Antinuclear

 the stored energy can also be fed back into the network at peak demand times – say, at night when people come home and cook dinner, watch television or play computer games, or use their hot water systems for things like showers and washing up

The battery banks can also be configured to be charged from the network, creating a micro-grid

Bega library’s bright future Eden Magnet, BY BEN SMYTH 03 May, 2012  The roof of the Bega library is sporting a new look this week. On Friday, a network of solar panels was installed as part of a project that will see considerable savings for the Bega Valley Shire Council and, in turn, ratepayers.

In a first for regional NSW, Essential Energy is constructing an “intelligent” solar energy system, which will showcase the benefits of community-based renewable energy solutions and effectively make the library self-sufficient in regards to its electricity consumption. According to Essential’s regional general manager south eastern, Phillip Green, who was on hand to launch the project with Member for Bega Andrew Constance, the library’s system is the third phase of the energy company’s “Intelligent Network”.

The Intelligent Network (IN) trials started in Bega 12 months ago, with households invited to help inform a national approach to automated and intuitive electricity systems.

The project married information technology to the electricity network through the use of in-home displays and meters, power line sensors, remote switches and other automated equipment.

One year later, the IN now also includes LED street lights along Carp Street and the new solar power system in the library……. “Over the past few years we’ve seen a lot of interest and investment in both larger-scale commercial and individual home solar generation in NSW, but, until now, no-one has focused on its use in providing low-cost, clean energy for community assets or small population clusters,” Mr Constance said…..

The common drawback to solar energy is that it can only be generated when the sun is shining – and most people aren’t at home during the daytime to use that electricity.

“However, this is not just solar panels on a roof,” Mr Constance said.

“The battery banking component is particularly exciting.

“This system is unique – it not only generates renewable energy for use during the day, but it can also store some energy in battery banks for later use, or during a supply interruption – effectively making the Bega Library energy self-sufficient.

“And the stored energy can also be fed back into the network at peak demand times – say, at night when people come home and cook dinner, watch television or play computer games, or use their hot water systems for things like showers and washing up,” Mr Constance said.

“The battery banks can also be configured to be charged from the network, creating a micro-grid.”

Once the system installation is complete, a kiosk will be set up in the Bega library to show visitors the system’s energy generation and flow and practical demonstrations of the system’s storage capabilities…… http://www.edenmagnet.com.au/news/local/news/general/bega-librarys-bright-future/2543145.aspx?storypage=2