Demand response trials: how households with rooftop solar can save even more money
ARENA-funded electricity demand response trials are helping Australians save money on power bills, last night’s ABC 7.30 Report revealed. Under a demand response agreement, energy retailers ask their customers to reduce electricity use during peak demand times – and reward those that do. Customers lower their power bills, while also being paid by their electricity […]
Last call for Queensland solar battery scheme, applications close June 30
The first round of applications for the Queensland State Government’s highly successful solar battery scheme closes on June 30, 2019. That’s only a handful of days away. State Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham says potential applicants should check their eligibility now, then get a quote from an approved solar retailer before the Sunday deadline. There […]
New Victorian Solar Homes subsidy application gets thumbs up from Smart Energy Council
The Smart Energy Council says the new Victorian Solar Homes subsidy offers customers a simpler point-of-sale system. From July 1, 2019, the retailer, rather than the customer, will apply for the solar subsidy. This brings it into line with the federal Small-Scale Technology Certificates scheme, which offers a point-of-sale discount. Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes […]
Recycle solar panels and batteries for a healthier planet: Griffith University report
Australia needs to recycle solar panels and batteries once they reach retirement age in a clean, sustainable way. This will assist in achieving what researchers term, a “circular economy”. A report by Griffith University researchers from the Gold Coast campus of the Queenland private university says the nation needs to shift from a linear to […]
Victorian Solar Homes subsidy: Round 2 applications started July 1
The Victorian government has officially launched round 2 of its $1.3 billion Victorian Solar Homes program. The Victorian Solar Homes scheme was a resounding success after its launch last year. SInce July 1, eligible households can claim $2,225 off the price of rooftop solar panels, or 50 per cent of the system price (which ever is […]
Victoria’s coal-fired power plants are nation’s most unreliable
New data shows Victoria’s ageing coal-fired plants are responsible for the highest number of breakdowns in the National Energy Market (NEM). The Australia Institute’s (TAI) Gas & Coal Watch confirms that Victorian coal power is responsible for around 13 per cent of the NEM’s gas and coal capacity. However, it makes up 32 per cent […]
Elon Musk: New EV charging software could help electric car owners charge cheaply
Tesla head Elon Musk says new EV charging software could help electric car owners charge their cars at the cheapest rate. According to a Musk tweet, Tesla vehicles could refer to time of use electricity rates at their location. Using built-in software, they could then charge themselves automatically when the rate was cheapest. As a result, […]
UK becomes first G7 economy to legislate net zero carbon by 2050
The British Parliament will legislate a target of UK zero net carbon emissions by 2050. It is the first nation among G7 economies to do so. The announcement by Prime Minister Theresa May follows independent advice contained in a report from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC). However, with the Conservative PM May now due […]
Australia’s potential rooftop solar output could exceed grid demand: expert analysis
The potential rooftop solar energy output of Australia is greater than the amount of electricity we consume through the national grid each year. The revelation comes in a new report released this week from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Property Council of Australia. The report’s analysis looked at rooftop space available for solar […]
Competitors charge up for Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2019
The countdown to this year’s World Solar Challenge has officially begun. A record number of Australian teams have signed up to compete in the ‘world’s most exciting solar car event’. The biennial Bridgestone World Solar Challenge begins October 13. South Australia’s Trade Minister, David Ridgeway, confirmed 53 entries from 24 countries have entered the race. The solar […]