Breakthrough ‘doping’ method improves efficiency of perovskite solar cells
Like (some) elite athletes, new research has revealed that solar cells also benefit from performance-enhancing chemicals. Swinburne University scientists have shown how sunlight heals defects and boosts efficiency in ‘doped’ perovskite solar cells. Doping, in this case, means introducing impurities into a material to change its characteristics. Scientists believe their doping breakthrough could see perovskite-type […]
Queensland solar farm takes government to court over ‘electricians-only’ labour rule
A Queensland solar farm nearing completion is taking the state government to court over new rules that allow only electricians to work with solar panels. From May 13, all handling, locating and mounting of panels on Queensland solar farms must be done by licensed electricians. These new solar farm regulations may impact the viability of […]
Good News about Victorian Solar Homes Rebates
There’s lots of good news for Victorian householders thinking of applying for the Victorian Government’s solar rebate or battery rebate when the Victorian Solar Homes rebate program restarts on the 1st of July 2019. There’s good news for those who don’t like paperwork, those who rent, and those who want the extra value of a battery […]
Your solar rebates: National and State based solar power and battery rebates
Australians may have missed out on Labor’s renewable energy plans for the nation with their election loss this past weekend. But there’s plenty of help available in solar power and battery rebates – supporting the environment as well as slashing their power bills. Let’s take a look at what financial assistance is offered around the […]
Victorian tenants demand public housing solar installations to cut power bills
Elderly residents on a Port Melbourne housing estate are demanding public housing solar installations across Victoria. Many of the 36 residents on the Williamstown Road estate are home most of the day because they are sick or have mobility problems. As a result they struggle to pay sky-high power bills on their pensions. Now the […]
Climate Emergency loses to Populism: Coalition likely to win majority government
The Liberal-National Coalition steamed home in Saturday’s federal election, leaving Labor and the Greens wondering what happened to the climate emergency. ABC election pundit Anthony Green believes the Coalition will win a majority in the House of Representatives. It’s a view supported by Australian Electoral Commission figures. Defying all poll predictions, the Coalition won a […]
What does the Federal Election Result Mean for Solar?
The Federal election result is in. What does the Scott Morrison miracle victory – and predicted majority government – mean for solar and climate change? The good news is that the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) – unofficially known as the Federal Government’s solar ‘rebate’- will continue through to 2030. Without the SRES, the cost […]
Finally, the nation votes: Is this the Climate Change election?
Tomorrow, Saturday May 18, Australia votes to elect the nation’s next Federal government. The ABC’s Vote Compass shows a majority of Liberal-National Party Coalition, Australian Labor Party and Greens voters want to make this the “climate change election“. Accordingly, the Climate Council has studied the three largest parties’ policies on climate change and renewables. Let’s take one last […]
UK Labour releases plan to nationalise energy grid, deliver solar to 1.75M homes
In a radical move overnight, UK Labour has released a plan for energy grid nationalisation. As well, it will be making a big push to install solar on over a million homes. The move would see the UK’s £62 billion (AU$117 billion) energy infrastructure grid pass into public hands. This would include both electricity and gas […]
Master Electricians Australia: New solar installation laws will hurt Queensland solar industry
Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has joined the fight against a new state regulations, which it says will hit the Queensland solar industry hard. The regulations mean only licensed electricians can now handle solar panels on solar farms – a job requiring no electrical skill. MEA CEO Malcolm Richards also claims the new solar farm regulations […]