Since reaching the 23 million populace mark in April, Australia has hit another milestone – there are now over one million homes with rooftop solar panels. According to Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator this number equates to 10 per cent of the country experiencing the benefits of home solar systems. More than 1,011,478 systems are generating 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar and saving households over $500 million in energy costs. These figures are remarkable considering there …
German residents could soon receive a subsidy for the excess energy they store through a renewable energy battery system. A spokesperson for KfW, a bank involved in financing the scheme, told PV Magazine that terms of the subsidy are due for release on May 1st. Germany’s Federal Environment Ministry will fund the 30 per cent subsidy at an expected cost of $65 million, however this is yet to be finalised. The storage system is to …
An American scientist has developed a fabric capable of converting heat, wind and body movement into electricity. David Carroll, a nanotechnologist from Wake Forest University in North Carolina has used carbon nano-tubes to make solar energy more efficient, cheaper and greener. “The fabric could be sewn into the cases of smart phones, as a wrapping on appliances or worn in clothing,” said Professor Carroll to Business Insider. “The fabrics versatility and cheapness mean it is a great …
Chinese solar company LDK Solar Co Ltd has this week defaulted on a $24 million dollar bond. This comes just a month after rival company Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd defaulted on $540 million in US bonds, sparking fears about other Chinese companies being unable to repay debt. Shares in LDK Solar have fallen internationally; as of Tuesday morning German listings in the company fell 26 per cent and the New York Stock Exchange opened …
Two Brisbane solar companies have struck a deal to develop a 250 megawatt solar station in Indonesia. Solar Guys International and Mitabu Australia are working with the Indonesian Ministry of Energy on the $550 million project. In a statement released by a representative for the joint companies, SGI-Mutabu will be participating in an Australian first. “Funding for the first 50MW of the project will be obtained using local Indonesian and Islamic financing known as a …
The Federal Government has decided to maintain Australia’s Renewable Energy Target, ensuring a minimum of 20 per cent of the nation’s electricity comes from renewable sources. A recent review of the Renewable Energy Target by the Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Authority has encouraged the Federal Government to maintain the scheme. The RET will ensure that at least 20 per cent of the country’s electricity is supplied by renewable sources such as solar and wind …
Muri Beach Resort, situated on the islet of Ta’akoka in the Cook Islands, is the first resort to be powered purely by the sun. The resort’s move into green energy comes after the Cook Island government announced its long term move into renewable energy. The resorts 101kW off-grid system consists of 18 SMA solar inverters and a large deep cycle battery bank. The new SMA system is one of many steps the resort has taken …
IMPORTANT: Even if your utility has cut the power to your property, your solar power system still has the potential to give you a lethal electric shock if it has been affected by a flood. Although the fire and rescue services will assist during a flood, it is recommended that you follow the steps below to minimise any risk to yourself and your family from your solar panel system. Before a flood Follow the …
Hawaii is leading the way in the production of environmentally friendly alcohol production with the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery. Situated on Mount Maleakala on Maui, Ocean Vodka will commence operation this year using only solar power. The solar panels will power all the distillery’s operations and visitor centre which teaches guests the importance of organic farming and conservation. “Our product is 100 per cent Certified USDA Organic, gluten free and the only vodka …
As a result of industrial nations slashing green energy subsidies, clean energy investment slumped 11 per cent in 2012. Investment in technologies, ranging from wind turbines and solar panels to biomass projects, fell from $US302 billion in 2011 to just $US268 billion ($AU254 billion) last year. According to data released by Bloomberg New Energy Finance China was the only nation to offset gains thanks to a number of small hydropower projects rising 20 per cent …
