Thread: Anyone watched the national market today?

It is interesting to see solar and wind driving down power prices. Prices only rise when we can't draw on solar and wind and we are left at the mercy of the coal generators, who grab the chance to slug the market with the highest prices they can get away with.

Another interesting point is that rooftop solar is now increasing so rapidly that it is doing a lot to limit the chance of summer blackouts. This is particularly true in Victoria where unreliable coal and gas plants are off line.
So, the more cheap renewable power we can get into the grid, the less likely blackouts are. That is because houses which generate enough power to meet their own needs during the day don't need to draw power during the day, and may actually be exporting surplus power to support the grid during the day, so that reduces the demand to draw power from the grid, and so takes pressure off the grid. That should mean industry can continue to operate, so it's good for the economy.

Energy market operator warns 1.3 million households could lose power this summer
Hot summer forecast could lead to blackouts in Victoria, energy operator warns - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

We're doing our bit. I'm currently getting quotes to double our solar from 3 to 6 kW and upgrade the inverter from 3-5 kW. We expect the cost to be repaid in 3-4 years. So it would set us up for lower living costs in retirement.
The good news is we've been told the 12 REC panels that were on the roof when we bought the house are high quality and maintain their performance for a long time, so we don't need to replace them. That's an advantage of using a company which uses high quality equipment.
I could name some other companies which are known in the industry for using cheap low quality panels whose performance quickly degrades, and then the companies refuse to honour the warranty.
If it's being advertised a lot, and it seems too cheap to be true, then it probably should be avoided.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Another interesting point is that rooftop solar is now increasing so rapidly that it is doing a lot to limit the chance of summer blackouts. This is particularly true in Victoria where unreliable coal and gas plants are off line.

So, the more cheap renewable power we can get into the grid, the less likely blackouts are.

Simplistic as always and not WA's experience.

The rise of solar power is jeopardising the WA energy grid, and it's a lesson for all of Australia.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

It is interesting to see solar and wind driving down power prices. Prices only rise when we can't draw on solar and wind and we are left at the mercy of the coal generators, who grab the chance to slug the market with the highest prices they can get away with.

But when does the consumer see the reduced cost?

Pretty sure I’m on a fixed rate for my electricity......and I get charged the same price regardless of the price the provider is paying.

I don’t reckon we’ll see any significant change in pricing from the suppliers....as they still have to maintain and aging network.

Hopefully our next house in three or so years will be off grid 100%, this way I’ll be in control of how much I pay or how long the return of investment will be.

Roof top solar? Pffft!

Solar Farm.jpg

Originally Posted by W&KO

But when does the consumer see the reduced cost?

6kva of solar on the shed roof

my bills have gone from $700+per quarter to lasts months bill of $47

which was the lowest in ages... we were away for 3 weeks

it is usually around $80 / month these days

paying for it self in under 18 months

i'm happy and about to get my seniors discount making it even more affordable

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Another interesting point is that rooftop solar is now increasing so rapidly that it is doing a lot to limit the chance of summer blackouts. This is particularly true in Victoria where unreliable coal and gas plants are off line.
So, the more cheap renewable power we can get into the grid, the less likely blackouts are. That is because houses which generate enough power to meet their own needs during the day don't need to draw power during the day, and may actually be exporting surplus power to support the grid during the day, so that reduces the demand to draw power from the grid, and so takes pressure off the grid. That should mean industry can continue to operate, so it's good for the economy.

Energy market operator warns 1.3 million households could lose power this summer
Hot summer forecast could lead to blackouts in Victoria, energy operator warns - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

how does:
rooftop solar is now increasing so rapidly that it is doing a lot to limit the chance of summer blackouts
equal
1.3 million households could lose power this summer
?

they sound like contradictory statements