the_eastwoods

When we visited Oz a couple of years ago on a recce trip, we were suprised that there wasn't more extensive use of solar panels.

Does anyone know any reasons for this - is it expensive / unreliable or just not something that the Aussies do. Are there systems available / grants or subsidies, is there a growing interest in it?

With the current focus on alternative energy sources it's somehting that we would very much like to do when we get there, but we'd like some initial information from anyone who might know anything.

Many thanks,

Sara & Paul

Centurion

http://www.energex.com.au/environmen...sidential.html

All is explained there. As debated earlier today the thought is that it would take up to 25 years to recover costs of a base level system but is clearly useful for outlying areas.

thebears

I still like the idea of being self sufficient, even if it is just enough to heat my shower and make me a nice cuppa

Personally very interested in collecting as much rainwater as possible and installing as much solar panelling my roof can take.

wmoore

Basically it's just too much up-front cost. If it was 25% cheaper it would probably be a goer.

tin

You have to presume (and hope) that costs will continue to drop - there's got to be a tipping point where economies of scale drive prices right down.... Hopefully by the time I build my house

Martyn

ozzieeagle

There is a cheap way of getting Solar hot water..... Thats with a whole heap of black plastic piping on ones roof connected to a circulating pump. I've seen it in action.... great for swimming pools etc. Like the previous posters have said, Solar power for electricty production proves to be an expensive option at present.

wmoore

You would hope so but solar power has been around a long time in it's current form already.

I've got a couple of panels on my motorhome but they're only meant to top up the batteries - they produce about 5W, which wouldn't actually power much on their own but will help me keep some juice in the batteries.

Teliko21

New houses have to be 5 star energy rated. For most builders this means you get a choice of solar powered hot water heating or water tanks added to your new build. We are getting solar panels on the roof and will be adding the tanks ourselves later anyway