The Need for Sustainable Energy in Broadcasting
The broadcasting industry in Australia is booming. The Free-to-Air television broadcasting market alone, according to IBIS World, reached $5.2 billion in value by 2023[2]. Cinema attendance in Australia also remains strong. About 51% of people enjoy heading over to the cinema to watch movies that are currently being broadcasted/screened[3].
Overview of Energy Consumption in the Broadcasting Industry
The broadcasting industry plays a large role in climate change. This is especially true if you look at its energy consumption.
There are several parts of the broadcasting process that require energy. From filming to streaming the content to people who want to watch it, every step of the way has energy consumption in place.
Canstar Blue conducted a study where they wanted to see how much energy it takes to run a regular 40 to 55-inch TV. The study focused on 14 hours of standby and 10 hours of usage on a daily basis. A 1 star TV would use about $178 worth of electricity in one year [4]. It’s not about the money here, but rather the fact that this end-point of the broadcasting process continues to use electricity for the final products to be delivered to the viewer. Some TVs use as much power as 500 watts. If you want to know how much power consumption different specifications of TVs have, you can read How Many Watts Does a TV Use: 24, 32, 65 Inches TV And More to learn more.
We also need to account for studio equipment when filming or recording. These are much more powerful than the media the average consumer uses to watch or listen to the broadcast.
Environmental Concerns Related to Traditional Energy Sources
Energy generation is needed to power up lights, cameras, VFX equipment, and several other tools when it comes to broadcasting.
Numerous techniques are available for producing energy. The most popular approach causes the burning of fossil fuels. This results in the emission of gases into the atmosphere, which is what largely contributes to climate change.
In addition to contributing to climate change, using fossil fuels pollutes the air and water. Thermal pollution is another issue. Another factor contributing to pollution in the environment is the disposal of solid waste from energy-generating plants.
There’s another important impact of traditional energy production methods. Resource depletion. As the world’s energy requirements increase, resources are being depleted, including water and forests.
The Shift Towards Sustainable Energy Solutions in the Broadcasting Sector
There are several ways to reduce the impact that energy requirements by the broadcasting sector have on the environment. One of the most important movements right now is to shift toward sustainable energy sources.
The use of a solar powered portable charger is definitely one of the key steps to take. This type of charger uses a sustainable, renewable form of energy. Solar power from the sun. It means there’s no need to worry about deforestation, air pollution, and other climate-related dangers that come from fossil fuel combustion.
Solar Powered Portable Chargers: An Overview
A strong, environmentally friendly solution that reduces its impact on the environment can be achieved by combining a battery power station with a portable charger that runs on solar power. But before we can really appreciate what this kind of technology may accomplish for the broadcasting sector, let's examine what they are.
Explanation of Solar-Powered Technology
Let's examine solar-powered technology and its operation. That should help you understand why the broadcast sector would benefit greatly from a solar powered portable charger.
With solar electricity, things work very differently than with standard power generation systems, which burn fuels to produce energy. The UV radiation that the sun emits is used in this kind of generation system. It is called renewable energy for this reason.
We deplete the planet's resources when we produce energy using conventional techniques. When we use solar energy, we are using a non-depleting source, unlike trees and other fuels that we use to generate electricity.
Features and Benefits of Solar-Powered Portable Chargers
You need to truly understand the main features of a solar powered portable charger and know the benefits to realize what it can do for you.
Here are the main benefits that you can expect from a portable power station:
- These devices are portable, which means they are really easy to carry around. You’ll notice that these chargers are compact enough to pack in the back of your car.
- You don’t need to worry about having electricity or diesel generators when you’re going to shoot off-site. You just need to ensure you use the solar powered portable charger to charge the battery pack for solar panels. This way, you’ll have enough power to get the lights on, boot up laptops, and ensure the cameras can keep rolling.
- In the event of a blackout or electrical fault, solar powered portable chargers and a battery power station can be very helpful. They will allow you to continue filming, recording, and broadcasting without the need for an electrical outlet.
- Since you’re using solar as a way to charge your batteries, it means there’s no need to constantly buy gas or diesel to use a regular generator. There’s also no need to worry about the emissions from these generators. A solar powered portable charger is silent.
Relevance and Applications in Broadcasting
We should now look at the applications where a solar powered portable charger can be useful in the broadcasting industry. Note that we’re talking about these chargers coupled with the best batteries for solar power storage.
Here are some ways these systems can be used in broadcasting:
- Power up lighting, cameras, laptops, and other equipment in areas where you’re not close to a power outlet.
- Develop a power system that allows your broadcasting studio to go “off the grid”.
- You can use a solar powered portable charger with batteries that can store the power to ensure you’re ready for any problems with the main power system that your studio relies on.
Even the consumer at home can have an impact when it comes to reducing the effect of broadcasting on the environment. By using a battery pack for solar panels, it’s possible to switch from using standard electricity to solar power when you want TV at home.
Real-World Examples of Broadcasters Adopting Solar Powered Portable Chargers
Australia has really been laying a foundation for the world to move toward a greener earth. There have already been several ways that Australia has implemented steps to reduce power consumption and increase reliance on solar energy.
Rooftop solar systems in Australia have risen to 35% in 2022 and continue to increase in numbers[5].
This means a large portion of Australia has already switched to solar power for household and business cases. For the average household, this is an excellent real world example of how solar is being used to support broadcasting. Think about the fact that these households are watching these broadcasts on their TV. They use an internet connection to stream content. These are things that generally use electricity.
Future Trends in Solar-Powdered Broadcasting
Now that we've looked at the current situation of electricity use in broadcasting, let's consider some future trends that you may see rise up. We're going to focus on what you can expect as the technology continues to advance. We're also going to look at how improvements in the tech will help broadcasting companies integrate solar and renewable energy sources with fewer challenges in their way.
Technological Advancements in Solar-Powdered Portable Chargers
Companies like Jackery are always working to improve their technology. This means you can expect to see solar powered portable chargers become more efficient in the coming years. They’ll be easier to use and be able to power up more devices.
You’ll also likely notice that they become more portable. This helps to make these chargers more convenient. It allows you to carry them with you wherever you go. That’s great for broadcasters who need quick access to power when recording a story or shooting a clip.
Integration of Solar Energy Into Broadcasting Infrastructure
As Australia aims to become a solar power house in the next couple of years, we’ll also see this tech being more integrated into the broadcasting infrastructure.
Many studios will move from traditional electricity sources and rather focus on solar energy. Apart from energy-saving and reduced cost on their side, this move will also be part of Australia’s plan to reduce its impact on climate change and environmental pollution.
Potential Impact on the Wider Adoption of Renewable Energy in the Industry
Challenges that broadcasters and studios are currently facing when adopting renewable energy sources will be overcome. Studios will start to find it easier to completely convert to renewable energy as tech improves.
This will help the broadcasting industry start adopting solar energy in many more areas. As these systems become more powerful, they could even be used to power up some of the more energy-intensive hardware and applications that companies often require to keep up with the demands of the broadcasting industry.
Recap of the Benefits of Solar Powered Portable Chargers in Broadcasting
A solar powered portable charger, along with a portable power station, can help to reduce the impact that the broadcasting industry has on climate change. It’s an excellent way to lower problems like air and land pollution.
These systems are portable, which makes them great for on-the-go usage.
Recommended Solar Powered Portable Chargers for Broadcasting
There are a couple of different solar powered portable chargers out there. It’s important that you carefully do your research when picking one. Here, we present two of the best choices from Jackery. This company has been in the industry for over a decade. They have a large focus on helping you switch to greener, sustainable energy sources.
1. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus solar powered portable charger with gigantic capacity and massive power output is great for studios and broadcasters who have more power needs.
It comes in three packages. All of these packages come with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. Each package comes with its own set of extras, including portable power stations that help to ensure you have enough electricity when you're travelling or not at the studio.
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus expands capacity from 2 kWh to an exceptional 12 kWh by supporting add-on battery packs, which suit multiple broadcasting scenarios. With 6 Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus takes only 6 hours for a full solar charge. Also, the LiFePO4 battery that comes with the system has a 10-year lifespan. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus also features high FCC/CE, UL certification and ChargeShield technology.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is a more portable option with a 1000W maximum power output for devices. The system can be paired with a range of solar panel options, from 80-watt to 100-watt possibilities. The battery has a 10-year lifespan, similar to the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus.
One distinguishing feature of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is its quietness. Its working volume is as low as 46dB and does not emit any polluting fumes, without making any noise while operating. This feature ensures you a quiet environment for broadcasting!
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is perfect for broadcasting studios that often travel when recording shots. The weatherproof design also means it can be used outside, even while it’s raining, without concern for damaging the equipment.
Conclusion
Jackery has helped save over 590 million kWh of electricity and, since its launch, reduced carbon emissions by at least 585.2k tons. We focus on helping to create a sustainable life and have a goal of bringing green energy to all. There's a wide selection of Jackery solar-powered generators that are ideal for the broadcasting industry, with each device helping the market reduce carbon emissions, save on electricity, and do their part in fighting against the climate change crisis.
References
- Australianclimate change observations. Available at: https://www.climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/evidence-climate-change/australian-climate-change-observations (Accessed: 4th, July)
- Free-to-Air Television Broadcasting in Australia - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts(2024-2029). Available at: https://www.ibisworld.com/au/industry/free-to-air-television-broadcasting/1816/#IndustryStatisticsAndTrends (Accessed: 4th, July)
- Media industry in Australia - statistics & facts. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/5229/media-industry-in-australia/(Accessed: 4th, July)
- How much power does a TV use?Available at: https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/hourly-cost-watching-television/ (Accessed: 4th, July)
- Australia leads world in rooftop solar as share of renewables jumps to 35%. Available at: https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/taylor/media-releases/australia-leads-world-rooftop-solar-share-renewables-jumps-35(Accessed: 4th, July）
