roof designs.
• Outer skin made from colorbond in a wide range of popular colours to match your roof.*
• Naturally occurring thermosiphon means no moving parts and therefore less components required.
• Electric or gas boost available to suit your needs.
• Government rebates are available because of the large number of STC’s awarded due to the high efficiency of the collectors.
• Designed by Rinnai, a household name in efficient water heating.
  See the range here www.gewa.com.au One of the finest ranges of Solar Hot Water in Perth WA

Green Energy Solar News and Energy Information Centre WA: Equinox Solar Hot Water Hit Town At Green Energy WA.

Charges 70 per cent higher than the American average
A figure that will grow to 160 per cent in two years
Exposes myth that Australian electricity is relatively cheap
AUSTRALIANS pay 130 per cent more for electricity than Canadians, according to new research – a power premium to rise to 250 per cent once the carbon tax and locked-in price increases take effect.

The research, which will be made public today, claims household charges are already 70 per cent higher than the American average, a figure that will grow to 160 per cent in two years. Japanese, British, French, Irish and New Zealanders all pay less than we do.

The research forms the basis of a report to the Energy Users Association of Australia – which represents 100 big power users including BHP, RailCorp, Coles, the Commonwealth Bank and Brisbane City Council – and argues the way power prices are set must be urgently reformed.

The EUAA will also use the research to claim it exposes as a myth that Australian electricity is relatively cheap.

Energy Minister Martin Ferguson recently said Australians pay less than the OECD average, relying on a document called Energy In Australia 2012, which his department’s Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) published three weeks ago. The document uses electricity prices from 2009-10.

“That data is old,” EUAA executive director Roman Domanski told The Daily Telegraph last night. In 2010-11 alone the national price rose by 16 per cent; the NSW jump was 23 per cent. The numbers used to compile the document Mr Ferguson relied on put the NSW average at 18.55c/kWh. But in the real world, households are paying regulated rates as high as 28c/kWh.

The average New South Wales household’s annual cost for electricity would fall from $1700 to less than $700 if our prices were the same as in Canada.

Mr Domanski said: “Add in the carbon tax from July, further network price increases and renewable energy subsidies and inevitably our prices are pushed to the point where they are challenging Denmark and Germany as the most expensive in the world.” The report to the EUAA, produced by Carbon Market Economics, found Australian power prices had risen about 40 per cent since 2007 and would rise by another 30 per cent over the next two years.

It found that, even using 2007 currency exchange rates, Australian households still paid more than those in Japan, US, Canada and the average of the EU. Carbon Market Economics comparison of prices in 92 jurisdictions – including more than 35 countries, American states and all Australian states and territories – found NSW ranked fourth behind Denmark, Germany and South Australia. Victoria was fifth and Western Australia was sixth. The ACT was 21st.

In explaining why BREE used figures dating back to 2009, energy manager Allison Ball said Australian Energy Market Commission data wasn’t available until late 2011 and global 2011 statistics from the International Energy Agency were still not available.

However, The Telegraph understands Carbon Market Economics used 2011 IEA figures published before Mr Ferguson claimed Australian prices were below the OECD average.

Melrose Park mother-of-two Leanne Imbro said her family’s last bill had jumped to about $700. She said she has been reassessing her children’s extra-curricular activities.

 
TODAY’S FEATURED PRODUCT:

Inverters (Solivia) from Delta Energy Systems

If you are looking for quality and durable solar inverters, GEWA offers the Delta Group Energy Systems’ Solivia string inverters which are available in four nominal power outputs – 2500w, 3000w, 3300w and 5000w.

To give you a brief history on Delta Energy Systems, it is a subsidiary of Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL which was established in 1988. Both of these organizations belong to the Delta Group which has sales offices worldwide and manufacturing plants in Taiwan, China, Thailand, Mexico, India and Europe.

The Delta Electronics Group which was founded in 1971 is the world’s largest provider of switching power supplies and DC brushless fans, as well as a major source for power management solutions, components, visual displays, industrial automation, networking products, and renewable energy solutions. It’s headquarters is located at Taipei, Taiwan with 80,000 employees worldwide.

Since 1999, Delta Energy Systems has been investing in the research and development of their reliable solar inverters with high efficiencies and state-of-the-art high-frequency topology which makes them as one of the most important suppliers of power supply solutions.

Different Types of String Inverters:

The features of these solar string inverters include 96% transformer peak efficiency, isolation of primary and secondary circuit, wide operating temperature ranges: -25 °C to +70 °C, full power up to 57 °C (without derating), RS485 (EIA485) communication interfaces, intelligent MPP tracking, suitable for indoor and outdoor applications (IP65) and has no fan.

1) SOLIVIA 2.5 – These solar inverters for the Asia-Pacific region are highly efficient and reliable and uses the latest high frequency technology.

2) SOLIVIA 3.0 – Can be used with all common photovoltaic module types, even with back-contact and thin-film modules that require positive or negative DC grounding.

3) SOLIVIA 3.3 – Highly efficient and reliable, with its intelligent MPP tracking, the SOLIVIA 3.3 extracts maximum performance from your solar panels under all operating conditions.

4) SOLIVIA 5 – The latest high frequency technology used in the SOLIVIA 5.0 solar inverters for the Asian-Pacific market enable them to operate at maximum efficiency and guarantee continuous, outstanding energy outputs. This type of inverter is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications (IP65) and has a simple and direct on-screen data display.

For further information and for your free downloads of these products’ brochures, manuals, guides and catalogues, visit the Delta Solivia Inverters’ page at our Green Energy WA website.

Katrina G. – Green Energy International Correspondent – June 06, 2012

Green Energy Blog now has the “Green Energy WA Featured Products” section which will give you some information on the green solar products that we offer in order for the viewers and readers to know more about these featured products and services. For our readers’ convenience, we are going to feature different products every week such as solar panels, inverters, mounting frames, accessories and many more.

TODAY’S FEATURED PRODUCT is on ECSOLAR’s solar panels.

Green Energy WA now offers the wide power range of ECSOLAR’s solar modules. Green Energy WA has the two types of solar modules available; both monocrystalline and polycrystalline. To give you a little scope on ECSOLAR, the company is also known as Wuxi Saijing Solar Co., Ltd which is located in Yixing, China. It was founded in the 1980s. Primarily, it operates one of the most modern production facilities and manufactures crystalline solar cells and a wide range of “high performance solar modules”. To gain the trust and satisfaction of their customers, ECSOLAR ensures the strict quality and cost control of their product line. Their market is primarily from many countries including Europe, America, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The solar cells that ECSOLAR manufactures are from silicon wafers and they use the process known as photovoltaic effect which is making use of crystalline silicon solar technology to convert sunlight into electricity. In order to implement their “green company” philosophy, ECSOLAR joined “PC Cycle” and are then recycling the modules after its lifetime.

One of the main products of ECSOLAR is their high performance solar panels which can either be standard or customized. Their modules feature a wide power range from 5W to 310W. The solar modules are also certified and approved by CE, TUV, IEC61215, IEC 61730, MCS and CEC. Under circumstances where there is weak light available, the solar modules still provide excellent performance.

ECSOLAR is also considered as one of the most comprehensive product portfolio in the solar industry because they have a wide range of solar modules which gives you the options either monocrystalline or polycrystalline, framed or laminated and large or normal size. You have the choice on what suits you best. Also for the customers’ assurance, ECSOLAR guarantees a product warranty of 10 years and output warranty of 25 years.

Your Satisfaction with Solar at Green Energy WA

So, if you are looking for the best quality and durable solar modules, try our latest ECSOLAR solar modules. Not only you get the satisfaction that you need but you also help the environment by conserving energy, going green and supporting solar. To know more on ECSOLAR’s solar panels, visit Green Energy WA site now!

Katrina G. – Green Energy International Correspondent – June 06, 2012

The Indian state of Gujarat has built the world’s largest solar photovoltaic power plant, a field of solar panels the size of Lower Manhattan. After only 14 months of preparation, they’ve just switched it on, adding 600 megawatts of power to the grid. That’s enough to power a medium-sized city’s worth of homes. Thing is HUGE.

The 5,000-acre solar park should help India meet its ambitious plans for moving to sustainable energy. The country aims to be at 15 percent renewables by 2020 — right now it’s only at 6 percent. Projects like the Gujarat plant will help by taking advantage of India’s intense sunshine.

However, India’s already in danger of being pushed out of the record-holding spot for world’s biggest power plant. Tunisia is working on a 2,000-MW plant, to open by 2016. The Gujarat solar field is already the size of some towns, so it’s not clear how much bigger plants can get — at least in non-desert countries — before they start having to build them over homes, fields, and household pets.

Thank to http://grist.org/list/india-flips-the-switch-on-worlds-largest-solar-power-plant/

Green Energy WA

Two-third of the UK public are in favour of wind power according to a new poll, published on the same day as a national anti-wind campaign launches in parliament.

Overall, 66% of Britons were in favour and just 8% against when asked: “to what extent are you in favour of or opposed to the use of wind power in the UK” in the Ipsos Mori poll, commissioned by wind trade body RenewableUK.

A spokesman said the poll was a direct response to the launch today of National Opposition to Windfarms (Now), that opposes the building of any wind turbines in the UK. “I hope Now will be instrumental in preventing the industrialisation of our best landscapes by campaigning in a united and organised fashion,” said Lord Carlile, who sits on Now’s steering and is sponsoring its launch.

Juliet Davenport, CEO and founder of renewable energy utility companyGood Energy, said of the results: “Despite all of the various claims and counter-claims, the simple fact is that onshore wind is a reliable, efficient and cost-effective way of generating electricity. With so much wind resource available in the UK, it’s an energy opportunity that cannot be overlooked. It’s great to see that public opinion recognises that in spite of the best efforts of some to claim otherwise.”

The poll findings follow a tumultuous few months for wind power, asleaders of turbine makers warned that doubts over the government’s commitment to wind was threatening billions of pounds of investment, and 101 Tory MPs wrote to the prime minister asking him to cut subsidies for onshore windfarms.

However, David Cameron responded by defending his support for wind power, writing: “I do believe that onshore wind energy plays a role in a balanced UK electricity mix alongside gas, nuclear, cleaner coal and other forms of renewable energy.”

Keith Allott, head of climate change at WWF UK, said that David Cameron should use a planned keynote speech next week to make clear the government’s commitment to renewable energy. “All technologies must be sensitively sited, but polls consistently show that people are far more concerned about nuclear and fossil fuel power stations – it is about time the media debate reflected that. It’s also a real shame that the government is giving out such mixed messages on renewables which are seriously impacting investor confidence. Today we heard the news that Doosan Power Systems are scrapping their UK investment plans, just weeks after General Electric said that their plans to invest in UK wind power were ‘on hold’ due to UK ministers’ dithering on reform to the energy market.”

Brought to you by Green Enenergy WA

With thanks to http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/apr/19/wind-power-poll-uk-public-favour

Solar panels can be a great help to sailors, keeping vital lights and appliances functioning, even when batteries run low or a generator malfunctions. They

Solar panels can be a great help to sailors, keeping vital lights and appliances functioning, even when batteries run low or a generator malfunctions. They are also a much quieter way of recharging batteries!

Learning how to install marine solar panels will be vital for the sailor who wants their advantages, but first he or she must learn which solar panels are best. Three types of solar cells are commonly used in solar panels, each with its own advantages. The sailor needs to learn these advantages and select the solar panels that are best for the need.

Types of Solar Panels

Solar panels must be kept from shading, as shaded cells draw energy for themselves from other cells.

1. Solar panels using monocrystalline cells have high conversion efficiency, and take up less space, but lack shade protection.

2. Solar panels using polycrystalline cells have even higher conversion efficiency, take up even less space, but still lack shade protection.

3. Solar panels using amorphous silicon cells have lower conversion efficiency, and take up more space, but do have shade protection. This can be especially important on a sailboat.

Marine solar panels are available in both hard and flexible types. Hard solar panels can be attached to the deck, while flexible solar panels might be attached to deck or canvas.

Size and Number of Solar Panels

Learning how to install marine solar panels will include calculations to determine what size and how many solar panels you will need. This information is readily available on the Internet by searching the question: “What size solar panel do I need” on your favorite search engine. The rule of thumb is to allow for 20% more solar panel power than you estimate you will need.

Placement of Solar Panels

Once you have determined the size and number of solar panels needed, you will be better able to determine where they will be placed. The best places depend on the boat’s configuration and size of the panels. Take your time and think it through. Read the instructions that came with your solar panels. You will want to avoid all violations of warranty terms.

The simple answer to how to install marine solar panels is: in the sun. Select locations that will get maximum sunlight without shaded spots.

In placing marine solar panels, consider the use of extra bars/braces to secure the panels. You obviously want them to remain stable.

How to Install Marine Solar Panels

Your marine solar panels should have clear instructions for installation. In addition to those, consider the following.

Most marine solar panel systems have three main components:

1. Solar panels to collect sunlight and produce a charge for you.

2. Charge controller to regulate the charge entering your battery and avoid overcharging it.

3. Batteries to store the energy your solar panels created.

Once marine solar panels have charged your batteries, you can use that energy to run most 12 volt DC appliances. These might include your safety lights, regular lighting, pumps, and fans, as well as small appliances. If you add an inverter, you can also run 120 volt AC appliances such as a microwave, radio, satellite dish, or radio. An inverter is a separate unit, not mentioned above, that transforms the current coming out of the battery into that required by most appliances.

First off, check to see that the system has a voltmeter. If it does not, purchase and install one. This will allow you to check the charge you are getting.

Affix your solar panels securely in place, and connect them per the instructions included in your kit. Use only tinned marine grade wire running from the panels to the batteries. If you are unsure of the wire you are considering, ask questions. Regular automotive wire may look similar, but in marine conditions, it will lose its ability to conduct electrical power.

If you are a keen gardener, you have probably come across solar water features. Below we look at some of the benefits of using them in your garden.

As the experts are shouting louder about environmental melt-down, the amount of solar products on the market over the last few years has significantly increased. This is not only good news for those of us who are determined to be greener within our everyday lives but also for those of us wanting a larger range of products in general. For the gardeners out there, the range of solar products for garden use just gets bigger and bigger. Below we take a closer look at some of the benefits of using solar water features.

There are plenty of different innovative solar water features on the market so what are they and why would you choose them?

Solar water features are usually placed in the garden and involve using the power of the sun to move the water within the feature. They are normally powered by a little pump which derives its energy directly from a photovoltaic cell which converts solar power into electricity. Differing water features which are suitable for solar power usage include, cascading waterfalls and fountains.

The benefits of using solar powered water features include:

An environmentally friendly way of enjoying garden water features

The constant relaxing sound of running water to be enjoyed throughout the sunny days when you are in your garden

Versatility in the number of different materials the feature can be made from, ranging from terracotta to metal

No mains electricity supply needed and so no strain put on electricity bill

An easy way to brighten up a corner of your garden, decking, terrace, balcony or patio

Many solar water features are self-contained which means that you recycle the same water over and over again

brought to you by – Green Energy WA

The most exact definition of Solar Energy is plainly “the energy from the sun”. It is a term used to classify the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and intercepted by the Earth. It is the world’s most permanent and reliable source of energy and the most copious.

The uses of solar energy on earth include solar heating for buildings, solar heat for manufacturing or industry and electricity production. So what is solar energy? How does it affect us?

Solar energy is responsible for weather systems and ocean currents. It provides light, heat, and energy to all living things on Earth. It has many uses. It supplies electricity; it can be used to power cars.

Solar energy is also used as a power for satellites in space and in space shuttles. It could also power boats, generators during emergencies, toys, and even security systems.

The amount of solar energy that the earth receives is about 770 trillion kilowatts (kW), an amount 5,000 times bigger than the sum of all other energy, may it be terrestrial nuclear energy, geothermal energy or gravitational energy.

There are two types of solar energy. These are:

1. Thermal Energy
2. Electric Energy

What is the difference between the two types energy?

Thermal energy is kinetic energy. It is everywhere. It makes the earth hot and even heats up our homes. It helps us to dry our clothes. It is used as well to heat up water for household use or even pools. That is why thermal energy is called the heat energy because it is stored in the centre of the earth as well.

Electric energy is widely known to us as the electricity. It is an essential part of nature and it is one of our most widely used forms of energy. This uses sunlight to power ordinary electrical equipment, such as household appliances, computers, and lighting.

Most applications of solar energy depend on systems including collectors, storage and controls. Storage is needed for a reason that solar energy is only available at daylight hours, but the demand for energy is needed both day and night. Controls are used to guarantee that the storage system works safely and efficiently.

The accessibility of solar energy is determined by three factors:

The location is usually measured by latitude, longitude and altitude.
The time.
The weather.

Aside from knowing that solar energy is a free energy still, you have to realise that it also has advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages are:

Solar energy is almost limitless; it will be available for as long as there are still humans in the earth.
It is abundant. You will not worry of running out of it.
It could provide more power than all known fossil fuel reserves.
Solar energy is available during the day when electricity usage is really important.
It is the most inexhaustible, renewable source of energy known to man.
Solar energy can be absorbed, reflected, transmitted, and insulated.
It can be collected and stored in batteries.

The disadvantages are:

It is not suitable in cloudy areas.
It is not available at night time.
And it may require large land areas.

As a reminder, solar energy levels are lesser the farther north the site. Considering geography, season is an important determinant of solar energy levels because the Sun’s position and the weather vary greatly from summer to winter.