Once the solar feed-in tariff ends in December 2016, NSW vineyard Jarrett’s Wines will need to redeploy the power generated by its solar PV arrays. Planned solar battery storage, electric vehicles, integrated pumps and a new coolroom could save the business $10,000-$40,000 p.a.
Sundrop Farms’ high-tech hydroponic fruit and vegetable production system eliminates the need for fertile soil, groundwater or grid electricity supplies, greatly reducing input costs and environmental risks.
Get practical advice and tips on solar-powered pumping from irrigator Andrew Gill, pump expert Jim Purcell and former ABC Rural journo Bruce Reynolds at this trio of free hour-long teleconferences in August.
It's time to think differently about how to supply electricity to regional industry. Renewables can and must play a key role but equally important is making better use of existing network infrastructure to facilitate load shedding and strategic feed in arrangements.
