Australian solar also rises, new AEC report shows Australians going big on PV
The Australian Energy Council’s quarterly Solar Report points to something getting bigger in the solar industry that isn’t just the larger format modules. What’s getting bigger is the average size of solar systems Australians are installing on their homes and small businesses.
Vic Solar cops $3 million fine after thousands targeted with ‘predatory’ tactics
A Victorian solar PV company which swindled thousands of customers out of millions of dollars has been fined a massive $3 million while its sole director has been slapped with a $450,000 penalty and disqualified from being a director of any company for five years.
Northern Territory targets renewable energy schemes with budget spending
While Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is putting the finishing touches on the Federal Budget, the Northern Territory Government has already rolled out its 2021-22 Budget and solar PV and battery storage are among its spending priorities with an extra $4.8 million invested in existing renewable energy schemes.
Absorbent glass mat battery for residential storage
Silicon Valley-based start-up Gridtential has secured US$12 million (AU$15.5m) in funds to develop what it calls the world’s first factory-ready, single-block, 24V, deep-cycle lead battery. The product is claimed to be ideal for personal mobility vehicles and renewable energy storage in homes and offices.
NSW feed-in-tariffs to drop in line with falling wholesale electricity prices
Recommendations by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal will see payback times for solar systems extended, but also favour battery uptake.
Tesla touts the market strength of its Powerwall energy storage product
In an earnings call, the company said that storage deployments grew 71% YoY and solar installations were its strongest in 2.5 years.
Error in ‘solar tax’ calculations may leave homes with no export profits, analysis finds
The impacts of Australia’s proposed “solar tax” may have been greatly underestimated, according to a report from the Victoria Energy Policy Centre. The institute says proposed rule change is “likely to leave solar homes with little or no income from rooftop solar exports” as feed-in tariffs drop.
South Australia sets record as rooftop solar sees electricity prices consistently plunge below zero
Rooftop solar has caused South Australia’s average daytime prices fell below zero consistently for the first time in the NEM’s history, the Australian Energy Market Operator said in its quarterly report released today.
Victorian government launches VPP pilot program
Victoria’s Andrews Government has launched a battery aggregation pilot program which seeks to build an “approved aggregation provider list” alongside the Solar Homes battery rebate. The Victorian Government sees the future of virtual power plants and microgrids and this is an opportunity for both consumers and providers to benefit.
Solar discrimination sees electricity retailer fined $300,000
Powershop has been fined $300,000 after Victoria’s Essential Services Commission found the energy retailer was offering solar customers more expensive electricity plans than non-solar customers.
