Community solar energy projects give renters access to cheap solar power
Renters and low-income earners can often feel they are stuck with high electricity bills because they are locked out of opportunities for solar power. The growth of community solar energy projects in Australia, however, may be offering a solution. A community solar project is one where solar energy is shared around a community. There is […]
Albury family uses solar plus battery to eliminate electricity costs
A family living in Thurgoona, NSW, a suburb of Albury, has discovered just how much money they can save by installing solar panels combined with energy storage batteries. According to a report in the Border Mail, the solar plus battery strategy means that not only has the family’s electricity bills have been completely slashed, they have […]
China rolls out world’s first solar highway
China says it has opened the world’s first solar highway designed to generate energy as well as handle traffic. The 5,875 square metres of highway in Jinan runs for one kilometre, including two lanes and an emergency strip. The ground-breaking highway is made up of three layers: Transparent concrete on top Photovoltaic solar panels in […]
$55 million for stage 2 of Queensland solar farm
Oakey in the Darling Downs will be the site of the next Queensland Solar Farm, and the farm will receive a further $55 million from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). The Corporation is adding to its initial $19.5 million commitment to the 80 MW farm. CEFC Large-Scale Solar lead Gloria Chan said the project […]
Queenslanders to get energy efficient appliance rebates
Queensland households will soon be enjoying government rebates for buying energy efficient appliances. These apply to new four-star appliances bought by householders after 1 January 2018. Rebates are: $300 for air conditioners. $250 for fridges. $200 for washing machines. Households may therefore save up to $50 per year with energy-efficient fridges and washing machines. Annual […]
Victorian renewable energy farm to be a ‘world-first’
The Andrews government has announced its intention to build a large renewable energy farm in western Victoria. The wind and energy storage battery farm should create about 1,300 jobs in the region. The project will also be a ‘world first’ – in that it will be the world’s first ever crop farm to be powered entirely by […]
Community virtual solar battery saves $$ for hundreds of Canberra residents
Australians have always been a practical bunch, and when it comes to our country’s energy problems many are not waiting around for the Government to act. Instead, they are taking matters into their own hands by installing rooftop solar with home solar battery storage systems. In some instances residents are going further – by building a […]
Affordable solar panels throw a lifeline to refugees
Affordable house solar panels are common in Australia, and we typically use them to reduce energy costs. In other parts of the world, they can be a lifesaver – by providing electricity to people in remote areas, and to refugees on the move. Several aid agencies have been working to bring solar power to refugee […]
It’s official: Tesla big battery exceeds expectations
The Tesla big battery is not only up and running in South Australia, it’s already kicked in and saved the day. It took just 140 milliseconds for the new battery to respond when a major coal-fired power plant failed in mid-December. The transition was so seamless, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) failed to successfully […]
UNSW mourns loss of solar engineering pioneer and inventor
UNSW is mourning the loss of solar engineering pioneer Professor Stuart Wenham, who died just before Christmas. Director of UNSW Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence, Professor Wenham was renowned worldwide as inventor of solar cell technologies. Colleagues say his influence on the global transition to renewable energy has therefore been considerable. According to UNSW Dean of […]
