Why don’t retailers offer higher solar feed-in rates? Does it matter if feed-in tariff rates are low? What are some of the alternative approaches to conventional feed-in tariffs that are beginning […]
Tag: energy management systems
Reposit First energy monitoring system reviewed
Since February of this year I’ve had Reposit Power’s Reposit First monitoring system installed at my Newcastle home. The goal has always been to write a review of how the […]
Looking beyond solar feed-in tariffs: How to pick an electricity retailer
When solar system owners shop around for an electricity retailer, the first thing they tend to look at is the solar feed-in tariff rate that the retailer offers. The fact […]
I’m (finally) going to live in a solar-powered home
After nearly a decade working in Australia’s solar industry, I’m finally getting in on the action on a personal level. From next week I’m moving to Newcastle and will be […]
A guide to community microgrids
carbonTRACK Community microgrids are a way for neighbourhoods, villages, towns and cities to meet their energy needs locally. Increasingly, community microgrids are being eyed as an option even in areas where […]
How much can you really save with ‘selective export’ of solar & battery energy?
Now that solar feed-in tariff rates are so low across the country, there’s little reason for a solar system owner to send their energy back into the grid, as they […]
New smart meter from carbonTRACK to benefit households, bolster grid resilience
Australian home energy management system developer carbonTRACK has announced the launch of an ‘intelligent smart meter’ that promises to benefit households, electricity retailers and grid operators alike. For end users, the […]
Electricity demand tariffs in Australia – How to handle them
If you hear the words ‘Demand Tariffs’ and start scratching your head, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll examine what demand tariffs are and how to deal […]
A comparison of home energy management systems in Australia
Solar PV systems are already commonplace and affordable in Australia, and battery storage is getting there quickly as well. Increasingly, Australia’s solar homes are looking for ways to maximise the […]
NSW Solar Bonus Scheme feed-in tariffs end this year: What are your options?
On December 31 2016, recipients of NSW Solar Bonus Scheme will cease to receive bill credits for their exported solar energy. The Solar Bonus Scheme (which closed to new applications in […]
Wattwatchers wins Australian Technology Competition
Wattwatchers, a Sydney-based “internet of things” energy management start-up has been selected by judges as one of two winners of this year’s Australian Technology Competition. The developer of the web-based […]
Sonnen’s Eco in Australia: An all-in-one, modular, German-made battery storage system for homes
Sonnen is a German home battery storage system developer that has one of the most robust & attractive products on the Australian market. The Sonnen Eco is an expandable, all-in-one […]
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 […]
Smart window blinds for the smart solar home?
One thing that Australia’s rooftop solar revolution has managed to foster is a higher degree of awareness among home owners about how and when they use electricity throughout the day. The […]
Why Australia is fertile ground for home battery storage (Q&A with Enphase cofounder Raghu Belur – Part 3)
Solar Choice: Enphase is known mainly for its world-leading microinverters. What spurred the company to get involved in the energy storage market, and why did it choose Australia as the […]
carbonTRACK: Aussie-based startup delivers smarter solar, storage & energy use
carbonTRACK is an Australian company whose energy management platform promises to deliver up to 30% savings on electricity bills for solar-powered homes and 10% in businesses, not only by maximising […]
The Australian solar home in 2025 (Australian Utility Week Roundup Part 2)
Things are changing fast when it comes to electricity in Australia, and Australian Utility Week 2015 (‘the year of the digital utility’) was a great place to catch a glimpse […]
Energy storage system manufacturer SolaX launches its second generation of ‘hybrid’ inverter
Energy storage system developer SolaX recently announced its plans to launch a second-generation hybrid energy management system (EMS). The SolaX X-Hybrid 2 features several new additions that promise to make it a […]
Enphase CEO: Australian solar market years ahead of USA, ready for energy storage
The CEO of the world’s biggest supplier of solar inverters has described the Australian solar market as having infinite potential, in a global market he predicts will wind up being […]
Aussie investors Southern Cross Ventures back US solar-plus-storage startup
A leading US developer of battery storage and energy management systems has gained backing from Australian cleantech investment fund Southern Cross Venture Partners. Southern Cross led a $15 million fundraising […]
VoltLogic Power Equaliser: Managing solar, wind, battery power, and more
VoltLogic is a ‘4 quadrant’ energy management device developed and manufactured by Renewable Energy Solutions Australia Holdings Ltd. Going far beyond the simple function of an inverter in a small-scale […]