Can you go off-grid with solar power?
Living off-grid – that is, living independently of the main grid, big power companies and big power bills – can seem very appealing when you consider ever-increasing electricity costs. There are some areas which through lack of choice have to be off grid. Traditionally, gas or diesel has powered generators for these areas. But for […]
Building energy efficient homes: 4 ways to achieve smart energy use
This Energy Matters article is about building energy efficient homes. We’ve divided it into four parts, covering energy sources, monitoring and voltage. The first part is about solar panels, the second on home battery energy storage, and the third about energy monitoring system PowerPlay. Finally, we look at a new home voltage regulation device called […]
Six ways to enjoy a solar powered garden
A solar powered garden is easier to achieve than you think. After all, all gardens are already solar powered – that’s how the plants make their food! But what does a solar powered garden mean today? Yes, you can use your solar installation to run your electric lawn mower and power tools. But solar technology […]
Top 10 solar energy saving tips for summer 2018-19
Who doesn’t want to save money? With summer approaching, now’s the time to check out the best solar energy saving tips and more, with Energy Matters. There’s a bewildering array of energy savings tips and gadgets out there. But which ones will save money and not waste your time in the sun? So, relax, put […]
Solar batteries comparison – How do the brands stack up?
A solar battery allows you to store solar power that you can’t use immediately for use later on. By installing a battery, you can avoid wasting or losing unused power you have generated from your solar installation. You don’t need to have a battery installed at the same time as your solar panels. You can […]
Clean energy investor confidence shaky due to policy uncertainty: CEC survey
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) ‘Clean Energy Outlook Confidence Index’ survey of industry executives on clean energy investment shows long-term clean energy investor confidence is not looking good, largely due to policy uncertainty. When asked about confidence in investing in renewable energy projects, the results were mixed depending on the state or territory. However, overall the […]
Tamworth Council down to earth on solar power array for Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre
Tamworth Regional Council is looking into installing a ground-based solar array at the city’s equine centre. The Council says the curved roof of the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) means there could be structural problems with mounting solar panels. Heated debate at the last council meeting of 2018 led councilors to abandon plans for rooftop […]
Federal Election Energy Policy Primer: clean energy policy pledges ahead of the 2019 poll
The past year was a tumultuous one for Australian clean energy politics, one that lays the groundwork for 2019 renewable energy battles. In many ways 2018 was a shocker. We lost a Liberal Prime Minister, a lump of coal spent a day in Parliament and a viable national energy policy was tossed on the scrap […]
Victorian government announces grants for community energy projects
Victoria’s Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has announced several renewable energy projects that will share in over $1.1 million worth of new community energy project grants. The funding comes under the state government’s Renewable Communities Program. The aim of the program is to support the state’s transition to a cleaner energy future. The newly returned Victorian Labor […]
NSW Coalition urges federal government to integrate its climate and energy policies
The NSW Liberal-National Coalition government has urged its federal counterpart to “end the climate wars” and talk emissions reduction policy ahead of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting this week. The NSW government is calling for the federal government to integrate climate and energy policy to provide industry certainty and reduce carbon emissions. In […]
