Power Systems (beta ver. 1.0)
With the exception of a small group of properties on Thornton Peak Road (off Forest Creek Road) NO properties in the Daintree have access to grid connected power. This has been a continuing and very divisive issue in the area for over 20 years. The reality, is, that because of the current financial situation of the State Government, and the privatization of electricity providers, and the lack of a guaranteed market for electricity in the region north of the Daintree river; provision of grid power is highly unlikely. Local generating hubs are a possibility, but it would not be wise to bank on their appearance!!!
Unfortunately very few properties have sufficient permanent water flowing through them for Hydro to be a viable option, and even if they do, the head (that is the height drop between the upstream entry to the property and the exit from the property) is usually too low to extract meaningful energy, except at times of very high rainfall (when there maybe significantly large trees and branches flowing down as well).
Our wind resource is also very limited. unless your property is on a ridgeline or very near the beach- there is no effective wind generating capacity. It is recommended that if you REALLY want to have wind power, that you monitor your site for at least a year (with a recording anaemometer set at least 30 m high) If your average wind speed is less than 40Km hr. forget it. Wind generators require yearly maintenance and you must have the space and ability to drop them down for maintenance and the ability to furl them in cyclonic conditions.
In sum, solar panels are your most viable power system option.
Download the complete Power Systems Factsheet (pdf, [file size]). Estimating your energy needs. Requirements, installation, and maintenance of solar and other renewable energy source options. Batteries, inverters, generators.
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