Interview: Smart Energy Council renews call for its code of conduct to be used for Solar Homes
With a pronounced focus on safety and installer certification in the second round of Victoria’s landmark Solar Homes subsidy program, the Smart Energy Council (SEC) has renewed calls for its ‘whole of industry’ code to be incorporated into the program. SEC CEO John Grimes says that he broadly supports the focus on safety as “setting a high bar.”
Next round of Solar Homes targets 42,000 resi arrays, 1,000 batteries
The Victorian Government has published its targets and caps for the 2019/20 round of the Solar Homes program. 40,0000 privately owned homes are set to receive government grants under the program, with an additional 2,000 systems on rental properties. 1,000 grants for retrofitted residential storage are also set to be subsidised in the latest round, in targeted areas.
Victorian councils turn to solar for environmental upgrades, improved bottom lines
Mildura Rural City Council reports a milestone in helping businesses to upgrade their buildings with solar and become more energy efficient and sustainable, while Greater Shepparton sees great results from going solar.
Tempo Australia says on track to de-risk Cohuna solar project
With the trading suspension lifted, the ASX-listed contracting company says its fear of cost blowouts on a 34 MW Victorian project has been allayed by the ongoing good faith negotiations with client Enel Green Power.
Australia’s largest battery retrofitted to solar farm officially opens
The 25 MW / 50 MWh Tesla battery collocated with the 60 MW Gannawarra Solar Farm has been officially opened.
AGL’s new virtual power plant to cover four states
On the back of a successful trial in South Australia, AGL is expanding its virtual power plant to other states. Under the program, customers will be able to save up to $280 a year on their electricity bills and be offered an upfront payment of $1,000 towards the cost of their battery.
Interview: Tracking loads, allocating solar power, optimising payoffs with Allume Energy
Matching solar supply and energy consumption within a household or business can deliver powerful energy savings. When extended over multi-dwelling properties, like apartment buildings or retirement communities, the benefits are multiple, says Cameron Knox co-founder and CEO of Allume Energy.
Total Eren secures finance for Victoria’s biggest solar farm
The French renewables giant has reached financial close for the 256.5 MW Kiamal Solar Farm with the support of a group of Australian and European financial institutions. Additionally, Australia’s green bank Clean Energy Finance Corporation entered the project by taking a minority equity stake.
Solar among major winners in Victorian budget
Rebates and zero-interest loans for solar panels, solar hot water systems and batteries account for one of the major spends in Victoria’s 2019/20 budget and come at a cost of $1.3 billion.
SonnenFlat available in Victoria
Victorian households can now sign up for sonnenFlat, an energy plan that offers a guaranteed annual energy allowance including solar, storage and grid energy usage for a fixed fee.
