Home: Renewable Energy News: Energy Matters Video News - Episode 53 - January 11, 2012

Renewable Energy News

WEDNESDAY 11 JANUARY, 2012 |

Energy Matters Video News - Episode 53 - January 11, 2012

by Energy Matters

Presented by Energy Matters team member Virginia, we take a look at some of the stories from Australia and around the world recently added to our renewable energy news section.

In this episode, Virginia covers the SolarKindle, the power of buying solar in groups, electricity prices in Victoria jump again and what commercial enterprises can do to combat electricity cost increases resulting from Australia's carbon tax and other price hikes.

In this episode:

- Weighing just 215 grams, the SolarKindle is a solar powered cover for the Kindle E-Reader. A one hour charge in direct sunlight can provide almost three days worth of reading time, according to the company that created the device, SolarFocus Technology. Read more.

- A growing number of communities in the UK are starting renewable energy schemes through cooperatives and other forms of collaboration. A recent report states that 43 UK communities are producing renewable energy, having invested money to install solar, large wind turbines or hydro-electric power in their area. While these types of schemes are still relatively uncommon in Australia, a popular method of using the power of collaboration to install solar here is through buyers groups. Read more.

- Electricity prices in Victoria jumped 10% on average on the first of January. A report from the Australian Energy Market Commission estimates residential electricity prices throughout Australia will jump by 37 per cent in nominal terms on average by 2014. Read more.

- While carbon tax relief for Australian households has been well publicised, the situation for commercial customers has received less coverage. Small business can also take advantage of the Solar Credits Scheme to purchase solar systems right now. For just a few thousand dollars, even an entry level rooftop solar array can slash power bills by a significant amount. Read more.