Tracking the sun: World-first trial of forecast technology boosts solar efficiency
A $1.2 million trial of world-leading forecast technology will increase solar efficiency with more accurate predictions of weather change. University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers are testing an innovative short-term statistical forecasting model in an attempt to predict weather conditions from five minutes up to 1-2 hours ahead. This is important, because the Australian Energy […]
Federal Election is go: So where do the parties stand on energy policy?
Well, it’s finally on. Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the Governor-General this morning and announced an election for May 18. One thing is certain: Federal Election energy policies will figure highly over the next 37 days of campaigning. That he was only in his position due to a failure of the Coalition’s energy policy couldn’t possibly […]
Elon Musk: Australia can reach 50% electric car sales well before 2030 – ‘No question’
Tesla billionaire Elon Musk has weighed into the electric car debate saying Australia can reach 50 per cent electric car sales well before Labor’s 2030 deadline. The founder of Tesla EV company responded to a tweet by Australian Atlassian CEO Michael Cannnon-Brookes. He asked Musk if Labor’s EV plan could succeed. “No question,” Musk tweeted […]
20 Questions for ACE-EV Group – Australia’s new electric vehicle company
Greg McGarvie is managing director of the ACE-EV Group and he’s travelling with his new EV Cargo around the nation. The company plans to sell four electric vehicles: the Cargo, the Yewt, the Urban and the Sportz. Recently, Greg answered 20 questions for Energy Matters on ACE EVs and the future of Australian electric vehicles. Greg, […]
Victoria celebrates as Solar Homes program reaches 30,000 milestone
Just 2,000 Victorian solar rebate applications remain in the State Government’s Solar Homes program before the close of the financial year. The Andrews Government says the success of its Solar Homes program means over 30,000 households have signed up for rebates on solar power system installations. This week the 10,000th rebate will be paid on the immensely […]
Budget 2019: More businesses get instant asset write-off for solar installations
More Australian businesses can now invest in renewable energy thanks to an expanded instant asset write-off. As a result, solar installation tax deductions are now easier to obtain. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has broadened the existing scheme in the 2019-20 Budget to include firms with less then $50 million in annual revenue. Previously it was open […]
Mythbusting electric vehicles: Who’s telling the truth about EVs in Australia?
Australia is beset with electric vehicle myths and misconceptions, and it’s even more confusing as politicians hit the accelerator ahead of a May federal election. The Coalition seemed positive about EVs last year when Angus Taylor was spruiking an ultra rapid charging network. Meanwhile, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is a long-time supporter of EVs. Yet the […]
Almost a third of Queenslanders will install battery storage as solar boom continues
Close to a third of Queensland homeowners are keen to install battery storage over the next decade, a survey finds. The annual Queensland Household Energy Survey found 30 per cent of households want to install energy storage to complement their solar panel systems. The Queensland Government’s home battery grants scheme is encouraging more households to […]
‘Unprecedented’ level of renewables needs better grid integration: AEMC report
An “unprecedented” level of renewable energy is flooding into Australia’s power network requiring new technology to support electricity grid integration. The Annual Market Performance Review 2018 from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) says the national grid is struggling with the transition to renewable energy like wind and solar power. As a result it is “under […]
Smart Inverters mandatory under Victoria Solar Homes Program from July 1
Smart inverters will become mandatory for rooftop solar installations under Victoria’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program from July 1, 2019. Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the smart inverter requirement would ensure Victoria’s grid could safely handle the supply from an expected one million new solar households over the next 10 years. Introduced in August […]
