Welcome to May everyone! This week has shown that not only has solar power been the scapegoat for electricity price rises but it is actually helping to lower the wholesale cost of electricity for everyone, whether solar power has been installed or not. With Germany’s new subsidies starting on the 1st of May for solar energy storage systems, the world lies in wait to see if it will become a global movement as the feed-in tariffs did previous. Pictures have also surfaced of a three year old solar power installation that obviously was not completed correctly. Just a few small corners cut can cost a great deal.
Research out for the Centre of Policy Development (CPD) has shown that our million plus solar panel systems are saving between $300 and $670 million a year in wholesale electricity costs. These are savings for all electricity customers whether they have solar power or not, it is just up to the retailers to pass on the savings. In addition, solar power has reduced demand, made its owners more aware of how much power they consume as well as decreasing pressure on the grid at peak times. A win-win situation if you ask me! Click here to read the full article.
A report by IMS Research is predicting that the world will follow Germany’s lead in subsidising solar storage systems making the industry worth $19 billion by 2017. The industry, now only worth around $200 million, is forecast to grow by 100% each year until 2017 with global subsidies introduced. As with feed-in tariffs, it is predicted that the rapid increased uptake will spur on research and development that will help bring down costs to a more affordable and realistic price. Click here to read the full article.
Pictures have been sent to Clean Energy Now showing solar connectors and cabling that are falling apart on a solar power installation that is only three years old. With ultra-thin profit margins and a hugely competitive market, dodgy installers have been cutting corners wherever possible. Many people only think to look at the solar panels and inverters and forget about the smaller details such as connectors and cabling. Quality solar companies will not cut corners or use inferior products, whether it is the main components or part of the finer detail – quality is always key. Click here to read the full article.
Just a reminder for those who have their 44cent network agreements and have not yet installed…time is running out! Systems must be installed before June 30th in order to maintain the 44c feed-in tariff. Installation dates are running out the door so please get in soon in order to avoid disappointment.
Have a good weekend everyone!