Could the solar power boom mean the end of feed-in tariffs?
The solar power boom may be leading to government subsidies such as feed-in-tariffs becoming less viable, according to an ABC News report. This is due to the possibility of an energy oversupply. Basic economics says that once you have an excess of a thing, it loses some of its value. This could mean that if […]
Parkes Shire Council wants to build its own virtual solar network
Parkes Shire Council in NSW wants to build on its existing solar assets and develop the shire’s own virtual solar network. This would allow the council to sell solar power generated at one site to other council-owned buildings which lack a renewable power source. This would then create the council’s own electricity grid within the existing […]
Major Stockland investment helps business close gap on commercial solar energy
One of Australia’s largest developers has thrown its hat in the solar ring with a $23.5 million investment in commercial solar energy for its chain of shopping centres. Around 39,000 photovoltaic solar panels will be installed across 10 Stockland retail centres, adding a total capacity of 12.3 MW. This huge investment by one of Australlia’s […]
Drop in clean energy prices due to Renewable Energy Target: CEC
Clean energy prices are down and still falling due to the federal Renewable Energy Target (RET), according to a leading industry body. The RET will reduce the national power bill by hundreds of dollars a year over the next decade, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) claims. However, the RET is due to end in 2020. […]
Queensland rooftop solar to the rescue in record-breaking heatwave
Australia’s Energy Market Operator (AEMO) says Queensland rooftop solar relieved stress on the electricity grid during the state’s record-breaking heatwave. Temperatures soared to nine degrees above average across the state early last month. In fact, meteorologists had to go back to 1935 to find a day when the state average was above 40 degrees. However, from […]
Hobart renewable electricity use makes list of 100 cities that source 70% or more
A report into the world’s cities found 100 of them get 70% of their electricity from renewable sources. Hobart renewable electricity use meant that it made that list. The report by CDP collated data from 570 cities on their use of hydro, geothermal, wind and solar power. According to the World Economic Forum, unsubsidised renewables […]
8 electricity generators make Top 10 list of CO2 emitters
Eight businesses in the Top 10 CO2 emitters list for 2016-17 are electricity generators. The top CO2 emitters are according to a report from the Clean Energy Regulator released yesterday. The ‘2016–17 National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting’ data also showed a slow-down of 0.5 per cent of emissions. Although Australia’s electricity generators have reduced their […]
New Victorian feed-in tariff for solar users from July 1
The new Victorian feed-in tariff for solar system owners comes into effect from July 1, giving them the chance to maximise their return on energy fed into the grid. Victoria’s Essential Services Commission (ESC) announced the new rates yesterday, which will be time-varying – different rates apply to different times of the day. However, the […]
ACCC report: electricity price rises hitting lower income households
According to ABC News, a new report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found electricity price rises are having their greatest impact on low-income households. The ACCC’s ‘Retail Electricity Prices Inquiry Preliminary Report’ also states that competition in the sector has not brought down costs for consumers. The Commission is now investigating the sector […]
DC Power Co – Australia’s first solar-focused energy retailer calls for investors
The first ever solar-focused energy retailer is coming to Australia, and it’s looking for potential investers. DC Power Co. plans to launch an equity crowd-sourced funding campaign. Subsequently, registrations to be among the first to invest are now open. The company says no energy company in Australia currently focuses solely on servicing solar households. This […]
