Industry urges consumers to do due diligence as Victoria’s Solar Homes scheme reopens
With the comeback of the Victorian government’s first-in best-dressed Solar Homes program, consumers are urged to do their due diligence as they rush to apply for popular rebates. If incorrectly installed, batteries are a serious safety risk, industry body Future Energy Skills underlines.
Victoria’s Solar Homes program returns with a bang
The first-in best-dressed Solar Homes program kicked off on Monday, with a half of solar rebates available in July snapped in the first day. The revamped scheme will be accompanied with a more stringent auditing program and other measures to optimize the rollout following difficulties that have plagued round one.
Details emerge on audits planned for VIC Solar Homes program
After encountering some problems in the first round of the Victorian Government’s Solar Homes program, round twois set to be backed up by more stringent auditing program. Exactly what this entails is becoming more clear.
Victorian college switches to 100% solar-wind electricity blend
Melbourne-based Presbyterian Ladies’ College will be powered solely by wind and solar with the help of a power purchase agreement inked with electricity retailer Flow Power and on-site PV.
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.
