UK’s Solar Panels Beat Coal-Fired Power Generation
New analysis from Carbon Brief shows UK solar panels generated more electricity over the past six months than all the nation’s coal-fired power stations combined. The figures reveal that from April to September 2016 – the UK’s sunniest months – Britain’s solar panels generated an estimated 6,964 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity, compared to 6,342 […]
Greens Urge “Battery Boom” For South Australia
In the wake of devastating storms that blacked out the entire state, the Greens are pushing their proposed battery incentives as a way to boost energy security. Households and businesses are continuing to clean up and count the costs of the storm that wreaked havoc across South Australia. In some places, the crisis is still […]
Another One Bites The Coal Dust
Two down, one to go. Another company has pulled out of Victoria’s Advanced Lignite Demonstration Program – and it seems the last one standing is behind on milestones. ABC News reports a local firm has followed Chinese company Shanghai Electric in bowing out from the initiative. Among other goals, the Advanced Lignite Demonstration Program was […]
Boosting Solar Efficiency With CSP And Thermoelectrics
Researchers from the University of Houston and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have demonstrated a substantial increase in power from a new kind of device that combines concentrating solar technology and thermoelectric materials to generate electricity. Known as concentrating STEGs (solar thermoelectric generators), the device uses a solar thermal absorber to convert light into heat energy. […]
South Australia’s Group 4 Solar Feed In Tariff Ends
On the first of October, participants in South Australia’s legacy Group 4 solar feed in tariff were switched to a new solar feed in tariff rate. Group 4 participants include those who signed up between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2013 and had their import/export meters installed before January 30, 2014. Prior to October […]
All-Energy Australia Kicks Off Tomorrow
All-Energy Australia 2016 starts tomorrow, and this year the event will see an increased focus on battery storage. Running 4-5 October at the Melbourne Convention And Exhibition Centre, All-Energy Australia will feature 168 exhibitors. It’s the nation’s largest and most comprehensive clean and renewable energy event. Among the companies attending will be SMA Australia, which […]
All-In-One Plug-And-Play Solar Panels : Be Wary
While a nice idea, Australians should be wary of solar panels incorporating battery storage and an inverter, promoted for use with grid connected homes. These include Plug-And-Play Solar Panels. It’s always exciting to see new solar technology being developed; even if it’s not quite ready for prime time. However, the marketing of some products needs […]
Renewables Not To Blame For SA’s Monster Blackout
It wasn’t long after the lights went out in South Australia that some started blaming the state’s reliance on renewable energy – they were pointing their fingers in the wrong direction. At around 3.48pm yesterday, lights flickered briefly and then went out altogether; right across the state. It was a very dangerous situation, with homes […]
Protected PV – SolarTurtle
Solar’s a wonderful thing – it’s a pity that thieves appreciate it so much too. In some parts of the world solar panel theft is a huge problem, but even more selfish and mindless is vandalism. As we’ve mentioned so often over the years, solar can change the lives of millions of people in countries […]
Battery 2nd Life Project Commences Operations In Hamburg
Last week, the switch was flicked on a joint energy storage project between BMW, Bosch and Vattenfall that utilises used EV battery packs. Located in Hamburg, Germany, the energy storage facility consists of 2,600 battery modules reclaimed from more than 100 BMW electric vehicles. Energy stored by the 2MW/2.8 MWh plant will be sold on […]