Solar and batteries are great. But they’re not a get-out-of-jail card for bad houses.
Today I saw someone ask online:
“Should I spend $20k on double glazing or $20k on solar + battery and run the air-con 24/7 when necessary?”
Here’s When You Shouldn’t Buy Solar + Batteries
The Truth About AC & DC Coupling
A few years ago I was invited to an “energy roundtable” hosted by the South Australian government. The idea was we’d all sit around and hatch some big ideas to push the energy transition forward. This was peak excitement in SA – Elon had recently cut the ribbon on the Big Battery in Jamestown.
Efficiency Is Dead
September 20, 2025 2025-09-23T16:18:15 by
I used to worship efficiency. For years as a control systems engineer, I sweated over fractions of a percent, shaving seconds off processes and optimising production lines.
Now I look around and realise: efficiency is dead. Killed by cheap solar and ever-cheaper batteries.
Tasmania’s Energy Saver Loan Scheme Wraps Up
An initiative offering Tasmanians interest-free loans to invest in energy efficiency measures such as solar panels and batteries has finished up a little ahead of schedule. So, what’s left in the state’s home electrification incentive cupboard? [Read more…]
Winter Sucks Money Up The Chimney
If, like me, you own a character home, it’ll have some unused and outdated features which need dragging into this century.
In this article, we’ll be looking at ways to deal with chimneys, because with the cost of energy these days, nobody needs a gaping hole in their house.
Smart Energy Needs Smarter Customers
Recently the Smart Energy Council held a conference in Adelaide and by all accounts it was a roaring success, much like the battery incentive that’s currently driving the whole solar industry.
When the SEC said they were looking for industry experts to offer some insight, I figured they’d emailed me by mistake, but I went along anyway with some images to riff off of and enough notes to wing it for 15 minutes of fame.
How To Slam The Door On Winter With DIY Glazing
French doors might be fashionable, but along with glass sliding doors they’re an open invitation for winter to walk right into your house. Here’s how to seal them up and refuse to let cold weather in when it comes knocking.
How To Stop Winter From Breaking In Through The Window
Seeing your curtains sway gently in response to the afternoon breeze is a romantic word picture, like watching the house breathe. Until I tell you there’s a storm outside, and the windows are shut. The horrifying reality is that the cold wind is inside the house with you.
Here’s some simple fixes I’m making this winter to stop the chill from breaking in via poorly-insulated windows.
[Read more…]
Phase Shift: On Standby
There’s a certain kind of energy advice that just won’t die. You’ve probably heard it:
Switch off appliances at the wall. Phantom loads are stealing your electricity!
That made sense twenty years ago. Back when power bricks got properly hot. Back when standby meant drawing tens of watts. These days? Not so much.
How To Winter-Proof Your House If Your Builder Didn’t Bother
As the cold finally kicks in across southern Australia, minds turn to warmth versus wallet.
Staying warm doesn’t mean bankrolling your electricity retailer. Applying a few helpful hacks and habits can make a real tangible difference.
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