Press releases, media mentions, industry commentary, internal company news and announcements from Energy Matters for 2010.
For current year news and announcements – click here
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Australian Icon Joins The Solar Energy Revolution
December 23, 2010
Energy Matters recently installed a 6kW solar power system at Australia Post’s Melbourne CBD headquarters as a part of a long term commitment by Australia Post to minimise its carbon footprint. Read more.
Solar Credits Rebate Reduction
December 2, 2010
The solar industry is expecting to be heavily impacted by the change to Solar Credits incentives says Energy Matters CEO Jeremy Rich. Read more
Energy Matters A “Cool Company” Awards Finalist
November 30, 2010
Energy Matters has been named a Finalist in Anthill Magazine’s Fifth Annual Cool Company Awards, a national program developed in 2006 to recognise Australian companies that are doing things differently to bring about positive change
Energy Matters Seals 20MW REC Solar Panel Deal
November 22, 2010
Energy Matters has announced a supply agreement for the purchase of 20 megawatts of REC Peak Energy solar panels, enough to power over 5,000 Australian homes and reduce electricity generation related carbon emissions by 32,000 tonnes a year. The agreement is Renewable Energy Corporation’s (REC) biggest deal in Australia, and one of the largest single solar panel supply agreements in Australian history. Read more.
Born out of challenge
November 17, 2010
An article in The Age profiling Jeremy Rich, CEO of Energy Matters – Read more
Reduce Fossil Fuel Subsidies Says International Energy Agency
November 16, 2010
The call to reduce fossil fuel subsidies and increase support for renewable energy doesn’t just come from treehuggers – even the International Energy Agency agrees. Read more
Australian Solar Power Rebates Sledging Continues
November 15, 2010
It’s been another tough few weeks for Australia’s solar power industry and supporters, with critics calling for the end or cutting of rebates and incentives for new connections – and the witch hunt has seen no reprieve during recent days. Read more
The Cheap Energy Era That Wasn’t
November 12, 2010
As the era of “cheap” energy courtesy of fossil fuels draws to a close; it’s becoming increasingly apparent it never really existed. Read more
Solar Power Industry Not The Electricity Price Rise Villain
November 4, 2010
Op-ed from Energy Matters Managing Director Jeremy Rich on the recent cuts to the New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme, solar power’s role in electricity price rises and the future of solar feed in tariffs in Australia. Read more.
Energy Matters Sponsors NSW Solar Crisis Rally
November 3, 2010
Energy Matters has thrown its support behind a rally convened by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Australian Solar Energy Society (auSES) to protest the NSW Government’s decision to slash the states feed-in tariff, the Solar Bonus Scheme. Read more.
NSW Solar Slap Re-ignites Call For National Feed-in Tariff
November 1, 2010
The NSW Government’s decision to reduce the rates paid under its generous solar power feed in tariff program, the Solar Bonus Scheme, has strengthened the case for a national, uniform system. Read more.
Energy Matters Launches Online Solar Shopping Enhancements
October 27, 2010
Energy Matters showcased its bright new brand design last week by launching its new look website; along with additional enhancements to streamline the company’s online shopping experience.
Energy Matters Rebrands For Australia’s Solar Power Revolution
October 25, 2010
Energy Matters last week unveiled its bright new image to reflect its dedication towards providing affordable solar energy for all Australians and offering fresh perspectives driven by deep respect for the community and the environment. Read more
CitiPower Port Phillip Business Excellence Awards Ceremony
October 22, 2010
Businesses throughout the City of Port Phillip came together to celebrate and reward excellence and contribution to the community during the CitiPower Port Phillip Business Excellence Awards ceremony. Energy Matters had been honoured as a finalist in two categories, Environmental Sustainability: Products & Services and Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Impact. Read more
Energy Matters At The 2010 Royal Hobart Show
October 21, 2010
Energy Matters attended the Royal Hobart Show to demonstrate the latest solar power and wind energy technologies for off-grid and grid connected applications. Read more
Australia’s Carbon Tax – Big Business, “Big Beggars”
October 18, 2010
Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester expresses concerns over big business heading discussion on how to implement a carbon tax in Australia. Read more.
Energy Matters Blasts Australia’s Anti-Home Solar Power Lobby
October 7, 2010
Energy Matters hits backs at a dirty campaign launched against solar power in Australia. Read more.
Some Solar Households Unfairly Slugged For Electricity
October 7, 2010
An investigation by Energy Matters concerning reports some solar power system owners in Australia were being charged ridiculously high rates for mains-grid supplied electricity compared to non-solar customers has revealed some astounding reasons as to why this is likely happening in some cases. Read more
Energy Matters To Electricity Retailers: “Don’t Be Evil”
October 6, 2010
Following reports of solar power system owners being slugged excessive rates for electricity they draw from the grid; Energy Matters says that Australian electricity retailers should apply search giant Google’s corporate motto of “Don’t be evil”. Read more
Cadmium Based Thin Film Solar Panel Safety Concerns
September 23, 2010
Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester has expressed concerns about the safety of thin film solar products containing cadmium. Read more
The Right Time Buy A Solar Power System?
September 19, 2010
Australian business and households often ask themselves whether they should acquire a solar power system now or wait. The answer to the question of when is the best time to buy a solar power system is often “right now”. That isn’t just an empty sales pitch. Read more
Solar Provider Goes Nuclear
September 16, 2010
In breaking news, Energy Matters has announced a startling discovery, set to turn the nuclear industry on its head. Read more.
Energy Matters Backs BHP’s Call For Carbon Price
September 16, 2010
The recommendation by BHP Billiton boss Marius Kloppers that Australia should move quickly and establish a carbon price has been welcomed by Energy Matters’ co-founder, Max Sylvester. Read more.
Queensland Plans To Import Electricity From PNG Questioned
September 15, 2010
A Queensland plan to import “green” power into the state from Papua New Guinea has been questioned by Energy Matters. Read more
Solar Powering Australia’s Rural Regions
September 13, 2010
The solar power revolution in Australia is offering multiple opportunities for people in rural areas throughout the nation. Read more
Some Solar Power Bonuses Unethical Says Australian Provider
September 9, 2010
It’s still the dawn of the solar power revolution in Australia, but the competition between providers is certainly building – and with it, some questionable marketing strategies says Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester. Read more
Energy Matters Announces Video, Mobile And Podcast News
September 9, 2010
In what is believed to be a first in the Australian solar power industry, national solar solutions provider Energy Matters has announced the launch of video and mobile news services, with podcast features also on the way. Read more
Energy Matters A Finalist In The EcoGen Clean Energy Awards
September 3, 2010
Energy Matters and its parent company, Apollo Energy, have been announced as finalists in two categories of the EcoGen 2010 Clean Energy Awards Finalist. Read more
Energy Matters Installs 200kW Rooftop Solar Power System
September 3, 2010
Johnson & Johnson Medical recently unveiled a 200kW rooftop solar power system at the company’s North Ryde facility in Sydney’s north west. The solar farm, one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in Australia, was installed by Apollo Energy and its subsidiary, Energy Matters. Read more
Energy Matters A Port Phillip Business Excellence Awards Finalist
September 1, 2010
Melbourne-based national solar energy company Energy Matters has been announced a finalist in the Citipower Port Phillip Business Excellence Awards for environmental sustainability. Read more
Energy Matters A Melbourne Awards Winner
August 29, 2010
In a gala ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday night, Victoria-based national solar company Energy Matters emerged a winner in the Melbourne Awards. Read more
Greens’ Senate victory a win for solar power
August 23, 2010
While Australia started the working week still not knowing who will take the reins of the country, the Greens having won the balance of power in the Senate is very good news for renewable energy says Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester. Read more.
Harness solar to help make coal “cleaner”
August 13, 2010
American plans to build large-scale solar thermal plants near coal-fired power stations should be duplicated in Australia says Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester. Read more
Australia needs a streamline renewable energy policy
August 11, 2010
By establishing a single governing body to oversee renewable energy projects Australia could leap to the head of the global renewable race. Read more.
Energy Matters selected as Melbourne Awards finalist
August 4, 2010
National solar power solutions provider Energy Matters has been selected as a finalist in the Environment category of the Melbourne Awards. Read more.
Energy Matters at ATRAA
August 2, 2010
ATRAA, Australia’s largest solar industry conference, will take place at the Alice Springs Convention Centre this week. Read more.
Energy Matters calls for NSSP extension
July 15, 2010
Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester has expressed concern about the short time-frame in which schools have to submit applications for the new round of the National Solar Schools Program. Read more.
Energy Matters’ CEO nominated for Entrepreneur Of The Year
July 14, 2010
Energy Matters CEO Jeremy Rich has been nominated for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year (Southern Region). Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year award program has been running for a decade and is considered the world’s most prestigious award for entrepreneurs. The awards ceremony will be taking place on Thursday 26 August at the Regent Theatre Plaza Ballroom. Jeremy Rich’s profile can be viewed here.
Energy Matters launches REC solar panels for home solar power market
July 12, 2010
Energy Matters’ much anticipated shipment of REC Peak Energy Series solar panels arrived in Australia last week. Energy Matters is the first company to offer REC modules for the Australian home solar power market. Read more
Some NSW Solar Schools Missing Out On Feed In Tariffs
June 7, 2010
Energy Matters calls on the NSW Government to extend feed in tariff eligibility to include all solar power systems installed on New South Wales schools, regardless of size. Read more
Energy Matters joins Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
June 1, 2010
Energy Matters’ Tasmania branch recently joined the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) as a gold member. The TCCI is a not-for-profit organisation run for members by members in the interests of all Tasmanian businesses and their families. TCCI’s purpose is to ensure that Tasmania is the best environment to do business socially and economically. Learn more about Energy Matters in Tasmania.
SHCP Rebates – Installation Deadline Looms, Extensions Unlikely
Thursday 27 May, 2010
The installation deadline for recipients of Australia’s Solar Homes and Communities Program (SHCP) looms large, with less than 5 weeks to go. With some solar providers backlogged with installations, coupled with a shortage of critical components, thousands of SHCP recipients are in danger of losing the $8,000 rebate – with little likelihood of extensions being provided by the Government. Read more.
Update: Centrelink Payments And Solar Feed In Tariffs
Wednesday 19 May, 2010
An official statement recently published on Centrelink’s web site has further clarified the situation in regard to income earned from solar feed in tariffs. Read more
REC Solar Panels Headed For Australia
May 18, 2010
REC solar panels have caught the attention of the coveted Intersolar Awards and will also be increasingly working away in Australia’s sunshine soon, with national solar solutions provider Energy Matters to offer REC Group’s 225W and 215W Peak Energy polycrystalline solar panels from July. Read more
Energy Matters Chairman Appointed As Victoria University Chancellor
May 18, 2010
George Pappas, Chairman of national solar solutions provider Energy Matters, became Victoria University’s fourth Chancellor at a ceremony held at Flemington Racecourse last week. Read more
Energy Matters Supports NMIT’s Awards Night
May 16, 2010
Energy Matters representative Deborah Porter presented NMIT’s Outstanding Renewable Energy Student with a $500 gift certificate at the NMIT’s awards night last Wednesday. Read more
Energy Matters on ABC Radio
May 11, 2010
Angela Owens speaks with Max Sylvester, the Co-founder of Energy Matters about costs associated with solar power and taxation issues. Listen to the podcast
Energy Matters attending Tasmania’s Agfest
May 3, 2010
The team from Energy Matters Tasmanian branch will be again attending this years Agfest to demonstrate and provide free information regarding wind and solar power and offering some very special Agfest solar deals. Read more
Energy Matters Offers Silex Solar Australian Made Solar Panels
May 2, 2010
Australians eager to buy items manufactured locally now have a Australian-made option when it comes to solar panels. Read more
Energy Matters team member Apprentice Of The Year
April 28, 2010
Energy Matters is proud to announce that EM team member Jan Stockley has been awarded the Best 1st Year Apprentice (Electrical) in the Geelong Region.
Jan just recently decided to become an electrician, completing the first year of his apprenticeship under the supervision/employment of Energy Matters.
Even though Jan is a first year apprentice, he has 6 years experience in solar design and install/supervision. Jan has been involved in the solar industry since 2004, since the start of CEC accreditation. Jan is fully accredited for design and installation of remote and grid connect systems and supervision of grid connect systems – for both solar and wind power.
Pensions, Solar Power And Feed In Tariffs
April 26, 2010
A recent news story has created uncertainty among pensioners regarding the income they receive from solar feed in tariffs. According to Energy Matters, while feed in tariffs would be counted as income for social security purposes, that doesn’t mean to say pensioners would have their benefits cut or even reduced. Read more
Australia’s Solar Inverter Shortage Update
April 6, 2010
Australia is used to droughts and one relating to solar power is causing headaches for consumers and solar companies throughout the country – a shortage of grid connect inverters. This is allowing other quality manufacturers such as Xantrex to gain a foot in the door in the local market – and unfortunately also some brands without such a good reputation. Read more
Solar hot water rebate processing delays
March 31, 2010
The Australian Government has reported considerable delays in the processing of solar hot water rebate payments; stating it may take up to “several weeks” longer than the usual eight-week payment time frame, based on the date of acknowledged receipt of application. Read more
SHCP solar rebate installation bottleneck
March 18, 2010
A recent meeting of the PV Directorate revealed there are still 42,000 solar power installations to be executed under the old Solar Homes and Communities Program rebate (SHCP) and at current installation rates, some may not be completed by the Government’s July deadline. Read more
Crocodile Dundee’s “Nugget” goes solar
March 11, 2010
Australian actor Gerry Skilton, who played Nugget in all three Crocodile Dundee movies, is currently filming a new TV series called “Nugget’s Get A Life” – with a little help from solar power and Energy Matters. Read more
Australian solar rebate instability continues
March 10, 2010
Australian Solar Rebate Instability Continues – Government rebates and incentives certainly help make acquiring a system much cheaper and speed up return on investment; but solar rebates and incentives in Australia have been somewhat a moving target over the last 10 months, causing confusion for consumers and industry alike. Read more.
Energy Matters announces “early SRES”
March 8 2010
The Rudd Government says it will set a minimum value of $40 on Renewable Energy Certificates from January 1 next year. The Opposition wants to bring that forward to July this year. National solar power provider Energy Matters isn’t willing to wait even that long. The company has announced it will pay the $40 per REC to purchasers of systems acquired through Energy Matters, effective immediately. Read more.
Electricity retailers undermining Australia’s solar power future?
March 4 2010
Through feedback from clients, Energy Matters has been made aware some Australian electricity retailers appear to be making it extremely difficult for people to fully benefit from solar feed in tariff programs. Read more.
Solar power not to blame for off-peak rate loss
March 2, 2010
Several media reports in the last week have stated that by making the switch to solar power, some householders are losing their off-peak electricity benefits. Energy Matters points out that solar power isn’t to blame and the loss of traditional off-peak rates is inevitable for all Australian households. Read more
Green loans for the rest of us
March 1, 2010
While the Australian Federal Government’s Green Loans program is headed for the scrap heap, Australian financial institutions are recognising there is an increasing demand for solar power systems and creating low interest green loan products for the purposes of purchasing solar power systems. Energy Matters has begun listing institutions offer such loans. Read more
Tasmania’s solar power feed in tariff ignored
February 25, 2010
While feed in tariffs exist in most states and territories of Australia; Tasmania remains in the backwaters of solar power generation through lack of solid incentives. Energy Matters questions why no state party has taken up the cause given looming elections. Read more.
Feed-in tariff petition reaches 20,000 signatures
February 25, 2010
A petition started by Energy Matters calling for a national, uniform gross feed in tariff for solar power has reached the 20,000 signature milestone. Read more.
ACT solar buyers groups information sessions
February 23, 2010
Following the success of a buyers group in the nation’s capital last year, Energy Matters has a new ACT buyers group taking advantage of the current favourable market conditions. Read more
Australian Government Green Loans fallout
February 19, 2010
The recent announcement of the government Green Loans program being scrapped has upset a number of Australian home owners currently in the process of applying who had hoped for loans to install home solar power systems. According to participants in an ongoing discussion currently occurring on Energy Matters’ solar power forums; the reason uptake of the loans has been so low is due to major failures in the system and multiple obstacles needing to be overcome before getting to loan application stage. Read more.
Solar power systems safe
February 19, 2010
After recent media coverage of potential risk of electrical fires from poorly installed solar power systems, Energy Matters today assured customers and the public that its solar panels and installation procedures were completely safe and met or exceeded Australian standards. Read more
Energy Matters at Melbourne Sustainable Living Festival
February 17, 2010
Melbourne’s Sustainable Living Festival is still in full swing, with the Festival’s Main Event to be held at Federation Square in Melbourne on 19-21 February. Energy Matters will be in attendance to provide advice on solar power and will be offering special festival-only solar power deals. Read more
Victorian sustainability centres go solar
February 16, 2010
Peppermint Ridge Farm and Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre, located at Tynong North in Victoria, recently greened their operations further by acquiring two 2.94kW grid connected solar power systems; supplied and installed by national solar solutions provider Energy Matters. Read more
Hawthorn supermarket installs Energy Matters system
January 22, 2010
The Renaissance Supa IGA supermarket in Hawthorn, Victoria, is leading the Australian retail sector in reducing its carbon emissions by switching to solar power. Read more.
Solarfun – odd name, great solar panels
January 18, 2010
The name Solarfun to some people is reminiscent of good times at the beach rather than high quality solar power components. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what Solarfun products are – and at a very economical price. Read more.
Energy Matters launches solar iPhone app
January 11, 2010
A new free iPhone and iPod Touch app (application) from national solar solutions provider Energy Matters takes assessing a site’s suitability and solar electricity production potential out of the sole domain of installers and into the hands of home owners. Read more.
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