The Economics of Solar Power
A new era for solar power is approaching. The rising cost of fossil fuels and better technology is making solar, long derided as uneconomic, a major player in the future energy mix. In three to seven years, unsubsidized solar could cost no more to customers in many markets than traditional energy sources like coal and […]
IBM pushes solar PV technology envelope
As fuels prices and energy costs surge around the world, the spotlight is fixed on the future of alternative energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic technology. As the twin realities of climate change and peak oil become ever more apparent, big companies are quietly shifting focus and making preparations for weathering the coming storm. As the […]
Brumby sees the light after solar tour
The future looks bright for Victoria’s solar industry after Premier John Brumby indicated that four solar power plants capable of powering 200,000 homes could be built in the state over the next ten years. He also flagged an increase of solar energy share in Victoria’s mandatory renewable energy target, possibly 2.5 percent of the total […]
Aussie solar hot water fuels sustainable USA
An Australian solar firm based in the US has claimed to one day solve the nation’s energy crisis by utilising solar hot water technology. They say that by 2025 solar thermal power plants could generate enough electricity to meet almost all of America’s energy needs. The Ausra Incorporated solar thermal plant, located in the Nevada […]
Apple goes green with solar powered ipods
Apple has lodged a patent for revolutionary new solar technology that could soon see iPods, iPhones and some laptops powered by the sun. The design involves inserting razor-fine silicon solar PV cells inside the device’s LCD screen and converting the light captured into electricity to charge the batteries. Although the surface area of these screens […]
Huge renewable energy opportunities for Australia
An international proponent of the world renewable energy industry says that Australia has vast opportunities for growth in the renewable sector, despite spending cuts to climate initiatives in the Federal Budget. Hans-Josef Fell said it was vital that governments put in place laws providing a positive framework for growth in renewable technologies, such as solar, […]
Clarification on Solar Means Test by Federal Government
The Federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has issued a clarification in regards to the $100 000 means test imposed in the recent Federal Budget. This clarification followed the cancellation of thousands of orders for solar systems across Australia by working families with two bred winners. The Clean Energy Council the […]
Solar in Schools program update
The Clean Energy Council has today been advised by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, that the following will apply to the *Solar in Schools program* of $480.6 million. 1. Of the $50,000 per school in Australia, *ALL may be allocated to solar PV, * where the unit is a minimum […]
Turnbull condemns solar panel means test
In an address to the Press Club on 21st May 2008 Malcolm Turnbull, the Federal shadow treasurer said: ” This is a Government that says climate change is the greatest long term economic challenge of our times, but presents a Budget with nothing to say about the likely impact and costs of an emissions trading […]
Climate Budget threatens solar industry with big sting in the tail
One of Australia’s leading online renewable energy companies, Energy Matters, hopes that certain aspects of the Rudd Government’s climate change budget package don’t lead to a trough in the nation’s renewable energy sector. While largely supporting a majority of the initiatives announced in last night’s budget, such as the $10,000 green loans scheme and money […]
