How do I find out if my solar power system is performing? Part 1

Who doesn’t want to save money? And help save the planet at the same time, of course. But let’s be frank, most people get a solar power system to reduce their power costs. In a lot of cases, the savings show up in reduced power bills. But for the more analytical, we want to find […]

Besieged Victorian Premier considers expanding Solar Homes rebate program

Victorian solar installation quote

A besieged Premier Daniel Andrews says he might consider raising the number of rebates available under Victoria’s Solar Homes Program. In the past fortnight, the Premier has faced protests by solar installers angry about the Victoria solar rebate scheme’s quota cap and poor implementation. Solar installers will hold a second rally for change tomorrow, August […]

Solar Citizens 2019 Survey

Solar Citizens survey

Solar Citizens have recently launched their annual solar survey: https://www.solarcitizens.org.au/survey_2019  The solar lobbying organization has been running the survey for five years now. It provides a comprehensive snapshot of Australia’s rooftop solar owners (e.g. what type of system people have, environmental and financial factors, barriers for the solar industry/consumers, campaign priorities for solar consumers).We urge […]

Regulator takes wind farms to court over 2016 South Australian blackout

2016 South Australian blackout caused by power line failure

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has taken legal action against operators of wind farms whose shutdown contributed to the 2016 South Australian blackout. The “black system” occurred on September 28, 2016 following damage to transmission lines due to extreme weather. In 2017, the Australian Energy Market Operator found protection mechanisms had then disconnected some wind […]

Solar installers to drop in on Victorian Premier for Solar Homes Program protest #2

The Smart Energy Council is planning a second Melbourne protest calling on the Victorian Government to rethink its Solar Homes Program. Industry members say the scheme is damaging the state’s solar industry and sending solar operators bankrupt. This week’s rally on Thursday, August 8 will kick off at 11am in front of Premier Daniel Andrews’ parliamentary […]

Queensland customers can slash electricity bills by shopping around: QCA

QCA urges consumers to shop around to slash electricity bills.

Queensland customers who switch to the cheapest market offer can lower electricity bills, according to an energy watchdog. Data from the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) shows residential customers could have cut their electricity bill by 35 per cent in the June quarter if they had switched to the lowest market offer. That amounts to a […]

Booming solar power in June drives share of renewable energy above 30% of NEM

Solar boom from rooftop solar panel systems could exceed Liddell generation by the end of 2022.

Rooftop solar power helped drive the renewably generated energy share of the electricity market above 30 per cent for most of June. Green Energy Markets’ latest update shows solar power is shining on the National Electricity Market (NEM), even in winter. Solar capacity ensured renewable energy contributed above 30 per cent of the market energy […]

Clean Energy update shows record investment in Australian renewable power

CEFC invests in solar-powered community housing in NSW.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has issued an update on Australian renewable power, while redefining its priorities for the financial year. The CEFC made new investment commitments of almost $1.5 billion in the 12 months to June 30 2019. Its investment spread across 30 transactions with a total value of $6.3 billion. The CEFC is responsible […]

Australia close to national battery standard following draft approval

National battery standard applauded by CEC.

Australia is close to implementing a national battery standard. This follows Standards Australia’s  approval of a first draft of regulations covering energy storage in an announcement last week. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) applauded the move as a big step forward for the growing energy storage industry. However, some stakeholders are unhappy with the requirements. That’s […]