Wind Resource Assessment and Comparison with Solar Energy
Under the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme, wind turbines of up to 10 kW in size are eligible to earn a 60c/kWh gross Feed-in Tariff. SunWiz was commissioned by a proactive council to undertake an assessment of the wind resource within the local shire. Drawing upon custom research by an international expert wind consultancy, SunWiz produced a high-resolution (80m) wind map of the local region suitable for community-scale wind turbines and 10 kW private turbines. A financial assessment demonstrated excellent financial returns were possible, but constrained to a small number of areas. In contrast the solar resource was demonstrated to be more widespread and evenly distributed, with comparably fantastic financial outcome. SunWiz recommended development of a community share solar investment scheme, by which renters and low-income earners could profit from a solar power system installed on council facilities. SunWiz also presented findings to the mayor and councillors.