In the land down under, where the sun beats down relentlessly across vast expanses of land, solar power has emerged as a beacon of hope for renewable energy enthusiasts. Australia, with its abundant sunlight and vast landscapes, seems ideally positioned to capitalize on solar energy. However, as the specter of climate change looms larger, the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems come under scrutiny.

Years between 2013-2017 were the hottest five-year period on record, and July 2023 was the hottest month humanity has ever experienced. All of this is an impact of man-made climate change and largely our dependency on fossil fuel energy consumption. Fossil fuels continued 71% of total electricity generation in 2021, including coal (51%), gas (18%) and oil (2%).

We are going to take a look at the relationship between climate change and solar energy consumption in Australia, exploring how climate change has impacted this industry so far and how it may continue to do so in the future.

Impact of rising temperatures

As global temperatures rise, the efficiency of solar panels can decline. Solar panels operate most efficiently within a certain temperature range, typically between 25°C to 35°C. Beyond this range, the performance of PV cells can degrade, leading to reduced energy output.

In Australia, where temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in many regions during summer months, the risk of thermal stress on solar panels becomes pronounced. High temperatures can cause a phenomenon known as the “thermal derating effect,” where solar panels produce less electricity than expected due to overheating. This effect can result in decreased overall efficiency and productivity of solar power systems.

Altered weather patterns

Climate change is also altering weather patterns in Australia, leading to fluctuations in sunlight availability. While some regions may experience prolonged periods of drought and clear skies, others may face increased cloud cover and atmospheric disturbances.

Cloud cover, in particular, poses a significant challenge to solar power generation. Clouds can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching solar panels, thereby diminishing their output. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of cloud cover events may increase, impacting the reliability of solar energy as a consistent power source.

Extreme weather events

Australia is no stranger to extreme weather events, including bushfires, cyclones and severe storms. These events can cause physical damage to solar infrastructure, disrupting energy generation and distribution.

Bushfires, fueled by dry conditions and high temperatures, pose a direct threat to solar farms and rooftop solar installations. Smoke and ash can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching solar panels, further hampering their efficiency. Similarly, cyclones and severe storms can damage solar panels, inverters and other components, requiring costly repairs and replacements.

Adapting to climate change challenges

Despite the challenges posed by climate change, Australia has the opportunity to adapt and innovate in its approach to solar power. Investments in research and development can lead to the creation of more resilient solar technologies capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and operating efficiently in diverse climates.

Furthermore, integrating energy storage solutions, such as batteries, can enhance the reliability of solar power systems by storing excess energy for use during periods of low sunlight or high demand. By combining solar power with storage capabilities, Australia can mitigate the impacts of climate change on energy generation and foster a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.

What else does Australia need to consider?

Australia faces a pressing need to integrate diverse renewable energy sources and invest in robust energy storage solutions. It is imperative to develop smart grids and formulate policies aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change on solar power.

The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report underscores the urgent necessity to significantly reduce carbon emissions and prepare for extreme climate events. Embracing the widespread adoption of grid-connected renewable energy technologies on a global scale represents a crucial step in achieving this goal.

Utilizing storage facilities to absorb energy during periods of high output is one of the most effective strategies. When intermittent or non-existent renewable output occurs, they can then provide energy. Naturally, batteries are the options, and by 2025, Australia will have multiple large battery storage facilities.

To reduce future hazards, Australian government should evaluate the effects of climate change using a variety of climate change using a variety of climate models and future scenarios before to establishing large-scale solar facilities. Installing hybrid renewable energy facilities at the same location, like solar and wind power, is something else we should think about. This will assist in reducing intermittency by optimizing the energy mix.

Ready to harness the power of solar panels?

Are you ready to harness the power of the sun while mitigating the impact of climate change? Explore how Solaris Tech can help you transition to sustainable and resilient solar energy solutions. Whether you are a homeowner, business owner or industry leader, Solaris Tech offers innovative solar technologies and energy storage solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and take the first step towards a brighter, greener future for Australia and beyond. Let us power change together with Solaris Tech.