Volatile oil prices combined with heightening concerns over global warming have paved way to the successful deployment of solar PV systems both in urban and remote areas in the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region.
Solar PV systems provide environment-friendly power generating solution for electrifying remote rural areas where it is neither technically nor economically feasible to extend grid coverage across vast territories.
Market trends indicate burgeoning demand for solar PV owing to strong governmental commitment to the promotion of solar energy and creation of sustainable cities, says Suchitra Sriram, Programme Manager of Frost & Sullivan.
Increasing commitment from the local government, solar PV systems for rural electrification projects are likely to be driven by active participation of non-governmental organisations and availability of funds from international financial agencies, and involvement of local communities, she adds.
Market drivers
ANZ solar PV systems market earned revenues of US$198.2 million in 2009 and is estimated to reach US$827.8m in 2016.
“Growing environmental consciousness and the urgent need to act against soaring carbon emission levels have forced governments to put forth policies and programmes that address this mounting challenge,” says Sriram.
As a result, the introduction of the solar cities programme, solar credits programme, solar flagships programmes and various other renewable energy programmes encompassing solar PV technologies have rapidly encouraged adoption as well as attracted new entrants into the lucrative ANZ region.
The topographical advantage of the region, especially Australia with its very high solar (direct sunlight) radiation, has also led to new growth opportunities in the solar thermal market.
The introduction of feed-in tariff is expected to be a big stimulant for on-grid solar PV system installations for both distributed and centralised solar power plants, says Sriram.
“State-wise solar PV targets too have led to increasing demand for solar PV systems. In many remote locations, solar PV systems are largely promoted along with diesel fired generator sets to satisfy on-site power needs of small communities.“
Market inhibitors
However, market penetration of solar PV systems has been challenged by the continued dominance of coal in the overall electricity mix. The ANZ region, especially Australia, is the world’s fourth largest producer of coal and has estimated reserves of 76 billion tonnes. In addition, well-developed and stable power infrastructure restricts the usage of solar PV systems in urban areas.
In several cases, says Sriram, adoption of expensive solar PV systems becomes only a secondary option as there are several other low-cost distributed power generation technologies that satisfy the on-site power requirements of the end users.
“Direct threat arises from the proven, low-cost and easily available diesel fired generator sets and wind power systems,” she adds.
Solar PV systems market growth will continue to rely on government support until the price reaches grid parity. This includes the government’s introduction of a uniform gross feed-in tariff scheme at a national level.
Growth momentum
Information dissemination from the concerned government agencies about the proposed projects, favourable locations for installation, existing approval processes, and technical guidelines needs to be readily available to prospective project developers and end users.
“In few Australian states and in New Zealand, aggressive measures need to be adopted to increase the overall awareness levels about the long-term benefits of solar PV power systems,” concludes Sriram.