4.50kw Solar Panels 4.4Kw Inverter $5991 -- http://www.awomansspark.com.au/?page_id=304 =$1.33/pW (includes sale of RECs)
http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/tech_lcoe.html -15 year outlook, $1.33/pW, 17% capacity factor (Australia zone 2), 6% discount rate, =levelised cost of (PV) energy 19.1 c/kWhr vs. compare levelised cost of mains residential electricity over next 15 years (increasing 2% / year (like really?)) = 24.3 c/kWhr
In fact most state residential electricity will be more than 26 c/kWhr within three years (let alone 15) if already announced increases proceed.
As most of the planned increases are to gold plate the distribution system and don't really address replacing the utility baseload or peaking generators, or fueling them with coal or gas at world parity prices (not allowing fuel prices to rise to world parity is a hidden subsidy that has to be removed as per the Pacific free trade agreement so a massive price rise, or matching massive direct consumer subsidy is required as future mains power costs are about to go ballistic).
The current electricity model of centralized generation and distribution is dying quickly.
Warwick Johnstone, Andrew Blakers, Muriel Watt etc are right - parity is here!
CBD Price at posting:
8.8¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held