Smaller Bigger Business

Businesses-level responses to rising power costs lead to a steady solar power industry in 2014, despite uncertain support from the Australian government and ever-rising import costs. Individuals and businesses alike are looking at a future where they are in complete control of their power usage and bill.

The number of large commercial-sized PV power systems (>10kW) currently account for some 15% of the solar market, opposed to less than 5% in 2012. The number of new systems installed in 2014 fell close to 10% to 182 000, from 200 000, as the average size of units increasing to accommodate commercial demands. Commercial systems work to offset grid power during typical office daylight hours, and drive down peak costs for businesses.

The growing industry has not been without struggles; with the Federal government working to cut the Renewable Energy Target, despite being blocked by the Senate, and the falling Australian dollar leading to an increase in necessary import costs.

However, industry innovation can only lead to even more increase in commercial uptake, especially as developments in energy storage create a drop in battery costs for consumers; with the CSIRO estimating that battery costs will halve between 2010 and 2030. These batteries will then allow larger PV installations to be installed, with excess energy stored for use in the morning or evenings. It may also lead to an increase of businesses running completely off-grid - and green.

EMC has already made significant steps toward this future, with our low-cost commercial scale lithium battery systems now competing with grid power. Contact us to see if your business could benefit from battery storage.

Image Reference: http://www.energywisegroup.com.au/images/11 panel tilt blue sky.JPG