Low, middle income households install solar more than wealthy
New myth-busting analysis has revealed that rooftop solar is not so much in vogue among the wealthy, but is more popular among poorer households. Cost-saving benefits are, however, being blunted by high fixed charges, while energy retailers are profiteering from households with solar PV, states the report from the Victoria Energy Policy Climate.
Carnegie commissions Garden Island microgrid project
WA-based renewable energy developer Carnegie Clean Energy has completed commissioning of a microgrid project, featuring 2 MW solar PV and 2 MW/0.5 MWh battery, at a naval base in Western Australia.
Western Power to roll out 57 stand-alone power systems at farms
The Western Australian government-owned utility has inked $8.8 million in contracts signed for the first stage of its landmark off-grid program for regional properties. The deployment will be led by local WA companies, Hybrid Systems and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems.
1.5 GW solar, 500 MWh battery project breaks ground in Queensland
The first sod has been turned on a massive solar+storage development located between Harlin and Kilcoy, in south-east Queensland. The project was proposed by Sunshine Energy Australia, a newcomer to the Aussie solar scene.
Study reveals unexpected variables affecting returns on rooftop solar
With 21.6% of Australian households living under rooftop solar, analysis of savings gained and costs mitigated under various circumstances is just catching up with the stampede to install PV. One new study by UNSW researchers is instructive, another looks promising for all energy consumers.
NSW Labor commits to train 4,500 skilled solar electricians
After announcing a policy to drive 9 GW of renewable energy within a decade if elected, NSW Labor has pledged to invest $11 million to train and accredit electricians to install and maintain the new solar energy infrastructure in the state.
SA Water picks Enerven for solar+storage rollout
South Australia’s largest water and sewerage services supplier has chosen its partner to deploy approximately 154 MW of new solar PV generation and 34 MWh of energy storage, across around 70 of its sites over the next 18 months.
Victoria’s Powercor develops plan to avoid solar curtailment
The Victorian electricity distribution business has proposed network enhancements that aim to drive down power prices starting from 2021. It hopes to boost the safety and flexibility of the grid through the measures, which include network improvements to accommodate more solar and battery storage installations.
SA Water looking to add solar+storage at three pumping stations
South Australia’s largest water and sewerage services supplier has a few utility-scale solar projects coupled with energy storage in its pipeline. Three of them are currently under consideration and scheduled to commence construction this year.
Demand Manager forecasts SRES to add $360 million to bills in 2019, tips “imminent” changes
The economy-wide costs of rooftop PV subsidies came in at $1.2 billion in 2018, according to analysis by energy efficiency and solar financer and STC trader Demand Manger. While forecasting an increase to $1.56 billion in 2019, Demand Manager has foreshadowed “imminent” changes to Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
