Solar Energy and Storage
Integration of solar energy and storage into enterprise operations can have several advantages including reducing or stabilising energy costs, avoiding dependence on the National grid, or diversifying income.
On farm solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies can be installed on roof-tops or ground mounted, used in hybrid power generation, and integrated for use with operations such as irrigation. Small free-standing micro-grids accompanied by battery storage can provide renewable energy supply in remote areas. Integrating solar-PV onto land used for cropping or livestock production, can bring benefits to the local micro-environment such as improving shade/shelter for livestock.
The cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is dependent on system size, mounting system and connection to the network. Energy output depends on seasonal sunshine, panel orientation and angle. Light tracking systems can be used to optimise solar capture and increase output.
Improving solar energy and storage capacity on-farm can align well with broader enterprise changes towards energy efficiency, fleet electrification, automation, and/or use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Transitioning to renewable energy often has a significant initial investment cost, where careful planning and consideration of site suitability, technology flexibility and scalability, and battery life and efficiencies are required to ensure long-term viability and success.
Under the CEFC Towards Net Zero Agriculture Strategy, if accessing a CEFC co-financiers loan program, you will need to confirm eligibility for an Solar Energy and Storage FERP.
Primary emissions benefit:
- Avoided emissions through replacement of fossil fuels.
Co-benefits:
- Reduced energy costs and grid independence
- Enterprise diversification
- Shade and shelter for livestock
Potential barriers:
- High initial investment costs
- Time investment to establish infrastructure
- Ongoing maintenance and management
- Technology failure
Considerations:
- Site and technology suitability
- Current energy use and dependency
- Integration with broader land use
- Regulatory and policy frameworks
Implementation
Successful implementation of solar energy and storage requires careful planning of energy demands and technology options to suit your needs.
Development of a Solar Energy & Storage FERP should consider the following implementation steps:
- Understand your energy needs: Conduct an energy audit to determine current patterns of energy consumption specific to your enterprise operations.
- Site selection: Consider available sites, their solar energy potential (e.g. sunlight, aspect), and the land area required to meet your goals.
- Design and planning: Seek advice in designing the type and capacity of energy storage system, how it will integrate with existing energy infrastructure, and land access considerations. Estimate the costs associated with solar infra-structure, suitable re-chargeable battery storage, and time to return on investment.
- Purchasing and installation: Ensure that the solar infrastructure meets Australian Standards, that rechargeable storage is renewable compatible, and is approved by the Clean Energy Council’s Battery Assurance Program. Ensure quality assurance and compliance with safety standards and regulations at time of commissioning.
- Monitoring and maintenance: Monitor energy production, storage, and usage to understand and optimise system performance. Implement an appropriate maintenance and servicing schedule.
The magnitude of benefit depends on enterprise size and composition, energy demands, technology type and integrations.
Activities:
- Solar PV technologies (ground mounted or root-top) that meet Australian Standards and/or purchased from a Clean Energy Approved Solar Retailer.
- Rechargeable storage batteries compatible with renewable source and approved by the Clean Energy Council’s Battery Assurance Program, and installed behind the meter
Monitoring:
- Proof of eligible purchases (invoices)
- Enterprise emissions baseline reporting
Supporting services
Installation services that demonstrate one of the following:
- Accredited Clean Energy Council Installer
- Eligibility for a Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC)
- Eligibility for a Large-scale Generation Certificate (LGC)
Stacking compatibility:
- Electrification of farm equipment and vehicles