How does buying solar panels and opting for 100 per cent green electricity from an accredited supplier compare - in terms of costs to the environment.
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Mark Diesendorf, author of the book Greenhouse Solutions with Sustainable Energy and an expert in the field of sustainable energy, says that it's similar to asking how long a piece of string is.
Green electricity can come from a range of different sources (such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass) depending on where you live.
He makes the very important point that the hefty price of solar systems may represent money better spent elsewhere. GreenPower prices vary, but are generally a few dollars extra per week.
Staff at the Melbourne-based green store and consultancy Going Solar say that, in their experience, the average customer spend on photovoltaic systems is around the $20,000 mark.
Diesendorf suggests that homeowners could instead use some of this money to improve their house's energy efficiency, for example by excluding drafts and improving insulation.
I'd also suggest having a look at the efficiency of your lighting and, with summer coming soon, how well you windows will be shaded to keep heat out. And keep buying GreenPower, of course.
Going off the grid also requires a battery, with its own environmental cost, to store the electricity.
Solar panels are definitely on my eco-wish list, but personally, if I could I'd stay on the grid and use the cash for other technologies and lifestyle changes first.
Either way, GreenPower or solar panels, you're doing something great for the planet.
Comments
Whilst I agree in principal with the author I feel I need to make a point.Yes the real economy needs to be reviewed by the prospective purchasers of "Grid Connections". However, prior to encouraging these potential green customers about reviewing the reduction of drafts etc in their homes, I feel it is more important these people need to ascertain their daily KWH consumption and look at where they can reduce their consumption.
It is totally counter productive to hook into a Grid system if the usage is only going to continue at the higher end of the scale with their KWH daily usage.
I personally live on a Stand Alone Solar (SPS) system. Whilst I have a very large system my daily usuage is only approx 10 (ten) KWH per day.
We are all inundated by every media source possible about "Green". However, how many people really understand what their own usuage is and how to address this issue.
More education for the public would I believe, be far more productive and have people understanding what energy consumption they are really using.
I also feel the author was not clear in explaining the "peak " daily power production period.
Most people I have discussed this with thinks the sun produces the same amount of energy all day long,whilst ever the sun is shining. Maybe an article would be pertinent advising readers of the peak and fall of sun power and the fact that AM-MIDDAY-PM of the day causes variances in the energy production of their panels.
As well I feel people are not educated in a fair manner, being left to think that by installing some panels on their roof they will reduce their electricity account from their provider.
Maybe the expert author would consider sharing with the readers the fact of bi-directional meters and the nett effect of power input versus consumption giving a clear and accurate picture of the realities of connecting to the grid.