Solar energy comes from the sun and is Australia's largest potential energy source. There are two types of solar energy: heat and light.

'Thermal collectors' collect heat, as in a solar heated swimming pool system. Photovoltaic (PV) cells collect light, which is used to make the electrons in the cells flow – hence producing electricity.

Panels of PV cells are often seen on household roofs, and are used to provide electricity for hot water systems or other household appliances. In some cases, any excess is fed back into the electricity grid.

Country Energy has solar farms at the Western Plains Zoo and in Queanbeyan.

Solar farm facts and figures

• The Country Energy solar farm in Queanbeyan consists of 720 solar panels arranged in nine separate modules. Each solar panel has a 77 watt capacity, with a total system capacity of 50 kilowatts.
• Each module in the solar farm has a 6kW inverter that converts the direct current (DC) of electricity generated by the solar panels to alternating current (AC) which is fed directly into the Country Energy grid via a 3-phase, 100 amp circuit breaker.
• Each year, the solar farm produces 60,000 kWh of electricity - enough to power about 8 - 10 energy efficient homes.
• It produces no greenhouse gases and saves about 60 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (that would otherwise have been created by coal-fired power stations) annually.