Installations in 2025 under the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP) surpassed even some previous optimistic estimates. [Read more…]
About Michael BlochMichael caught the solar power bug after purchasing components to cobble together a small off-grid PV system in 2008. He's been reporting on Australian and international solar energy news ever since.
Electricity Bills: Higher Fixed Network Charges Ahead?
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) recently published its draft recommendations for a “smarter, fairer, lowest overall cost” electricity network, one that may involve higher fixed network charges. [Read more…]
Australian Consumer Alert: Portable Air Conditioner Scams
Ads for cheap(ish) so-called “air conditioners” that look a little like small reverse cycle split system head units have been popping up all over the web. Save your money and your time — they won’t work as advertised for a very simple reason, and may pose fire safety risks. [Read more…]
How Hail-Resistant Are Solar Panels Really?
Image: @RACQOfficial
While all solar panels installed on homes in Australia have basic hailstone resistance attributes, some manufacturers take it a step further to provide a bit of extra peace of mind and a competitive edge. But we see some hail storms here that no panel could be expected to survive. [Read more…]
Xmas 2025: Rooftop Solar Panels Power Australian Celebrations
On Xmas day 2025, millions of rooftop solar panel systems installed across Australia did their bit to make the electricity consumed during celebrations cheaper and greener for all with impressive contributions to grid exports. Added to this major contribution were a bunch of shiny new home batteries seeing their first Xmas operations. [Read more…]
Sticker Shock: The Real-World Range Of Electric Vehicles
EV range figures — and fuel economy for fossil fuel vehicles for that matter — provided by auto manufacturers can be on the optimistic side; but by how much? Recent and ongoing testing in Australia reveals the differences from real-world driving range can be substantial. [Read more…]
EcoFlow Readies For Australian Home Battery Market
Portable battery specialist EcoFlow also manufactures fixed home batteries that should be available to Australian customers reasonably early in the new year; along with hard-wired EV chargers. [Read more…]
AER Vs. Origin Energy: Alleged Centrepay Shenanigans
Origin Energy has drawn the ire of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), which alleges breaches of rules in relation to the retailer continuing to receive payments from Centrepay customers who had closed their accounts — paid in full. [Read more…]
New Sigenergy SigenStor Battery Options Emerge Amid Recall
Added battery module options for the hugely popular (albeit recently troubled) Sigenergy SigenStor home battery storage system have been unveiled . Plus, we take a look at how the Sigenergy energy controller recall is progressing. [Read more…]
Calculating Your Home Battery Rebate — The Easy Way
Forget the mental gymnastics. Here’s the super-simple way to estimate how much federal government rebate you can get on whatever eligible home battery you’re interested in. [Read more…]
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