Victorian Solar Homes scheme an example of states taking renewable energy lead: Grattan Institute
States and territories must take the lead on energy policy because the federal government has failed. That’s the verdict of a new Grattan Institute report. The report claims states must now take independent action and also work together to provide affordable, reliable and low emissions electricity. This state energy policy lead will then fill the […]
Community solar power group MASH wins Environment Victoria award
MASH (the campaign for More Australian Solar Homes) was one of six community groups and individuals from around the state recognised by Environment Victoria on Wednesday night for their outstanding contribution to protecting the environment. “The 2018 Community Environment Recognition Award recipients are all leaders in their communities,” said Mark Wakeham, CEO of Environment Victoria. […]
Snowy Hydro scheme turns to wind and solar power as the cheapest option
Snowy Hydro has signed eight wind and solar contracts in a bid to reduce its energy prices. The government-backed energy provider says the new types of renewable generation will firm up its existing power production. Hydro power of course is the most traditional renewable source of electricity. It will also help deliver cheaper power to […]
Brisbane classroom goes completely off-grid with solar power and battery
A classroom at a Brisbane state school is successfully running off-grid after a solar panel and battery installation. The Bracken Ridge State High classroom powers itself with a rooftop solar installation backed by a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery. The solar panels generate electricity required by the classroom during the day. Then the battery stores surplus power […]
Sunshine Coast sweeps the board in first Australian Smart Cities Awards
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast officially leads the nation with three top gongs in the inaugural Australian Smart Cities Awards. Sunshine Coast Council was recognised for its commitment to data sharing solutions, investment in technology, outstanding leadership and its 15 MW utility-scale solar farm. The Sunshine Coast Solar Farm was the first to be constructed by a […]
Solar feed-in tariffs going up for south-east Queenslanders
A report by the Queensland Competition Authority shows households with rooftop solar are benefiting from higher Queensaland solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) in 2018 more than previous years. The report shows that the average FiT offered in the quarter to June 2018 was 11 cents per kWh. This is up from 9.8 cents in the first […]
Victorian government releases guide to energy efficient housing
Sustainability Victoria has released its 94-page Energy Smart Housing Manual, a guide to energy efficient housing in new builds and renovations. The guide’s aim is to assist Victorians to build homes that comply with the minimum 6-star construction standard. Meeting the requirements should also enable home builders and renovators to save money on power bills. A […]
South Australian Home Battery Scheme now open for applications
South Australians can now apply for energy storage grants of up to $6,000 under the South Australian Home Battery Scheme. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) will help eligible households fund the remaining cost of a solar battery installation. Low cost loans are also available to fund rooftop solar power systems if applicants don’t already […]
Major Australian corporates join global drive for renewable energy
Australian companies are committing to corporate energy responsibility and 100 per cent renewables through the newly-launched Australian arm of RE100. The first Australian meeting of the global corporate leadership group on renewables was recently hosted in Sydney. So far, 154 RE100 companies worldwide have committed to 100 per cent renewables. Seventy-five of these have operations […]
RMIT engineers’ solar tuk-tuk to drive from Melbourne to Cairns
RMIT engineering students’ solar powered tuk-tuk will travel 3,000 km from Melbourne to Cairns this November. The trip will be the first stage of a global journey for the eye-catching vehicle, which features flexible solar panels, a Tesla car battery and a wall charger. The engineering team will demonstrate that solar powered tuk-tuks are a viable […]
