Latest Renewable Energy Index points to bright future for solar energy in Australia
The latest Renewable Energy Index report from Green Energy Markets shows Australian renewable energy sources generated more electricity over summer than either brown coal, gas or oil fuels. The data indicates generation from renewables (including wind and solar power) was second only to black coal. Rooftop solar installations also reached high levels during February, close to […]
Solar home owner rights at stake in court battle with developer over solar power system
Solar home owner rights are in dispute as a Queensland home owner is waiting for a Supreme Court decision on her right to install a solar power system on the roof of her house. Pauline Tyler was astounded when Oxmar Properties objected to the solar panel array she installed on her newly built Griffin Crest […]
Electric car batteries feature in Japanese solar powered street lights trial
A Japanese trial is breathing new life into old electric vehicle (EV) batteries by using them in solar powered street lights. Nissan has teamed with 4R Energy Corporation in a pilot program recycling old EV batteries in solar street lights. Lamps running on solar power could be used globally if the project succeeds. Because they […]
Second virtual solar power plant to be built in Adelaide
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today announced funding of $7.7 million for a second virtual solar power plant (VPP) to be built by Simply Energy in Adelaide. The $23 million VPP is essentially a two-year trial involving the installation of solar power storage batteries at 1,200 households and 10 commercial businesses across the city, forming […]
Microsoft signs largest corporate solar agreement in US history
Microsoft is once again breaking new ground with the biggest single corporate solar agreement in US history. The tech giant has announced the purchase of 315 MW of energy from two major solar projects in Virginia currently under construction. Once up and running, Pleinmont I and II will subsequently comprise 750,000 solar panels spread over […]
Wind and solar power plants to self forecast energy output under ARENA trial
The Federal Government is inviting wind and solar power plant operators to self forecast energy output as part of a new $10 million ARENA-funded trial, the AFR reports. If successful, the project should improve grid stability and could potentially reduce energy costs for consumers. Under the current model, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasts […]
WA snubs National Energy Guarantee (NEG) to forge its own renewable energy policy
The Western Australian government has rejected the federal National Energy Guarantee (NEG) in favour of its own renewable energy policy. WA Energy Minister Ben Wyatt says WA is determined not to be dragged into the east coast energy market “nightmare”. According to Mr Wyatt, WA’s energy market is functioning effectively and on-track to reduce carbon […]
Victorian home builders wanted for zero net carbon homes scheme
A Victorian pilot program will boost supply of zero net carbon homes in Melbourne’s growth corridors. The state government will partner with land developers and volume home builders in the $2.18 million scheme. Up to three selected partnerships will focus on design, marketing and construction of zero net carbon homes. Research by Sustainability Victoria shows […]
Ballarat General Cemeteries takes up solar energy with Community Power Hub
Ballarat General Cemeteries has committed to a renewable energy future by joining Victoria’s Community Power Hub (CPH) program. The not-for-profit trust is one of eight local organisations to receive a feasibility study into transitioning operations to renewable energy sources. BREAZE, the local organisation hosting Ballarat’s CPH, will prepare a business case for installing rooftop solar panels on […]
Solar powered homes dodge state blowout on grid upkeep
Consumers with solar panels are enjoying falling costs, while grid customers in three Australian states face rocketing power bills, a new report shows. Because of state government overspends on electricity grids in New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, network customers are paying $100-$400 each year more than they need to. According to the Grattan Institute […]
