A new report from WWF Australia has questioned the concept of “baseload” energy, arguing that this model of power generation will be made redundant by a 100 per cent renewable […]
NSW transmission network to install 1MW battery banks for commercial customers
NSW-based Transgrid has revealed plans to install a number of 1MW-sized battery storage systems at commercial customers, in a major push into smaller, grid-scale energy storage. Transgrid’s Anthony England said […]
NSW IPART suggests slightly higher solar feed-in tariff rates for 2016-17 (and we all laugh)
The Independent Regulatory & Pricing Tribunal (IPART) has issued its final determination with regard to solar feed-in rates for the 2016-2017 financial year, suggesting a slight increase over last year’s thanks […]
Storage & community energy eyed as possible solutions to projected electricity demand growth in Mandurah, WA
WA network operator Western Power says it is seeking non-network solutions, that could include solar and storage and community energy, to try to avoid spending $30 million in a high-growth […]
On grid or off-grid? Some advice for a Solar Choice customer
We were recently in touch with a customer who was deliberating between whether to have his new-build home connected to the grid, or to go off-grid with a solar-plus-storage system. […]
Are you voting for solar this election? Check the Solar Scorecard
Solar advocacy group Solar Citizens have launched their Solar Scorecard tool for the 2016 election. The Solar Scorecard allows anyone to find out how the candidates in their local electorate […]
How to get the most out of your solar PV system part 2: What’s your electricity usage pattern?
For anyone who has a solar PV system for your home/business or is thinking about getting one, understanding electricity usage patterns throughout the day is integral for guaranteeing a good return […]
JinkoSolar lays claim to title of world’s largest solar panel manufacturer
JinkoSolar has become the world’s top solar module maker, after posting record shipments in the first quarter of 2016. The 10-year-old Chinese company announced total shipments of 1,600MW in the […]
Australian Energy Storage Conference & Exhibition 2016 roundup
The Australian Energy Storage Conference & Exhibition 2016 was held in the Australian Technology Park in Sydney last week. In addition to being a networking and knowledge-sharing opportunity, the event […]
Aussie solar scientists call on major parties to keep ARENA
Australian solar scientists have called on both major political parties to rethink their policy on cutting funding to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, saying the move could “unintentionally kill” solar […]
Global renewable energy growth hits new record
The global renewable energy industry had a record-breaking year in 2015, according to the REN21 2016 Renewables Global Status Report, with 147GW of renewable generating capacity added worldwide – the […]
‘Green schemes’ only a small part of electricity price increases, report confirms
A Clean Energy Council report has highlighted how little renewable energy policies and other “green schemes” have contributed to Australia’s rising electricity prices, in comparison to other factors like […]
Half of Aussie electricity demand will be met by small-scale solar & batteries: BNEF
Australia’s rooftop solar homes and businesses will not just be generating up to half of the country’s electricity needs in the future, but could play a key role in meeting […]
SA’s Coober Pedy to shift from diesel to renewables in Hydro Tas project
Hydro Tasmania has revealed that technologies the utility developed for the King Island Renewable Energy Integration Project will be used to help transform the remote, off-grid South Australian township of […]
2nd round of ACT government tender will bring solar + battery storage to 600 Canberra homes
The ACT government has announced that it will target around 600 Canberra homes and businesses in the second round of its battery storage tender. The new funding round will make […]
Energy storage in NSW after the Solar Bonus Feed-in Tariff Scheme
There are roughly 150,000 households in New South Wales who receive solar feed-in tariff payments under the state’s Solar Bonus Scheme. As the Sydney Morning Herald pointed out recently, before […]
In what situations does battery storage already make financial sense?
There is a phenomenal amount of buzz about home battery storage in Australia – it’s a hot topic because of the potential value proposition and the allure of energy independence. […]
Solar homes exceed 50% penetration mark in 14 suburbs
Rooftop solar uptake is continuing to grow in Australia, with a new report showing 14 suburbs with PV penetration above 50 per cent, and many others with uptake far above […]
Who needs batteries? How SolarImmersion puts your excess solar energy to work
Every day, thousands of Australia’s solar homes send excess solar power into the grid for little or no financial reward. SolarImmersion is a simple gadget that puts surplus solar energy […]
First Renewable Cities Australia Forum to be held 1-2 June in Sydney
Australia will host its first ever Renewable Cities Australia Forum next week at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney. The forum will be held alongside the Energy Storage Conference & […]
Another 3GW of capacity required for Aus to meet 2020 renewables target
As much as 3000MW of new-build renewable energy capacity – or another 30 Clare Solar Farms – will need to be committed in 2016 alone if Australia is meet its […]
Aquion’s saltwater batteries: Affordable, safe, clean – and available in Australia
Aquion is a US-based battery manufacturer bringing a fresh approach to battery manufacturing. The company’s saltwater-based batteries are some of the most affordable, safest, and environmentally-friendly batteries on the planet, […]
Westpac launches CEFC-backed financing for clean energy technologies
A new loan facility launched by Westpac Bank in conjunction with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation aims to help Australian businesses invest in solar, battery storage, energy efficient technologies and […]
When do the solar feed-in tariffs end? A state-by-state look
Solar feed-in tariffs were once the most influential factor in a given state’s rooftop solar market, but all of the generous rates once available have been closed to new applicants. […]
More rooftop solar could bolster energy security for Tasmania: Report
A new report has emerged suggesting that the solar power generated on Tasmania’s rooftops is being seriously undervalued, a factor that is holding back growth in an industry that could […]
Commercial Solar PV Price Index: May 2016
Average commercial solar system prices continued to hug $1.32-$1.33 for the 5th month running (since the beginning of the year), according to data from Solar Choice’s installer network. Larger systems […]
UNSW team achieves new solar PV efficiency record of 34.5%
A University of NSW team led by Professor Martin Green and Dr Mark Keevers has reported a new world efficiency record for solar cells using unfocused sunlight – the sort […]
Greens policy would put 31,000 EVs on Australian roads by 2021
The Greens have released a policy plan that aims to get 31,000 more electric vehicles on Australian roads by 2021 – up from little more than 1,000 now – and […]
How much does a 5kW solar system cost in Melbourne, Victoria?
Solar power is still a great investment option for Melbourne homes & businesses, even after a number of changes to state and federal government incentives. 5kW solar systems have proven to […]
Solar Choice visits one of the first Tesla Powerwall installations in Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Tesla’s Powerwall is the most well-known of the rapidly growing list of home battery storage devices in Australia which includes the likes of LG, Enphase, Aquion and a host of other […]
Seven habits of smart solar shoppers
Going solar is still a no-nonsense investment options for homes across Australia, with payback periods as short as 2-3 years in the right circumstances. This is due in great part […]
