Renewable energy systems use sources like solar, wind and hydro (water) to generate power.
Your choice of sustainable power depends on where you live in Australia. If you live in the country, you will often have more choice as cities don't have the right conditions for wind or hydro power.
The most common renewable energy systems used for Australian homes are solar power systems and wind turbines. With both of these options, you can still be connected to the main electricity grid for mains power as you need it; or to batteries to store your own power. You might even be able to sell your excess energy to your electricity provider.
What is green power?
Green power is electricity generated from renewable sources like wind, solar, hydro (water) and even decomposing organic waste material. Over 800,000 homes in Australia are already buying green power and that number is growing.
Switching to green power commits your energy retailer to sourcing some or all of your energy from renewable sources. Most retailers will offer you the choice of how much of your power is ‘green’. Green power is just as reliable as traditional electricity generated from burning coal and helps to significantly reduce the impact on the environment. There's no need to change your current electricity provider and no need for any special equipment.
See Switch to greener energy for a step-by-step guide.
The Australian government regulates green power providers and maintains a list of Accredited GreenPower Products. These accredited products use the GreenPower label.
What is solar power?
Solar power means converting sunlight into electricity via photovoltaic (PV) panels, also known as solar panels.
Solar panels are a growing trend among Australian home owners, with over 20,000 new residential solar panels installed throughout Australia during 2009. They are the ideal choice for city or major urban areas as they don't make a noise, have no moving parts and are usually installed out of the way up on your roof.
Solar panels require a significant upfront cost but, once installed, require little maintenance, can be expected to last 20 years or more, and the electricity they generate is free and clean. Any excess electricity can be fed back into the mains power grid or into a storage system like a battery bank.
Rebates and assistance are available to help with the cost of installing solar power. Renewable power incentives in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), including Solar Credits, can save thousands on the cost of a new system.
What are wind turbines?
Wind turbines or generators use the wind to turn a propeller or similar mechanism which drives a generator and produces electricity.
Wind turbines are usually installed on a tower - this may not be practical in city or major urban areas. Larger wind generators are well suited to non-urban areas. Most wind turbines make some noise when they're turning but new developments in wind turbine technology are making them quieter.
Wind turbines are usually part of a stand-alone power system where they charge a battery bank. Depending on where you live, you can connect some systems to the mains power grid to feed-in excess electricity.
Rebates and assistance are available to help with the cost of installing wind turbines. Renewable power incentives in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), including Solar Credits, can save thousands on the cost of a new system.
What is the difference between a gross feed-in tariff and a net feed-in tariff?
Under a gross feed-in tariff, your electricity provider pays you for all the energy you generate from a renewable source and feed back into the electricity grid. Your own electricity usage is metered separately and you are charged for this by your electricity supplier. You may be paid at one rate for energy produced, and charged at a different rate for energy consumed.
Under a net feed-in tariff, your electricity supplier pays you only for the surplus energy you produce from a renewable source that is in excess of your own requirements and is returned to the electricity grid.
Different states have different tariffs (rates). You will need to check which type of tariff your state uses.
If you don’t connect to the mains power grid, you may need storage batteries or a generator to give you a constant supply of electricity when you need it.
Information on feed-in tariffs for your state or territory can be accessed via ‘Further information’ below.
What are carbon offsets, carbon neutral and abatement schemes?
Some community groups and businesses offer schemes that plant trees or do other energy-saving projects to offset (or make up for) greenhouse gas emissions. Products and services that have offset the pollution from making goods or delivering services are called ‘carbon neutral’.
You can offset greenhouse gas emissions such as those generated by driving your car, air travel or running major events by choosing providers of carbon neutral services or products.
See NCOS Carbon Neutral Program products and services for a list certified companies and abatement activities.
