In the past, solar power generation has been largely limited to niche applications (space satellite, telephone repeater stations and remote homesteads) and applications by dedicated enthusiasts, but the technology is now increasingly being adopted by mainstream grid-connected households and businesses. As solar power gains wider application and costs are reduced, will the technology reach the stage where it can compete head-to-head with grid electricity from coal and gas-fired power stations?
Russ Holmes and Rob Farago will discuss their vision for solar energy to reach Grid Parity in Australia. Russ and Rob are co-founders of the company Local Power, which has supplied 250 residential photovoltaic power systems, with over 350 kilowatts capacity, to Brisbane households. They are convinced that leaders of the PV industry realise that the industry cannot rely indefinitely on government subsidies or rebates, mandatory renewable targets and feed-in-tariffs. They envisage that the cost of electricity generated over the life of a PV system will be less than the retail cost of electricity from the grid. This, they will argue, could be achieved as soon as 2012 in many markets, based on price trends in PV panels, the supply chain, and the cost of grid electricity.
When: Tuesday 11th August 2009
5.15 for 5.30 pm Committee Meeting
6.00 pm Presentation
The meeting is expected to conclude at 7.00 pm.
Where: Queensland University of Technology, O Block, Ground floor, Room 303A
For map, see: http://www.qut.edu.au/about/location/pdf/gardenspoint_map_colour.pdf
Public QUT is a 10-15 minute walk from the King George Square, Queen Street (Myer Centre)
Transport: or Cultural Centre busway stations (for schedules, see: http://jp.transinfo.qld.gov.au/ ).
Parking: The nearest parking is across the river at the Cultural Centre or Southbank, with
walking access via the Victoria or Goodwill bridge.
There is no charge for attendance, and no requirement to RSVP.
