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 […]
Australian Energy Storage Database (AESDB) to become ‘one stop shop’ for Aus storage project info
Yesterday the Australian Energy Storage Alliance (AESA) officially announced the launch of the Australian Energy Storage Database (AESDB), which will serve as the authoritative resource for existing and upcoming energy storage […]
Time of use vs flat rate tariffs for solar energy storage: Which makes more sense?
There are many important considerations when it comes to installing a battery storage system for your home. One of the most important ones is whether or not to switch electricity […]
A brain for your battery storage system: Q&A with Reposit Power
Reposit Power is a Canberra-based start-up that promises to be one of the key facilitators of Australia’s battery storage revolution. Their product is an $800 battery storage system control system […]
Renewables supply record 90% of German power demand, sending prices into the negative
Solar, wind, biomass and hydro energy combined to supply a record 90 per cent of Germany’s total power demand at times on Sunday 8 May, and sent power prices into […]
Australia’s Fulcrum3D launches CloudCAM into commercial market
Australian made cloud tracking technology that predicts cloud movements to help optimise the output of solar PV has successfully entered the commercial market. CloudCAM, developed by NSW company Fulcrum3D, uses […]
‘Tariff arbitrage’ with battery storage: What is it and how can it save you money?
For most people, the promise of home battery storage is mainly about the ability to save sunlight so that it can be used later, after the sun has set. ‘Tariff […]
Australia misses out on ‘mountain of global cash’ as renewable target uncertainty continues
Australia is missing out on a “mountain of global cash” looking for alternative energy investments, a new report has found, thanks to continued renewable energy policy uncertainty, and the effect […]
Impact Investment Group purchases 11MW Williamsdale solar farm in ACT
A privately owned funds management company has bought an 11MW solar project in the Australian Capital Territory as part of a major push into the Australian solar market. Impact Investment […]
16.4% of Aus energy from renewables in last year, with 2.6% from rooftop solar
Rooftop solar now accounts for 2.6 per cent of Australia’s total electricity demand, or nearly 10 per cent of household electricity use, new data has shown. According to Hugh Saddler, […]
Which retailer is offering the best electricity plan for solar customers in Brisbane?
Getting a higher feed-in tariff from your electricity retailer looks great on paper, but it does not necessarily mean that you will save more money on your electricity bills. We’ve taken […]
Introducing a (free) tool that allows solar homes to meaningfully compare retail electricity plans
Solar PV system owners – generally speaking – do not like their electricity retailers. Maybe it’s just the sense of independence they get from generating a portion of their own […]
Labor pledges to reinstate ARENA funds if elected
Labor has put climate change and renewable energy firmly on its economic agenda in its budget reply, while also re-opening the door to re-instating funds to the Australia Renewable Energy […]
Gov’t removal of ARENA’s grant-funding powers means bigger ‘valley of death’ for new technologies
The federal government’s decision to remove the grant-funding ability the Australian Renewable Energy Agency will make it harder for new technologies to bridge the “valley of death”, an Agency adviser […]
Residential Solar PV Price Index – May 2016
Based on data from Solar Choice’s installer network database, the average price of per watt of a fully installed residential solar system in Australia as of May 2016 is about […]
LG introduces new two-sided, 60-cell, 300 watt solar panel
LG Solar has introduced a high-efficiency bifacial solar panel with a peak capacity of 300 watts and a total output capacity equivalent to 375W. The 60-cell NeON 2 BiFacial panel is the […]
Greens propose federal incentive for home battery storage
More than one million Australian households would install heavily discounted battery storage over the next five years under a scheme proposed by the Greens, as part of a new policy […]
GCL Poly launches multi-colour battery storage solution for Aus market
The world’s biggest supplier of silicon and solar cells, GCL Poly, has launched its new battery storage product onto the Australian market, taking on Tesla, LG, Enphase and a host of […]
Coal plant closures would have ‘negligible’ impact on electricity prices: RepuTex
Shutting down Australia’s dirtiest coal-fired power plants as soon as 2017 would have a “negligible” effect on electricity prices, a new report has found. The analysis, by energy and emissions […]
Greens propose plan to wean Australia off coal
A seven-point policy plan to wean the Australian economy and electricity network off coal, has been unveiled by the Greens, including an immediate ban on all new coal and gas […]
Energex proposes ban on use of batteries, AC units & other white goods during ‘off-peak’ periods
Queensland government-owned network operator Energex has proposed banning battery storage, air conditioning and appliances such as washing machines and clothes dryers from off peak loads in a move that has […]
‘Maximum demand’ tariffs could speed arrival of mass market for battery storage
The point of mass uptake of battery storage in Australia may be closer than most people think, according to a new survey, although it would require a different tariff structure […]
Solar Choice brokers 1.2MW of Solar for Doug Hall Poultry Farm
Solar Choice Commercial has brokered a total of 1.2MW of solar for Doug Hall Poultry across multiple sites including a large-scale ground mounted system. The company also has two 100kW […]
ACT Enviro Minister Simon Corbell to be opening speaker at Renewable Cities Australia Forum
The Australian Capital Territory’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment Simon Corbell will be the keynote speaker at Australia’s inaugural Renewable Cities Australia Forum, which will be held alongside […]