Solar Power

Australia should be the leading consumer of solar power in the world. It is the perfect place to install solar power systems. The amount of solar energy that Australia receives in one day is the same amount the entire world gets in six months. Solar power technology has been developed that can power all of Australia.

Yet, the role of solar power remains secondary to other power sources. The fact is that less than one percent of all electricity in Australia is produced by solar power. The obstacle to more wide-spread use of solar power is cost. Solar panels are expensive. As a result, the cost per kilo Watt of energy is much higher than other power sources currently used.

Early this year, Australia's government positioned solar energy lower than coal and nuclear power in terms of options for Australia's optimal power source. Australia's government is interested in clean coal alternatives to the current product which promotes environmental harm and pollution. The intent is to produce clean coal to reduce the greenhouse effect caused by gas emissions.

This in no way means the Australian government does not support solar energy. In fact, the government issues rebates to individuals who use solar energy. The current rebate is up to $8,000 or $8.00/watt. This is a great rebate considering that in Australia you can install a 1 kilo Watt solar system for less than $6,000. The government has also allocated millions to solar power research and development.

As a result of government financial support, there is intensive research and development of solar power applications occurring throughout Australia. Many Australian renewable-energy projects are still in experimental stages. As with many alternative energy projects, solar power systems in Australia are pollution-free or low-emission.

In every respect, Australia is the ideal testing ground for solar power projects. One up and coming idea that is being carefully watched by many is the development of solar towers. Solar towers are possible in Australia because of the amount of sunlight and land available.

A solar tower is nothing more than a large greenhouse with a tall tower in its middle. The sun warms the greenhouse, causing hot air to move up the tower. This application has tremendous implications. One solar tower may be able to power nearly 100,000 homes without creating one particle of pollution.

Solar power is central to a long-term solution to the energy crisis. The problem is that solar costs significantly more than coal. This cost difference can be as high as six times the cost of coal. Australia is at the center of all things solar. The search for ways to lower the cost of solar is the focus for many renewable energy experts. The results of Australia's current research and experimental projects have world-wide implications.