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This solar photovoltaics facility in Arnstein, Germany is the largest tracking solar facility in the world, operating 1500 horizontal and vertical solar "movers". Each "mover" can be brought as a private investment.
Enlarge imageWhat is it?
Solar energy systems convert the energy from sunlight into electricity. Solar energy can be used to power homes and commercial buildings just like conventional electricity from the grid. It's a commercially proven and viable renewable energy technology.
How powerful is it?
Enough sunlight hits the earth every hour to supply the world with solar energy for a year.
With our abundant sunshine, Australia has the potential to harness more solar energy than almost any other country in the world. Solar energy is a resource we can rely on forever. It's clean, safe and it's here to stay.
Greenpeace and industry research shows that with government support the solar industry could supply electricity to over 2 billion people globally in the next 20 years. By 2040, solar power could supply nearly 25% of global electricity demand.
How does it work?
Solar energy systems are silent, effective and comparatively non-polluting, so they are great for urban areas. They come in many shapes and sizes, from small household systems to large, grid-connected solar powered suburbs.
Solar energy can be harnessed in two ways:
Solar thermal collectors, which produce hot water and warm air for homes and industrial applications.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) power, which generates electricity directly from sunlight.
A solar power system converts the energy from sunlight into direct current (dc) electricity. It then converts this direct current to alternating current (ac) to make it compatible with grid electricity.
Problems
Installing a solar power system is very expensive in the short term. However, in the long term you save thousands on heating and electricity bills - and you reduce your contribution to climate change.
If you're connected to the grid, the electricity supplier can buy excess electricity you generate and feed it back into the grid. This way you make a financial return on your solar investment.
Solar energy in Australia
Solar technology is already a part of many Australians' lives and more are converting to solar energy every day.
Go to the website of the NSW Sustainable Energy Development Authority to read case studies of New South Wales homes using solar power.
