APPLAUDING AUSTRALIA’S ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRESS
An article by the Sydney Morning Herald this week quotes opinion that “In as little as three years, installing solar panels, supported by energy storage systems into all new homes will become as commonplace as installing insulation, plumbing or fibre optic cabling.”
It’s a refreshing perspective and offers further proof that energy storage systems are the way of the future. However, SEC has some cautions to those considering the switch. While renewable building practices will bring remarkable change to both industrial and residential energy consumers it’s important to be cautious you’re getting the full picture.
The terms ‘solar power’ and ‘renewable energy’ have been buzzwords for some time. But the press has often glanced over vital market education points on the actual practicalities and total costs of going ‘off grid’.
EFFECTIVE ENERGY MANAGEMENT IS MORE THAN SOLAR
A simple but important takeaway for industrial and retail consumers who may have been wooed by the solar power trend of recent times, is that effective energy management requires more than just a way to generate power. The ability to store that power is key.
In the same vein, SEC advises clients from all markets to look beyond the purchase of straight solar systems and toward the acquisition of a complete energy system. To properly function off grid, an installation needs the following elements: A generation method, which can be from solar panels or other renewable sources. Batteries to store the energy once generated, and an inverter paired with the appropriate control systems and accessories, to manage, balance and deliver the loads.
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY
SEC applauds Australia’s early adaption of the integrated energy storage technology, but believes the trend is not just a Pacific one.
“We’re 100% behind with what some are calling the ‘energy storage revolution’ currently taking the globe by storm and we’re proud to be able to offer solutions to take your operation off grid.” – SEC CEO Heston Harper
Respecting bottom lines rather than ideals is an important consideration for clients who are moving towards integrated energy storage systems. But we’re pleased to report that technology and market forces have finally combined to make the delivery of off-grid energy, a financially viable and wise option.
The environmental benefits alone have been enough to drive many small and large scale consumers to switch to an energy storage system. But now energy management solutions are more readily available to deliver renewable power at below grid cost, the movement is booming.
A FUNDAMENTAL SHIFT IN ENERGY SUPPLY
By adapting change like this, end users of every sort, will find themselves fundamentally changing the status quo of the current energy supply system. It would not be hyperbole to say that the days of an exclusive energy supply from central power stations are numbered. Our ability to residentially and commercially produce, store and dispense our own energy will create a different type of grid. One that relies on many distributed systems to draw and supply power to the masses.
“The grid today is far and away the most complex and sophisticated invention on the 20th century. However, it is not necessarily the ideal solution for the 21st century. We have to reinvent the grid for the 21st century,”
This statement, made in the Sydney Morning Herald this week was particularly relevant to SEC, reflecting both our respect for the existing energy supply process, and our enthusiasm for the future potentials of energy storage and supply.