Hybrid wind-solar power system for residential applications
Dutch startup Airturb has developed a 500 W hybrid wind-solar power system featuring a vertical axis wind turbine and a solar base hosting four 30 W solar panels. The system can be used for rooftop or off-grid applications.
Zero solar export limits soon to be heavily restricted
The Australian Energy Regulator has handed down its final decision on when electricity networks are permitted to impose zero export limits on rooftop solar systems. The answer: almost never.
Paul McArdle’s analysis of his electricity usage (and solar production) at home
Over the Easter weekend there were a number of different tasks to work through – including sorting out what to do about electricity supply at home. Understandably I drew the short straw on that task.
Solar installer fined $32,000 after ignoring fall risk
A Victorian solar installer that ignored a seven-metre fall risk on a job site in Geelong has been convicted and ordered to pay almost $40,000 after pleading guilty to three charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
WA increases electricity supply for regional households after rule change wreaks havoc
Western Australia will now offer rural and metro-area residents in its main grid the same electricity supply. The move comes after a seemingly innocuous rule change saw regional customers unable to run their air conditioning at the same time as their cooktops – a drama pv magazine Australia first reported in July 2022 which led to sustained community pressure.
SunWiz reports residential battery installs at record high
Record numbers of battery energy storage systems were installed in Australian homes and businesses in 2022 with energy industry consultancy SunWiz reporting more than 47,000 residential batteries were installed across the country last year, a 55% increase on the previous year.
India surpasses 64 GW of installed solar capacity
The Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka now account for more than 50% of the nation’s cumulative installed solar capacity.
Free solar training and mentorships on offer in Victoria
As part of its $1.3 billion (USD 87 million) Solar Homes Program, the Victorian government has launched an initiative to upskill electricians, electrical engineers and licensed electrical inspectors to encourage them to take on more solar work.
Rooftop solar hit new record this summer
Household’s rooftop solar supplied a record 14% of Australia’s electricity this summer – contributing more than brown coal, and more than large-scale wind or solar farms.
New global solar capacity additions hit 191 GW in 2022, says IRENA
Global renewable capacity increased by 295 GW last year, bringing the world to a cumulative installed capacity of 3,372 GW, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
