Wholesale electricity spot prices in the two Australian states with the most renewable energy generation — South Australia and Tasmania — are the lowest in the nation and have been for years. This is good news for anyone who prefers clean energy over dirty. That is everyone who isn’t evil, an idiot, or both. [Read more…]
How My Friend Frank Used SolarQuotes To Buy Solar
My friend Frank was considering putting solar panels on his roof, so — knowing I’m a solar guru — he asked me what he should do. I told him to use the SolarQuotes site and — if it was okay with him — I’d write about his experience. He said that was fine provided I didn’t make any horrible puns and we shook hands on it. This was a little painful because I had my fingers crossed at the time. [Read more…]
The Huawei Luna2000 Battery Review: Tantalisingly Close To Paying For Itself
Introducing The Huawei Luna2000 Battery — A Home Battery That May Pay In WA
Huawei is the world’s largest inverter manufacturer and has been selling residential solar inverters in Australia for years. They’re now offering home energy storage with the launch of their Luna 2000 battery in May. [Read more…]
Air Conditioners Will Heat Your Home Cheaper Than Gas. Here’s Why.
The best way to heat your home is with a reverse cycle air conditioner. This is true whether your goal is to save money or save the planet. In this article, I’ll explain no matter how crap your air conditioner is, you’re likely to be financially better off using it for heat instead of gas. [Read more…]
How Time Of Use Tariffs Can Boost Your Solar Battery Savings
I’ve been given a mission. It’s to determine how much money a home can save using a battery with a time-of-use tariff in every Australian capital.
This isn’t easy to do. [Read more…]
ACT Sustainable Household Scheme: 0% Loans With Batshit Crazy Small Print
The ACT’s Sustainable Household Scheme will soon be in full operation. It makes zero-interest, zero-fee loans available to households for rooftop solar, batteries, electric car chargers and energy efficiency measures such as replacing gas appliances. In the future, it will be available for new and used electric vehicles. [Read more…]
What Is 5-Minute Settlement And How Does It Help Batteries?
On October 1st, Australia’s National Electricity Market is changing from 30-minute to 5-minute settlement.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly what Australian households need to do to prepare for this event. [Read more…]
2021 Solar Panel Torture Testing: ET, & SunPower Do Well
At the moment we’re locked down in Adelaide. Because I’m no longer able to smuggle badgers across the border in my beard as I’d planned, I’m catching up on stuff I should have written about weeks or months ago.
One of these things is the PVEL 2021 Module Reliability Scorecard report that came out in May. While I’ve been tardy bringing it to your attention, it’s far too interesting to let slip by. [Read more…]
Can A Home Battery On A Time-Of-Use Tariff Pay For Itself Yet?
If you have a home battery, a time-of-use tariff can save you money.
How much depends on…
- Battery Capability: This includes usable storage capacity, power output, and flexibility.
- Location: Time-of-use tariffs vary greatly from state to state. To a lesser degree, they can vary within states.
- Electricity consumption habits and solar electricity production
- Whether or not you are part of a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) that allows a time-of-use tariff.
Don’t Panic: SA Homes Can Remain On Flat Tariff When Getting Solar
SA homes are not required to have a time-of-use retail electricity tariff when getting solar
Last week I heard from a South Australian concerned they’d be forced onto a time-of-use tariff after installing solar panels.
Since this was at the start of the new financial year, my initial response was, “Oh god! What are the electricity retailers doing now?”
Currently Raging Debates: