Australian And New Zealand Solar Energy Society (SA Branch)

SOLAR NEWS SA Formerly the ANZSES CHATTER

www.anzses.org sa @ anzses.org AUGUST 2007

WELCOME
… to this month’s edition of Solar News SA.
PRINTING THIS NEWSLETTER
If you want to print this newsletter off, a PDF copy will be available soon from www.35s.com.au/anzses (site currently being
upgraded)

SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DAY

REAL HOUSES FOR REAL PEOPLE

Sunday 9th September 2007

11.00am-4.00pm
Sustainable House Day is organised by dedicated members of the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES)
and, in SA, the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), in conjunction with the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO).
More details of the featured houses in South Australia will be available online at the Sustainable House Day website-
www.sustainablehouseday.com
call Monica Oliphant 0404 898 277 or call - 1300 302 962

At each house, visitors will receive a fact sheet and directions for a self guided tour around the outside of the property and will
then join an expert guide for an informative tour through the inside.

LOST? NEED MORE INFORMATION ON THE DAY?

Ring Monica Oliphant on 0404 898277 (city); John Held 0417 840337, Bridget O’Donnell (Aldinga) – 0418 892 463 and Steve
Coombe (Murray Bridge) – 0408 442 428 call - 1300 302 962
Sustainable House Day is a mainstay event on the national sustainable calendar. The annual event is held on the second
weekend of September and is entering its 6th year of operation. The aim of Sustainable House Day is to showcase sustainable
design and to encourage the adoption of sustainable design features in existing homes and new homes in Australia. The focus is
to show how simple, easy and cost effective sustainable living can be. Be energy independent! Save money and the
environment! Be inspired by some of Australia's most beautiful and energy efficient homes. All houses feature passive solar
design and some also have active solar features. They also feature water tanks and other sustainable techniques that will help
you save money and our environment!
Tickets
Ticket price: $5 per house, Free for ANZSES and ATA members. No need to book, join on the day! The list and descriptions of
the houses will be on www.sustainablehouseday.com in August 2007. The fourth and subsequent houses visited are free.
You can visit houses in any order between 11am and 4pm.

THE HOUSES
The list of houses is as follows:
ADELAIDE & SURROUNDS
• SA01:16 CONSIDINE PLACE, CHRISTIE WALK, 103 STURT STREET ADELAIDE :
• SA02: UNIT 3, CHRISTIE WALK, 103 STURT STREET ADELAIDE :
• SA03: 17 YALANDA STREET, EDEN HILLS
• SA04: 21 SHIRLEY AVENUE, FELIXSTOW
• SA05: 18 MIDDLETON CRESCENT, GOLDEN GROVE
• SA06: 30 MATARO ROAD, HOPE VALLEY
• SA07: 15 CARLOW STREET, STURT
• SA08: 7 OLAVE HILL RD, UPPER STURT
• SA09: 12 DUNBARTON ST, WINDSOR GARDENS
ALDINGA ARTS ECO VILLAGE
• SA10: 9 DIANELLA WALK, ALDINGA ARTS ECOVILLAGE
• SA11: 15 YACCA WAY, ALDINGA ARTS ECO VILLAGE
• SA12: 2 TETRAGONIA WALK, ALDINGA ARTS ECOVILLAGE
CARRICKALINGA
• SA13: 50 LA RONDE, CARRICKALINGA
MURRAY BRIDGE
• SA14: 'BABBLERS'BORCHARDT ROAD, CALOOTE
• SA15: THE SHEARING SHED. LOT 11 BLUEBUSH COURT, MURRAY BRIDGE
• SA16: SIESTA SUNSET, 6 SIMS CLOSE, MURRAY BRIDGE
See the ATTACHED BROCHURE and DIRECTIONS TO THE MURRAY BRIDGE HOUSES

CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY

John Smith Memorial Election Forum

The Australian & New Zealand Solar Energy Society (SA Branch) and
The Institute For Sustainable Systems And Technologies, University Of SA

7.15pm for 7.30 start Wednesday 5 September

Candidates for the coming Federal Election will present their party's platform on Climate Change and National Energy Policy,
and answer questions from the audience.

Venue: Lecture Theatre PM-06, Mezzanine between level 2 and 3

Playford Building University of South Australia, City
East Campus
Corner North Terrace and Frome Road

SPEAKERS:
Kate Ellis, ALP MP for Adelaide;
Tracy Marsh, Liberal Party Candidate for Electorate of Adelaide;
Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Lead SA candidate for Senate;
Ruth Russell, Democrats Lead SA candidate for Senate

Chaired by Professor Rob Morrison OAM, Flinders University of

SA.

Gold coin donation is appreciated

RSVP to jrolls@picknowl.com.au

CURRENT RENEWABLE ENERGY REBATES.

Solar Water Heaters

Now is a good time to buy a Solar Water Heater (SWH) as with
both Federal and State Government rebates the installed cost of a SWH should be very similar to an equivalent standard water
heater of the same quality – gas or electric. And of course running costs will be about 70 % less.

The following rebates are available,

Federal - $1000 to go from an electric to a solar or heat pump system. Plus about $500 - $900 for RECS(Renewable Energy
Certificates) depending on type of SWH purchased
In addition the State Rebate is $700.
So in total a rebate of about $2500 could be obtained. There are eligibility criteria and to find out about these go to,
www.greenhouse.gov.au/rebates for federal information and for State www.dtei.sa.gov.au/energy and go to
Rebates+Grants

It is to be hoped that with these good rebates that SWH prices do not go up again. I have yet to see volume sales and rebates
result in a decrease in commercial prices.

Photovoltaics
The current Federal Government PV rebate is up to a maximum of $8000 on a 1 kW system. For extra information again see
www.greenhouse.gov.au/rebates for eligibility criteria. With rebates included, below are shown the approximate
installed costs of PV systems with approximate annual savings in electricity/year in brackets.
$5000 for 1 kW (1400 kWh/y)
$9000 for 1.5 kW (2100 kWh/y)
$17000 for 2 kW (2800 kWh/y)
In addition the State Government has recently announced a Feed in Tariff rebate of 44 c/kWh on the excess power sent back
into the grid. Apparently on the average sized PV system that people are installing in SA (about 1.5 kW) about 50% of PV power
generated is fed back. So on the above figures for a 1.5 kW system the rebate would be about $460/y. In general this scheme
will favour people who go out to work and so do not use power during the day.

In the next issue of Solar News we will put together a small questionnaire to find out how from members the size of PV system
they have and the amount of electricity fed back into the grid.

As a tip, to get maximum rebate, make sure that you keep stand by at a minimum at all times by turning off appliances not in use
at the wall. This should be done by everyone to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions since for majority of homes
standby is about 10 % of energy use.

SMART METERS AND THE AGED

The Victorian Government is about to introduce “Smart Meters’ which vary the price of electricity according to the electricity
market price. This would enable consumers to save money and energy by switching off appliances in times of high demand and
consequent high prices. The meters were described as “compulsory” on the 7.30 Report on 23 August, although Mr Batchelor
said that pricing at a flat rate would also be available.

The South Australian Energy Minister, Patrick Conlon said, “If you want a policy outcome where we kill the elderly in droves
during heat waves, this is what you do. Anyone who will switch off will be low income people. In South Australia, a large number
of those are the elderly. I don'tthink anyone wants a policy that during very high temperatures convinces older people to turn
their air-conditioning off. That would be extremely dangerous.”
Victorian Energy Minister, Peter Batchelor said, “That's nonsense. In Victoria, we no longer believe that the earth is flat. I
envisage that once the smart meter roll out has been completed there'll be a range of pricing packages that will include time of
day pricing.”
A point relevant to this is that retirement villages often consist of poorly insulated buildings which are not energy efficient and are
heavily reliant on air conditioning. Mandatory energy efficiency for buildings perhaps should start with accommodation for the
aged.

Margaret Dingle

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA

Conservation Volunteers Australia run a Training Centre at Woorabinda in Stirling. They hope to establish it as a Sustainable
Training Centre. The Adelaide Hills Council Director of Engineering is keen to support them in this vision. They are looking for a
member of ANZSES to be on a working group to help them make it happen. A meeting planned for October 18th at Woorabinda
at 1pm.
We are looking for an ANZSES member to represent us in this venture. Contact Monica Oliphant
Sustainable Living - A Practical Approach
Teaching Yourself or For Use In The Classroom
A Personal Approach
Learning for Sustainability has been identified as the “priority of priorities” for educators and for society as a whole. In 2005 the
United Nations declared the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Although many of the recommended changes
present new challenges, they also provide new opportunities for ecological, social and economic improvements. The Biosphere
is a sustaining system and nature provides vital clues for sustainable living. By better understanding the processes that currently
sustain us, we can develop new and deeper relationships with others. People around the world are taking up the opportunity to
take the first steps on a personal journey towards a sustainable future for the benefit of all.
The accredited training (RTC2702A/RTC3218A) is in two phases: -
PHASE ONE – Observe Environmental Work Practices (RTC2702A)
Workshop/Training Session to be conducted at the CVA Office at 130 Franklin Street in
Adelaide city centre with a field trip to Woorabinda Environment Training Centre (just south
of Stirling in the Adelaide Hills).Transport to Woorabinda provided, bring your own lunch.
Date: Saturday 22nd September 2007 (get away from the Football?)
Time: 9.30am to 4.00pm
Cost: Fully subsidized workshop for CVA members. (CVA membership $40 for 12 months.)
Limited to 15 participants.
CVA is a Registered Training Organisation delivering Certificate 2 in Conservation and Land Management, Occupational Health
& Safety; Senior First Aid to volunteers as well as youth training programs.
Harry Chambis, your Eco Counselor for Phase One, has been delivering training in Conservation for more than 12
years. Harry’s passion is to investigate new avenues for learning and to impart his knowledge and skills to others.
For further information or to secure your place on this training please phone the CVA Office
on 08 8212 0777 or email adelaide@conservationvolunteers.com.au
PHASE TWO (optional) – Undertake a Site Assessment (RTC3218A)
Phase 2 will be a live-in 3-days/2-nights intensive workshop program undertaken on Kangaroo Island at Pelican Lagoon
Research & Wildlife Centre which is set in an area of almost pristine native bush.
Date: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th October or Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November.
Time: 6.15am check in/departure on Friday, 10.30pm return into Adelaide on Sunday
Cost is 50% subsidised by CVA: $350 to be paid in advance includes GST, Sealink coach and ferry return travel between
Adelaide and Kangaroo Island; travel to Pelican Lagoon Research & Wildlife Centre; all meals from lunch Friday to afternoon tea
on Sunday. In this phase you will experience sustainable living, winding back your reliance on nonrenewable energy and other
non-renewable resources. Discussions will be the order of the day and night.
Trainers/Mentors/Hosts: Dr Peggy Rismiller & Mike McKelvey, founders and resident researchers at Pelican Lagoon
Research & Wildlife Centre, a facility which was internationally recognized through Expo 2000 as a working model for
sustainable research and sustainable living and is continuing as an international partner with the 21st Century Millennium
program. * Phase Two will be limited to 6 participants on each trip. Participants must have completed Phase One before
taking part on Phase Two.
For further information or to secure your place on this training please phone the CVA Office on 08 8212 0777 or email
adelaide@conservationvolunteers.com.au

ALP TO PHASE OUT ELECTRIC HOT WATER

John Wiseman and Matthew Warren | August 21, 2007

LABOR plans to rid Australian homes of off-peak electric hot water systems, in a move it claims will cut
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 7.5million tonnes each year.
Half of all systems currently sold are the off-peak electric variety and Labor believes their removal from the market would be
equivalent to taking almost two million cars off Australian roads.
The federal Opposition announced yesterday that in government it would work with the states to implement tough new
greenhouse and energy minimum standards for hot water heaters.
Labor's climate change spokesman, Peter Garrett, said greenhouse-intensive electric hot water systems accounted for 28 per
cent of the average home's greenhouse gas emissions and produced three times the pollution of solar, heat-pump or gas
systems.
At a housing project in Adelaide, Mr Garrett said Labor's aim was to phase out installation of the off-peak "greenhouse intensive"
electric systems from 2010 in new homes or those with access to reticulated gas. By 2012, it would not allow them to be installed
in new or existing homes.
Off-peak systems already in use will not be affected until they need to be replaced.
Mr Garrett pledged to work with industry to make the policy work. "It will be a phase-out over time, which will allow industry to
plan for that phase-out," he said.
Mr Garrett said the current federal rebate of $1000 a unit announced last month by the Howard Government would be continued
to be offset by the higher cost of solar hot water systems.
The Energy Supply Association of Australia yesterday reported increased energy demand last year equal to a new power station,
with the biggest growth in demand tracking population and resource booms in Western Australia and Queensland at 4.8 and 4.5
per cent respectively.
South Australia also reported a 4 per cent increase in residential demand fuelled by increased installation of air conditioners.
Australia's largest hot water system manufacturer, Rheem Australia, said there would be substantial impact from the move.
Rheem national marketing manager Gareth Jennings said the company was digesting the plan, but "understands these sorts of
measures need to be taken".
Labor will keep existing rebates to encourage take-up of alternatives and believes its plan can save households $300 a year.

AUSTRALIAN SOLAR RADIATION DATA HANDBOOK

Peter Lyons and Monica Oliphant

(ASRDH), Edition 4, 2006, Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES)
ISBN: 0 642 19121 2, A4 softcover, 948pp, including 55 maps, some in colour,
plus AUSOLRAD software with manual.
Available from www.anzses.org , www.ises.org or + 61 (2) 9402 1638.
Cost:
ASRDH on CD for all Australian States = A$327 ~ €195 or US$245, or 1 state group = A$111 ~ €66 or US$83
extra for hard copy, all Australian States = A$195 ~ €116 or US$146, or 1 state group = A$120 ~ €71 or US$90
AUSOLRAD (All = A$87 ~ €52 or US$65, 1 state group = A$47 ~ €28 or US$35)
Introduction
The Australian Solar Radiation Data Handbook, Edition 4,
(ASRDH4) is a major, new and completely revised source of
information about Australia’s most abundant energy resource. It is
designed for comprehensive use by teachers, researchers,
engineers and industry. This makes it invaluable to designers of
solar hardware, passive buildings, architects and the window and
glass industries. ASRDH4 was commissioned by the Australian
and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES) and funded by
the Australian Greenhouse Office. It evolved from the 1994 edition
of ASRDH (Lee et al) that was in turn built on earlier seminal work
by Frick et al (1988) and Spencer (1978). Unlike the early ‘clear
skies’ Spencer publication, ASHDH4 accounts statistically for
cloud coverage at each location.

ASRDH4 can also be supplied with the companion AUSOLRAD

which is software for the creation of additional solar data and
statistics – all in electronic form – for any orientation, tilt angle,
eaves overhang or even for varying ground reflectance, such as
from soil, grass or snow. AUSOLRAD data comes from the same
solar data from the Bureau of Meteorology as the Handbook.

ASRDH4 comes in four parts:

(i) Main Report – theory, glossary, design advice,

graphs and charts (119 pages);
(ii) Data Tables – Volumes 1 to 4 – covering all capitals, regional cities and key outback towns (46 tables for each
of 28 locations) plus 55 maps;
(iii) AUSOLRAD User Guide – (12 pages);
AUSOLRAD software and CD.

The Main Report is a valuable technical reference in its own right and is a fine complement to established references like AIRAH
Handbook or ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. It contains applications advice for building design, active solar systems,
daylighting, solar hot water, solar pool heating, photovoltaics, greenhouses and industrial process heat. There are an extensive
bibliography and cross-references to similar resources for many other countries. Appendix A contains a full description of the
algorithms underpinning the tables and the AUSOLRAD software.
Solar Heat Gain through Windows
The section on solar heat gain through windows, while correct for 3mm clear glass, is otherwise antiquated and should be
updated to address high-performance windows. However it is useable in its present form provided the reader understands the
following background: ASRDH gives solar heat gain factors in MJ/m2 for vertical glazing (the aperture of the windows). The
practical need of the building designer or window specifier is to translate these figures into an actual solar heat gain for their
window of interest. Fortunately, modern rating methods such as Australia’s new AFRC (Australian Fenestration Rating Council)
energy rating system for windows (based on the U.S. system run by that country’s National Fenestration Rating Council) certify
windows, skylights and glazed doors for their solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC, also known as g-value in Europe). SHGC is a
ratio which indicates the total solar heat gain (direct plus indirect) through the window as a fraction of the outside incident solar
irradiation. The solar heat gain factors published by ASRDH are correct for ‘ASHRAE Standard Summer Conditions’ which are
also the basis of the SHGC ratings published by the AFRC/NFRC system. AFRC solar heat gain coefficients are always for the
whole system – glass and frame combined – never the glass only. This is now a requirement of the Building Code of Australia
and increasingly so in other countries.
For any real, rated window product, the ASRDH user will need to multiply the ASRDH solar heat gain factor by the ratio of
[SHGC/0.87] to derive the actual solar heat gain factor (or use the alternative tables for the radiation incident on a vertical plane).
The SHGC is obtained from an AFRC rating. For glass without a frame, the above ratio happens to be the same as the obsolete
shading coefficient (SC), but SC was never defined for whole products – which is why it has been superseded by the SHGC
which includes the frame. For solar collector covers and other glazed systems employing low-iron (i.e. very high transparency)
glass designed to transmit more energy than typical 3mm window glass, the [SHGC/0.87] multiplier is equally valid.
Solar Hardware Performance Calculations
ASRDH4 is invaluable for people wishing to estimate performance of Solar Power Generating Systems in different locations
round Australia on both a monthly and hourly basis. It can be used to determine relative outputs from fixed and tracking systems
installed at various inclinations, including the site latitude angle. All hourly tables are compiled in local time where, “Local Time -
is the standard clock time (ignoring daylight saving) for the location. The radiation values tabulated in the Handbook are centred
around the one hour local time period shown in the Table.”
Below is an example of how the Tables can be used to compare load profiles for tracking and stationary solar systems so that an
estimate can be made of the likely impact solar systems can have on reducing peak demand on a commercial feeder or total
electricity demand at the site of Adelaide in South Australia.
Sum m er Load Profiles - Peak Day SA Dem and, Com m ercial Feeder
and
Solar Irradiance on Tracking and Non Tracking Surfaces
1400 3000

1200
2500
Peak Day SA Demand_MW

1000
Watts/m 2 & Commercial

2000
Load (kW)

800
1500
600

1000
400

500
200

0 0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
Hour of Day
Feb _Adelaide Lat Angle Feb_Com m ercial Feeder
Feb _Adelaide Tracking Peak Day_SA Dem and
Conclusion
Separately or in combination, the ASRDH-AUSOLRAD is a fine product, created with meticulous attention to detail. It is an
essential reference for everyone who needs to understand the Australian solar resource, whether it is to exploit and manage it in
our buildings or to harvest it as Australia’s logical and premier renewable energy resource. Highly recommended.
References
Trevor Lee, et al. Australian Solar Radiation Data Handbook. Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES)
(1994).
Ross Frick, et al. Australian Solar Radiation Data Handbook ANZSES (1987-92)
Spencer, J.W. Solar Tables (multiple locations). Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australia
(1978).

Reviewers
Dr Peter Lyons is a physicist and energy consultant to the fenestration industry and Managing Director of Peter Lyons and
Associates Pty Ltd in Canberra, Australia. peter.lyons@fenestralia.com

Monica Oliphant is a renewable energy and residential energy efficiency consultant from her base in Adelaide, South Australia,
and is currently a Vice-President of ISES. oliphant@adam.com.au
THE ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION

Meeting details
7-30 pm in the Tower Hotel Function Room, Magill Road. Presentations are as follows:
• Tuesday 11th September - Professor John Argue of UniSA: 'Water Sensitive Urban Design'.Collection and management of
stormwater, water efficient design and planning, coping with excess and drought of a finite resource.
Archicentre free seminars about sustainability and energy efficiency, 5-30 to 7-00. To make bookings and check venue, phone
8228 0300
• 28th August - home revamp to save water and electricity
25th September - site blending for economy and sustainability
30th October - integrate water and energy saving into a new home
27th November - integrate healthy living and long service life into your home.
Adelaide Festival Centre Sunday Arts Market, King William Street, Adelaide, 12.00 - 2.00pm on 5, 12 & 19 August 2007
"It's Not Waste til you Waste It"
Creative Workshops designed to change the way you look at common household waste!
Bookings & enquiries: 8332 4483 or email ecoconscious@internode.on.net
Presented by Ecoconscious as part of the South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA)
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 3-00 pm to 7-00 pm, 8th August 2007
Carbon Emissions Trading - understanding the threats and opportunities
Presented by the Department of Trade and Economic Development (SA) and the SA Centre for Innovation
Rennie Lecture Theatre, University of Adelaide. (Entrance is next to the child care centre off Victoria Drive), 6.00pm-
10.00pm, 28 August 2007
Beyond Oil SA: Understanding imminent oil depletion and its consequences
Contact Michael Lardelli via e-mail or
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY SA BRANCH
BRANCH COMMITTEE 2007:
President: Stewart Martin
School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of SA, Mawson Lakes 5095
Ph 8302 3048 (w) 8261 4630 (h) fax 8302 3389 email: stewart.martin@unisa.edu.au
Secretary: Albert Thompson
aat@internode.on.net
Treasurer: John Rolls
103 Lansdowne Terrace Vale Park 5081 Ph 8463 6907 (w) 8269 3879 (h) 04 1029 4638 (m) 8463 6900 (f)
emailjrolls@picknowl.com.au
Solar News SA Editor: John Held
Ph 8271 4555 (w) 8272 6608(h) Email jfheld@rusyel.com.au
Publicity Officer:
Margaret Dingle ph 8362 7007 email mdingle@chariot.net.au
Solar House Tours Coordinator:
Monica Oliphant 8277 3357 (h) 0404 898277(Mob) email: oliphant@adam.com.au
Committee Member:
Mark Needham
FUTURE MATERIAL FOR SOLAR NEWS SA
We are keen to distribute as much information and news as possible in this format. Obviously it’s quickest, easiest and fastest by
email – so if you are getting this by post, and have an email address, please contact John Held at jfheld@rusyel.com.au . Please
send me any news, meetings of interest to members, and other bits of information!