Solar Energy in Australia

Experts believe that while the growth in clean energy is evident Australia, farmers continue to deal with environmental and financial challenges. A technology company ABB is helping with the shift of revenue of Riverland farmers with installing of sustainable renewable energy plants.

In the rural areas, droughts have been consistent and crop costs have been minimal. Farmers continue to struggle.

Solar Energy Contribution

A potential solution was discovered by owner Mark Yates of Yates Electrical Services, in South Australia. He says that solar energy could be a big part to the sustainability of farming. He partnered with ABB to bring sustainable solar energy to the Riverland area and encourage the local economy. This could bring opportunities to grape and citrus growers.

The partnership is to catch the sun’s rays and create a network of installations in the area. “I was convinced that these redundant land parcels could be used economically with a solar plant to ensure constant energy harvest and profitability,” Yates said. “With solar, not only can farmers significantly reduce their own energy costs, but they can also sell surplus power back to the local energy retailer, taking advantage of the volatility of the wholesale energy market.”

The first solar farms were installed in the Riverland in 2016 using six 27 kW ABB TRIO inverters, found in an on-site containerised answer. It was then reconfigured to the ABB TRIO-50 inverters. The project’s first prototype site in Renmark went live in 2016. Based on data by AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator), Yates Electrical Services forecasted a 10% ROI yearly.

The first year resulted in a 14.75% ROI. The success of this inspired a renewable energy project called Redmud Green Energy. This involved making small-scale solar farms on empty, exhausted agricultural land parcels. The project strives to help farmers and increase the economy.“We wanted to offer land owners the opportunity to take advantage of South Australia’s volatile wholesale energy market,” said Yates.

“A project like this not only introduces an entirely new industry and commodity to our regional centre, but the scale of individual projects also means that we are able to source and employ technicians and supplies, which creates local jobs and strengthens our regional economy.”

Increasing Income Stream

At this time, 28 solar farms have been installed, with 34 additional sites pending development. The projects were with TRIO-50 three-phase string inverters. By selling renewable energy to the National Electricity Market (NEM), farmers now have a second income stream that creates a stronger economy. Yates Electrical then handed the power back to the farmers, who are diversifying to succeed.

One of the first customers for renewable energy was citrus and grape grower Sam Albanese. He substituted a block of under-producing vines with a renewable energy farm. It earned a 15% return on investment and cut his power bill by one-third. “Unlike vineyards, which require lots of care and attention, with the solar farm you don’t need to do anything but occasionally spray the weeds around it,” Albanese said.

“It makes good economic sense and it’s good for the environment, so it’s a win-win.” Move into the future with solar with the help of HahaSmart., Try our price checker tool and see how affordable solar really is. We can also help find qualified solar installers who can help save you money on the cost of going solar. Don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles, about going solar.

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