Solar energy can help solve Australia’s water crisis says new report
Australia can help solve its water crisis by optimising use of water-friendly solar energy, a new report concludes. Because solar power generation consumes minimal to zero water, it beats water-hungry coal-fired power production in terms of conserving an increasingly precious natural resource. That’s the verdict of the World Resources Institute (WRI). Its new report points […]
Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg orders crackdown on ‘totally unacceptable’ electricity price gouging
A Federal Government crackdown on electricity price gouging by distribution networks could save householders hundreds of dollars on power bills. A review will be carried out by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to ensure energy companies are not charging customers for their corporate tax liabilities. According to the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh […]
Clean Energy Regulator confirms 2020 Renewable Energy Target already achieved
According to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), there are now enough clean energy projects completed or under way to meet Australia’s 2020 Renewable Energy Target (RET). Surging numbers of commercial and industrial solar power systems are also applying for accreditation, figures show. These plants are between 100 kW and 1 MW. Around 130 MW of […]
Geelong community solar: $150,000 raised in one week for aged care facility solar installation
A Geelong solar installation project has attracted over $150,000 from local investors in its first week. CORE Geelong One will install a 156 kW solar system at Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS) in North Geelong. Geelong Sustainability is the organisation behind the project. The funds came from local community investors. Project coordinator Dan Cowdell from […]
CEFC awards solar funding first to new Melbourne hotel complex
It is not quite a solar hotel, but a Melbourne hotel complex has become the Clean Energy Finance Corporation’s first solar investment in the hotel sector. The CEFC is investing $39 million in the new development in Melbourne’s Southbank to install a solar power system plus energy-efficiency and clean energy technologies. The Southbank Holiday Inn […]
Compulsory solar power: New Californian homes must come with built in solar panels
US solar industry shares are soaring following the decision to make built in solar energy systems mandatory in new Californian homes. Compulsory solar power is now the rule in the Golden State. The California Energy Commission approved the new building regulations in a bid to cut energy use in new homes by more than 50 […]
ACF slams Federal Budget, pushes clean energy plan with Repower Australia
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has slammed the Turnbull Government’s budget a week after it released a plan to Repower Australia with 100 per cent renewables by 2030. ACF CEO Kelly O’Shanassy also expressed disappointment in the Turnbull Government’s fossil fuel subsidies, plus cuts to the environment budget. She said a “good government” would reduce fossil fuel […]
2018 Federal Budget energy funding provides $37.6m for affordability, reliability and sustainability
The 2018 Federal Budget energy funding includes $37.6 million towards energy policy. The Turnbull Government declared that the funding, which will be rolled out over five years, focuses on delivering more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy across Australia. The funds will commence with an immediate injection of $7.6 million, and $13.4 million in the financial […]
Majority of solar owners support upfront buyout of PFiTs so they can install battery systems
A survey conducted by Solar Citizens has found 76 per cent of solar owners on premium feed-in tariffs (PFiTs) support voluntary buy-outs to install battery systems. In the wake of findings that Australia is experiencing a solar boom, the Sydney based consumer advocacy group’s report says that households currently on the legacy premium feed-in tariffs […]
Mandatory solar panels for new Californian homes?
Developers will have to include mandatory solar panels in Californian homes if new building regulations are passed this week. The California Energy Commission is expected to approve the new regulations when it meets tomorrow. This would make solar installation compulsory in new dwellings. The code applies to all new homes, apartment buildings and condos up to […]
