Victoria’s first 10-star energy rating home uses solar to slash bills
Victoria’s first 10-star energy rating home achieves zero electricity bills using solar power and a range of energy saving measures. The coastal home at Cape Paterson faces harsh Victorian winters and warm summers. Yet it functions without mechanical heating and cooling systems. The four-bedroom display home features a passive solar design. This heats and cools […]
Federal MP gives Byron Bay community solar garden the thumbs up
A solar garden scheme created by community energy company Enova has been commended by Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Mark Butler. Butler visited Enova’s offices in Byron Bay last week, describing the project as “ground breaking”. It would also make clean energy more accessible to renters, he said. Solar gardens – cheaper power […]
Soaring power bills see consumers switch to solar installations: AEMC review
Soaring power bills and lack of trust in energy retailers are driving more consumers to install their own rooftop solar panels, a new report shows. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) 2018 review finds higher prices and the growing complexity of energy offers means more customers are opting for solar energy installations. According to the […]
New solar installations outstrip all other forms of new energy in the USA: SEIA report
It appears that Americans are embracing solar energy in much the same way as Australians. A new report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research shows that during the first quarter of 2018 there were more new solar installations in the US than any other form of energy. Here’s a breakdown for Q1 […]
‘Baseload’ and renewable energy generation: exposing the myths
In recent months, anyone interested in renewable energy, electricity prices or the future of Australia’s energy grid will have come across the following term: baseload. It appears often in the context of coal-fired power stations, for example: Federal Liberal MP Tony Abbott:“The only way we can have reliable baseload power is through coal and gas, […]
Australian solar researcher wins 2018 Global Energy Prize
Australian solar researcher Professor Martin Green has won the 2018 Global Energy Prize for ground-breaking work in the field of solar energy. The prestigious Russian award honours major achievements in energy research and technology. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) academic beat contender Elon Musk to win. Green shares the 2018 prize with Russian […]
New ‘Home Battery Questions FAQ’ sheds light on adding a battery to your solar energy system
A new home battery questions page answers the questions solar panel owners face when choosing a battery for their home or small business. Energy Matters’ Home Battery FAQ answers solar energy system users’ questions in a no-nonsense, easy to understand way. Topics include fundamental questions such as what size battery is best for your home […]
Kangaroo Island to join regional community energy program
Kangaroo Island is set to join five other South Australian councils to form a regional community energy program designed to drive down power prices. Kangaroo Island Council, District Council of Yankalilla, City of Victor Harbor, Alexandrina Council, Adelaide Hills Council and Mount Barker District Council are now in the process of developing a business case. […]
Tasmanian pumped hydro could transform Australia’s electricity market
A new study shows Tasmania well on track to transform Australia’s electricity market through development of renewable energy, such as pumped hydro. This could be achieved by developing wind farms, hydro-electric power plants and pumped hydro energy storage, according to the Hydro Tasmania report. A new connection between Tasmania and the mainland would then harness […]
Tesla electric car owners release round Australia charging station map
It’s now possible to drive around Australia in an electric car, thanks to a comprehensive EV charging station map. The Tesla Owners Club of Australia (TOCA) released its Round Australia Electric Highway map this month. It shows the location of charging stations around Australia with a maximum 400 km spacing. The Red Centre route is 100 […]
