I developed an interest in the Australian energy and construction sectors more than a decade ago and have since closely followed the trends, technologies and developments shaping both industries. My involvement in the Australian solar market began in 2008, and over the years I have built strong connections with professionals, businesses and organisations across the construction, solar and renewable energy sectors in Australia and internationally. These connections include solar panel and inverter manufacturers, electrical and construction industry professionals, software developers creating tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems, and media organisations that closely follow developments across energy, construction and renewable technologies. Today, I continue to contribute as an industry advocate, author and commentator, sharing practical insights and information to help Australian consumers and businesses better understand solar power, energy technologies, construction-related developments and the changing Australian energy landscape.

Dubbo New Solar Power Capital

Dubbo New Solar Power Capital

| by Darryn Van Hout

The humble city of Dubbo has emerged as the solar power capital of Australia, with more than a quarter of the houses in one postcode generating their own electricity from rooftop panels. Despite the government...

Flag Falls as Q-Cells Files For Insolvency

Flag Falls as Q-Cells Files For Insolvency

| by Darryn Van Hout

High profile German solar manufacturer Q-Cells has failed to stave off insolvency.  This is direct result of failing to agree to a financial restructuring with all creditors. The company said it would request the opening of...

SolarXpress Brisbane not so solar express

SolarXpress Brisbane not so solar express

| by Darryn Van Hout

SolarXpress Brisbane has 67,388 small technology certificates (STCs) registered with Renewal Energy Regulator worth $2,695,320. The certificates scheme was set up to prompt households to invest in renewable energy such as solar hot water and solar...

Savings for Western Australia Solar Industry

Savings for Western Australia Solar Industry

| by Darryn Van Hout

Horizon Power of Western Australia will introduce area-specific solar feed-in tariffs, a first for the country. While owners of solar systems in some towns will receive a fairly high rate, others will receive considerably less....

Sunshine Coast TAFE Carbon-neutral

Sunshine Coast TAFE Carbon-neutral

| by Darryn Van Hout

A new mile stone has been achieved for sustainability in Australia after Queensland’s Sunshine Coast TAFE has become the first educational institution in Australia to be certified carbon-neutral. Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan presented the...

Get timely end-to-end PV research

Get timely end-to-end PV research

| by Darryn Van Hout

Q1'12 global demand is forecast at 6.9 GW, down 35% Q/Q, but up 146% Y/Y, primarily due to delayed policy tightening in Germany. Furthermore, European demand is projected to drop 27% in the second half...

Los Angeles County Bans Plastic Bags

Los Angeles County Bans Plastic Bags

| by Darryn Van Hout

The plastic bag prohibition recently took effect in an additional part of Los Angeles County, and this time it will be Manhattan Beach. The ban will affect the sale and use of plastic-type bags in...

Queensland electricity prices set to rise

Queensland electricity prices set to rise

| by Darryn Van Hout

Queensland residents face electricity price increases of up to $122 with the introduction of the carbon tax, the state's Competition Authority warns. Without the federal carbon tax (due to take effect on July 1), the...

First intercontinental solar-powered flight

First intercontinental solar-powered flight

| by Darryn Van Hout

The European built solar plane Solar Impulse has completed the world’s first intercontinental flight powered by the sun with a landing in Rabat, Morocco. Solar Impulse took off from Madrid and landed at Rabat’s International...