The upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Paris in November is a big deal.

The conference may very well set the course for the reversal of our planet’s current climate problems, or worryingly, it could lead to our world’s continued decline.

Starting on November 30 and ending December 11, the Conference will attract high-level representatives from more than 190 nations in hopes that a new global agreement on climate change, including targets to reduce greenhouse gases, will be reached.

Why is Paris especially important?

Nations coming together to discuss environmental issues isn’t a new concept – but historically, global agreements on emissions targets have not been fruitful.

Back in 1992, governments met in Rio De Janeiro and formed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This agreement never defined what actions government should actually take to combat climate change and debate continued on for years afterwards, especially surrounding the responsibility of first-world countries versus developing nations.

Eventually in 1997 the Kyoto protocol was established, a pact that required worldwide cuts in emissions of about 5%, compared with 1990 levels, by 2012. The agreement excluded heavy-polluting countries such countries, including China, South Korea and Mexico and was never legally binding because countries representing 55% of global emissions needed to ratify it (and didn’t).

That was until 2004 (thanks to Russia, surprisingly) and the protocol finally came into force. It wasn’t until several years later in 2009 however, when an agreement was finally reached by developed and major developing countries alike to set limits on their greenhouse gas emissions. Almost 20 years in the making, this was a landmark event, but a comprehensive and legally-binding treaty was still missing.

The Paris Climate Change Conference is so important because (it’s hoped) new and worthwhile targets post-2020 will be reached and legally locked in.

What’s at stake?

The world’s global temperature is increasing. According to scientists it’s approaching ‘the point of no return’, that is, past the threshold where global warming damage becomes irreversible. According to a detailed article from The Guardian, ‘that threshold is estimated as a temperature rise of 2C above pre-industrial levels, and on current emissions trajectories we are heading for a rise of about 5C.’

If that becomes the case, we should expect rising sea levels, melting polar ice, droughts, floods and increasingly extreme weather to become the norm.

Where does Australia fit?

The current Government’s attitude towards climate change could be described as ‘complacent’ at best.

Here at Solargain, we think that all countries no matter their size or relative pollution levels should contribute as much as possible to reducing carbon dioxide, as well as conduct regular reviews of best practice.

Greens environment spokeswoman Larissa Waters has slammed Australia’s Paris targets (19 per cent emissions cut on 2000 levels by 2030) and says Australia is simply not doing enough.

‘The Turnbull government's Paris targets are so bad that they not only isolate Australia from the trade and job opportunities of the clean energy future but they could have a wrecking effect on global ambition at these pivotal talks’ Senator Waters said.

‘Direct Action is a complete sham and a fig leaf to cover up the fact we are doing next to nothing.’

You can do your part for cutting emissions by installing solar power and solar hot water on your home. Visit our website to learn more.

For updates on the progress of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change conference find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Solar power has undoubtedly developed in leaps and bounds from nothing more than a futuristic sci-fi concept, to not only a viable energy source, but Australia’s preferred energy source.

As we enter an important new era in solar power’s history, it’s more important than ever to remember just how far solar power has come.

Our timeline below highlights some of the most momentous achievements in the history of solar power, right back to the discovery of the photovoltaic effect in 1839.

1839 - Discovery of the Solar Photovoltaic Effect

In 1839, a French physicist named Edmond Becquerel, only 19 years old at the time, discovered that there is a creation of voltage when a material is exposed to light. Little did he know that his discovery would lay the foundation for solar power.

1883 – The First 1% Efficient Solar Cell is Created

By 1883 (and as far back as 700 BC), humans knew that sunlight could be harnessed as an energy source. But how could we capture that energy?

Finally, American inventor Charles Fritts came up with a simple design using selenium on a thin layer of gold to form a device producing a modest, but nonetheless ground-breaking, 1 per cent efficiency.

1954 – The Birth of Photovoltaics

1920 - Solar Hot Water Becomes a Reality

A technological breakthrough utilising ‘flat-plate collectors’ makes solar hot water viable in southern parts of the United States including Florida and California.

1955 – Solar Cells Sold Commercially

A company called Hoffman Electrics produces solar cells at 10 per cent efficiency and sells them commercially at $25 per cell. At this price, a modern solar system would cost over 4 million dollars!

1985 – New Solar Efficiency Record

By 1985, so many incredible things were already being powered by solar energy, including cars (1955), communications satellites (1962), a spacecraft (1967) and commercial buildings (1974).

It was also at this time that a University in New South Wales set a new solar efficiency record of 20 per cent.

2001 – Australia Introduces a Renewable Energy Target

It was now clear that solar power was Australia’s optimal energy source for the future. Roofs around the country started housing solar power systems as the market opened up with feed-in tariffs as high as 60c/kWh.

2015 – The Age of Solar Power

The solar power industry in Australia undergoes rapid growth during this period. As the cost of fossil fuels continues to rise, solar energy drops to record lows, as does the cost of rooftop installation.

Almost every gizmo, gadget and environment is capable of harnessing the power of the sun’s unlimited resources, from luxury cars, to aeroplanes and, in some cases, entire states and countries!

In 2015, solar power’s future is brighter than ever. And while it’s clear that so much has already been achieved, we know that solar’s greatest achievements are still yet to come.

Australia Still Prefers Solar Energy!

Australians want more solar energy, less coal and the vast majority think global warming should be taken more seriously – these are the most significant findings from The Climate Institute’s annual Climate of the Nation Review.

Each year for almost a decade, The Climate Institute has produced the Climate of the Nation Review. It surveys more than 1000 respondents to determine the country’s mood in regards to climate change and our attitude towards energy production.

According to The Climate Institute Chief Executive John Connor, this year’s results demonstrate an increasing concern about the damaging effects of climate change, as well as an almost unanimous push towards renewable energy sources.

‘The government and the opposition have an opportunity to join mainstream Australian attitudes with climate commitments and policies, which can limit carbon pollution, encourage renewable energy and clean up our energy system,’ he said in a statement.

Takeaways from the 2015 report:

• Solar was the most preferred energy source for Australia: when presented with eight sources to choose from, 84 per cent of respondents placed solar energy within their top three preferred options. This is up two points from last year.
• Women are solar energy’s strongest supporters, with 86 per cent ranking it as their top choice compared to 81 per cent of men.
• 63 per cent of people thought the issue of climate change should be given more weight, a six per cent rise since last year.
• Generation Y was most in favour, with 70 per cent of those between 18-34 believing more needs to be done to prevent climate change.

In a year which has seen renewable energy targets wound back, and attacks on wind power from the Prime Minister, support for both solar and wind in Australia’s preferred energy mix has grown – a powerful and greatly influencing response.

Further, the report has found that 71 per cent (up one point) think that that tackling climate change creates new opportunities in renewable energy.

Now it’s over to Government to develop policy that better reflects the public’s views on renewable energy.

In turn, stronger policy in the favour of renewables allows investors to inject money into the industry with greater confidence, resulting in solar energy solutions that are not only more powerful and efficient, but more accessible for homeowners all around Australia.

The people have spoken – are you ready to join them?

Get in touch with one of our solar energy specialists to discover how making your own clean solar energy daily could slash your energy bills for good.

Contributing less to pollution and more to sustainability are great reasons to buy a solar energy system.

And let’s face it, seeing a return on your investment is a pretty nice incentive too. But how quickly can solar panels pay themselves off and how do you work it out?

Let’s find out.

To calculate your return on investment, there’s four main things your need to know:

1. The cost of energy
2. How much energy your prospective solar power system produces
3. The cost of your system
4. How much solar energy you produce will be consumed by your home – or more specifically, how much you will be sending to the grid

Now, let’s assume that you intend to purchase a standard 3 kW system – it produces an average of 13.5 kWh of electricity each day.

We’ll also keep in mind that energy currently costs around 26 cents per kW.

Now that we know the essentials, let’s calculate your ROI using one of the following methods:

“My Home Will Consume All of The Energy We Make”

Take a look at your last few energy bills. If it looks like you’ll be using all of the 13.5 kW hours that your solar power system produces, here’s how you would calculate your savings:

“My Home Will Be Sending Energy To The Grid”

Most homes return a portion of the power their system produces to the grid. When this happens, your energy retailer will give you a credit of around 7 cents per kWh. If it looks like your home will be using less than the 13.5 kW hours your system produces, here’s how you would calculate your savings (assuming you’ll be consuming 70% of the solar energy):

The figures above are based on current pricing in Western Australia. For figures specific to your location, check out our energy savings calculator. You should also note that determining how much power you’ll return to the grid can be tricky, which is why it’s important to talk to a solar professional.

In any case though, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a home improvement investment that pays itself off, let alone in as quick a period, as solar power.

Despite this comparatively fast pay-back period, many would-be solar owners are put off by the initial purchase price of a system.

In a recent blog, we highlighted Solargain’s excellent interest free finance options, making it possible to enjoy the benefits of solar panels now, without paying the full price of the system upfront. You simply pay your system off in installments with the help of the electricity savings you make each month.

If you’d like more information about the real in-pocket savings you can make by switching to solar, get in touch with our friendly specialists today.

Australia’s energy sector is undergoing a revolution.

For too long, fossil fuels have been the heavy hitters of energy production. Thankfully (and not a second too soon), team renewables has entered the fray with solar power as a key weapon.

Importantly, the revolution has been consumer-driven. And with technology very much in tune with the energy-saving desires of the people, solar power is flourishing in Australia, even despite the recent tumultuousness caused by Tony Abbott slashing the Renewable Energy Target.

Most homeowners today have the power of choice – that is, the choice of where the energy they use comes from. But what exactly is motivating almost one in six Aussie homeowners to make the switch to solar?

Solar Power Simply Makes Sense

An unprecedented spike in power prices has led to an equally unprecedented boom in the sales of solar power systems.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that from 2007 to 2012 the cost of electricity, gas and other household fuels had grown steeply nationwide. The most significant increase in the retail energy price was in Melbourne, where it rose 84 percent.

Meanwhile, the average solar system now costs less than a third of what it did back in 2007.

Better still, it seems that costs will continue to drop. Canadian Solar, one of the world’s biggest solar PV manufacturers recently delivered a detailed update of its outlook, including some exciting forecasts on the future of solar PV costs.

They predict that the cost of solar PV modules will likely fall 25 per cent in the next three years, from US47c/watt at the end of 2014, to US36c/watt at the end of 2017.

Falling solar power costs, alongside more flexible repayment options available to consumers (including Solargain’s interest-free plan) will help to tackle what is currently one of the main reasons for non-installation; up-front costs.

Then there’s the well-documented, real, in-pocket savings that can be made by generating your own solar energy – see our energy savings calculator to see just how much your home could be saving each month and refer to the graphic below (approximate savings)

A new report by PRD Nationwide has also highlighted another significant benefit – solar panels can increase the value of a house by 27 per cent and a unit by 29 per cent.

According to the study, in some cases house values increased by more than $90,000 and units by $109,000 after solar panels were installed.

While solar is booming, its future prospects look even better. Solar energy is getting cheaper by the day, and some studies are even predicting that in five years solar panels will be capable of producing enough energy in six months to pay back all the energy used in manufacturing (meaning that after six months the panels will be a net source of energy).

So, is now the time to install solar power?

You bet it is.

If you’re interested in taking charge and generating your own power, get in touch with one of our specialists today.

How An American Start-up Plans to Supply Solar Power to Those Without Panels

For a small amount of people, solar panels just aren’t a viable option.

They might be renting in a high rise. Or perhaps they live in an area where their roof is completely covered by shade. And while they would love to be creating their own clean, renewable solar energy each day, their living situation means that it’s not an option.

But what if they could share solar energy with the panel-fitted home across the street?

That’s exactly the idea American start up Yeloha have come up with. They’re looking to share the sun’s energy with those who want to use it, but for whatever reason can’t.

Here’s How it Works:

The system involves two parties – a sun host and a sun partner.

Sun hosts are homes or buildings ideally situated in sun-soaked areas conducive with solar PV. By signing up to be a host, the ‘sun host’ will receive free solar panels including installation and a portion of the solar energy generated by the panels (about 25 per cent).

Sun hosts will remain with their existing utility company, while receiving lower bills because of the energy they’re savings each month.

By connecting with a sun host in their area, sun partners can finally have access to cleaner, cheaper energy produced from their host’s rooftop PV.

In essence, it’s a win-win situation for both parties.

‘We are great believers in this peer-to-peer concept, which I think is pretty unique,’ Yeloha CEO and co-founder Amit Rosner said.

‘We really think solar should be produced where it’s consumed.’

Sun partners (or consumers) are required to sign up for a contract to buy the solar power from a Yeloha installation, which entitles them to net metering credits.

Rosner says a typical agreement will last for three years, with an initial payment of ‘less than $200’. The Boston start-up says that the system could reduce a consumer power bill by an average of 15 per cent.

A test period earlier this year saw ‘several thousands’ of people in Massachusetts register their interest in the program, Rosner said. Yeloha has already completed one solar panel installation, with its output paid for by 10 consumers before it was built. Another 10 or so roofs are in the process of getting panels installed.

While it’s only in its infancy, if Yeloha is able to supply solar power to those who can’t have it installed, it will succeed in bringing the benefits of solar energy to more people – a great outcome for the consumer and industry alike.

Finally… a deal over Australia’s renewable energy target has been reached.

Nearly two years after the Abbott Government first decided they wanted to reduce the RET, a bipartisan target has been agreed upon.

The renewable energy industry can now move forward with more clarity, certainty and confidence. While many renewable energy companies will agree that so much more can still be done to ensure a successful, sustainable future, a definitive RET provides a more helpful vision of the playing field for businesses and investors alike.

The New RET

After the 2013 election and RET review that soon followed (conducted by well-known climate sceptic, Dick Warburton), the Government originally proposed cutting the target to 26,000 gigawatt hours (from 41,000).

Meanwhile, Labor said that they would not go below a figure of 35,000 gigawatt hours.

A long-running debate ensued, with a deal finally written in stone during recent talks in Melbourne.

Here are the key takeaways from the agreement:

• Australia’s new RET by 2020 will be 33,000 gigawatt hours
• The Government has agreed to scrap regular reviews of the scheme
• Trade-exposed industries are fully exempt from the target

It’s important to note that the very first bipartisan RET was 41,000 gigawatt hours.

So, while the 33,000 figure is considerably higher than the Abbott Government’s proposed 26,000 gigawatt hours, it’s had a hefty chunk taken out of it in comparison with the initial target.

As part of the agreement, the Government has abandoned a proposal to review the target every two years after opposition from the clean energy sector threatened a deal with Labor.

Instead, the Clean Energy Regulator will publish an annual statement showing progress towards the target and any impact on electricity prices.

What does this mean going forward?

While overseas investment in renewables has risen to all-time highs, investment in Australia has stalled.

This new bipartisan deal will hopefully clear the way for influential investment and interest back into Australia’s clean energy industry.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the deal would unlock up to $10 billion worth of investment, mainly in wind farms and large-scale solar projects.

‘Australia’s potential in renewable energy is massive,’ he said.

‘It’s been a challenging period with all the uncertainty, but with that coming to a close there’s a massive opportunity for Australia.’

The new RET also means that more than 23 per cent of Australia’s power will come from renewable sources in five years, providing some surety for the some 20,000 Australians working in the industry.

Solargain has met this latest news with careful optimism.

Though the solidified target will ensure greater opportunities within the renewable energy sector, ultimately more needs to be done to help Australia keep up with the rest of the world in clean energy stakes.

For now though, this is a (much needed) step in the right direction.

Solargain

Solar Batteries May Allow Households To Reap Profits from Surplus Energy

The feed-in tariff from excess power generated by solar panels is one of the great incentives for potential solar energy customers.

While solar panel owners are rightly rewarded for the extra energy they send back to the grid, they have little to no control in determining the price of that energy, nor when they decide to share it.

Imagine if you, as a solar owner, were able to pull all the strings – to store surplus solar energy in your own device and to sell it at a profit when demand is high.

Your home would be a practical energy generator, putting you in control of the distribution process while scoring you a pretty penny for your power in the process.

Well, that’s no pie in the sky prospect.

Recently, US electric car company Tesla announced its movement into the home battery storage market, offering re-chargeable lithium-ion battery packs that can store electricity generated from solar panels for later use when the sun isn’t shining.

That same technology will be taken a step further with some help from Australian start-up, Reposit Power. By integrating Reposit’s GridCredits technology, the duo aim to create a new breed of battery that turns households into electricity generators.

Owners would be able to access prices in the wholesale electricity market that can reach as high as $13 per Kilowatt-hour, 200 times the normal feed-in tariff they would expect to receive for the energy the would currently send back to the grid.

Consumers could buy power from the grid when it’s at its cheapest, consume their own solar power throughout the day, and sell back to the markets when prices spike, making a significant dent into (and in some cases potentially eliminating) power bills.

Storage systems could also benefit retailers by helping to modify demand and avoid the need for peaking power stations.

The technology is yet to hit shelves – we’ll be sure to provide you with more information as it becomes available.

Meanwhile, Solargain is now rolling out its own range of hybrid inverters compatible with battery storage.

Normally, solar power systems require additional accessories retrofitted in order to make them storage compatible. Our new range of hybrid inverters are storage ready, meaning you’re able to install storage batteries right away. By combining energy storage capabilities with your solar panels, you can take energy bill savings to the next level – store energy when it’s at its cheapest (during the day) and use it when it’s at its most expensive (at night)!

To find out how hybrid inverters can save your household money, contact Solargain to chat with one of our solar energy specialists.

In case you missed it, two Swiss pilots took off last month on an around the globe voyage in Solar Impulse 2 – a plane fuelled by nothing other than clean, renewable solar energy.

The momentous journey is a world first, and despite some inclement weather conditions, the team is on track for a successful result.

The sixth leg of the flight is now complete, with Solar Impulse 2 taking a well-earned rest stop in China where it will go through servicing for the next 10 days before preparing for a daunting five-day crossing of the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii.

‘The more I fly, the more energy I have in the batteries,’ Bertrand Piccard​ told Fairfax Media once grounded.

‘The sun is enough to make this fly forever – you never need to refuel, so it's a fantastic feeling.’

Piccard had to complete the sixth leg solo, as co-pilot Andre Borscheberg temporarily headed back to Switzerland for medical check-ups after reporting migraine complaints.

The next leg of the journey over the Pacific, along with the five-day crossing of the Atlantic, is the most difficult leg of the journey. As the plane will fly non-stop, conditions must be absolutely perfect.

But this is what the pilots have trained for, and they’re both ready to meet the challenges that face them head on.

‘Andre uses techniques of yoga, I use the technique of self-hypnosis,’ Piccard said,

‘We trained in a flight simulator and it works very well.’

Support crews are on hand at each stop with a mobile hangar to protect the plane and its 17,248 solar cells that power four 17.4 horse-power propeller engines. In calm conditions, Solar Impulse 2 can fly at 128kms an hour – all with nothing but the energy produced from the sun.

‘The goal is to demonstrate what can be done – what incredible things can be done – with renewable energy and clean technologies,’ Piccard said. ‘This is what drives us.’

The global journey is planned to just over five months, starting and finishing in the sun-scorched deserts of Abu Dhabi.

Stay tuned for more updates on Solar Impulse 2 as the Swiss duo inch closer towards a historic finish.

With so many fantastic benefits, it’s little wonder that solar panels are so commonly seen on rooftops across Australia.

They can lower your power bills, reduce your environmental impact, harness Australia’s sunny conditions and add value to your home.

But when it comes to choosing a solar power system, what’s best for you?

Firstly, let’s look at the three main components that will make up your system – solar panels, solar inverters and the mounting system.

Solar Panels

The three most popular solar panels in Australia are Polycrystalline/Multicrystalline, Monocrystalline and Quasi-Monocrystalline.

While choosing the right solar panel type has importance, the quality and reliability of the manufacturer is, and will always be, the most important consideration.

Manufacturers are categorised into three tiers. When choosing solar panels, we always recommend choosing Tier 1 or 2 manufacturers.

Solar Inverters

Solar inverters are the engine room of your solar energy system. The most important things to look for here are:

Efficiency – don’t accept an efficiency rating of less than 95%. Keep an eye out for unrealistic claims from manufacturers and instead try to find independent testing when comparing models.

Brand – just like panels, ‘brandless’ inverters are out there and usually offer poor quality. Stick to brands with a proven reputation like SMA, Fronius and Growatt.

Warranty – solar energy systems are a long term investment. Make sure your preferred inverter is locally supported (there are offices representing the brand in Australian), and don’t accept a warranty of less than five years.

Mounting Systems

Mounting systems hold and protect your solar panels over a long period, so it’s essential you look for a strong and robust system that will go the distance. Ensure your mounting system is Australian-certified and protected by a competitive warranty.

Which System Is Best For You?

Now that you know which components to look out for, the next step in choosing solar panels is determining the size and output of your system. Here are three questions that you should consider when making your choice.

How much energy do you need?

Consider your current energy requirements, the size of your house, future energy needs and exactly how much energy you want to be saving every day.

Try our handy Solar Energy Calculator for a clearer picture of your energy needs.

What’s your budget?

Setting a budget is important, but it’s more important to understand what your solar power system will deliver once it’s installed. In most cases, paying a little more for a larger or better quality system will offer greater long-term financial benefits.

Solar power finance options are also available to give you flexibility and comfort with repayments.

How much roof space do you have?

While larger roofs provide greater flexibility when installing a system, don’t worry if yours is too small – we can offer a variety of installation methods to help you get the most out of your roof space.

We hope this quick guide has got you on the right track for choosing the right solar power system.

For more information, contact Solargain and we will happily answer your questions.

You might also be interested in seeing the 10 questions you should ask before you buy solar.

Speak you soon,

Solargain