New approved solar retailers code to maintain integrity of Australia’s solar PV industry
Australian solar consumers will soon be protected under a single approved solar retailers code covering panel and inverter installations, home batteries and behind-the-meter products. The new industry-wide code will replace the existing Solar Retailer approval program run by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). It will include a wide range of industry, energy and solar consumer groups. […]
Solar panel installations cost to increase from 1 Jan 2019
STC support from Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme will decrease next year, raising the solar panel installations cost across the nation. The scheme awards a number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) to households and businesses that install solar panels. The size of the solar power system determines the number of STCs for the system. The […]
Solar Panels Rebate turbo-charges uptake of solar in Victoria
The following is an article on the Victorian solar panels rebate from MASH (More Australian Solar Homes) written by the Program Lead, Jo Kaptein. A massive 260 households have ordered solar through MASH since the 19th of August 2018 when the Victorian State Government solar panels rebate was announced. Worth up to $2225, the rebate is stimulating mega-demand through the […]
Can you protect your solar panels from the shadow of towering developments?
The popularity of solar panels is growing in homes across Australia. However, at the same time, population growth means that more developments keep springing up around our cities. This means “solar access” is more important than ever. Solar panel installations can’t function at peak capacity if sunlight is blocked by surrounding trees or development. In some […]
NSW government’s Clean Energy Initiatives include smart energy support for homes & businesses
The NSW government has announced Clean Energy Initiatives to tackle high electricity costs and energy security. It will also look at smart energy for homes and businesses by creating virtual power plants. The Department of Planning and Environment’s clean energy package consists of six programs. These six initiatives are designed to assist households and businesses to […]
Vinnies report shows rising electricity prices and confusing bills are causing chaos
A new electricity consumer report from the St Vincent de Paul Society shows electricity price standing offers in the eastern states have risen on average 75 per cent since 2009. Vinnies’ Tariff-Tracking Project examines the impact of energy prices on Australian households each year. The project also aims to improve community awareness and understanding of tariffs, […]
Victorian Liberal energy policy: new 500 MW electricity plant, coal power not ruled out
In a key part of the Victorian Liberal energy policy, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has promised to build a new 500 MW power station in the state if elected on November 24. Guy says the privately-owned station would power government services such as hospitals and rail networks. According to Guy, the plan is technology-neutral, which means […]
Victorian energy retailer price freeze of one year for new customers
New rules brought in by the state government will soon force a Victorian energy retailer price freeze for one year to new customers following the sign-up of the customer. The Victorian Government has directed the state’s Essential Services Commission (ESC) to implement a set of new rules. These new rules will come into effect in […]
Electric vehicle technology: Trail-blazing Queensland sets EV plug standard for Australia
Queensland’s leadership in electric vehicle technology has helped set EV plug policy for the whole of Australia. Because the state was first to roll out charging stations, it has determined which plug most EVs sold in Australia will subsequently use. It also means Queensland has become a hub for South Korean investment. Car manufacturer Hyundai […]
Labor pledges to lift Victorian renewable energy target to 50% by 2030
Labor has pledged to raise the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) to 50 per cent by 2030 if the Andrews Government wins the state election this month. The announcement will bolster the government’s green credentials ahead of the November 24 poll. Labor has already mandated a 25 per cent RET by 2020 and 40 per […]