 photo credit: mcmees24 The announcement last month from R&D company Silex Systems that construction on Australia’s largest solar power station at Mildura, VIC, has begun gladdens the heart. And the hip pocket nerve. After all Victorian and federal taxpayers are helping to fund this venture to the tune of around $120 million.
[Continue reading…]Solar Quotes Blog
How Much Does Off Grid Solar Cost?
I had a phone call from a mate today asking for advice on buying an off grid solar system for his new house in suburban Melbourne. He was pissed off about paying the daily grid connection charge when his solar system was easily going to produce more power than he used. A typical grid connection […]
[Continue reading…]AC Solar Panels (microinverters) : The #1 Solar Trend to watch for in 2012?
Will 2012 be the year of the AC Solar Panel? Before answering that question I should probably explain exactly what an AC Solar Panel is… What is an AC Solar Panel? The short answer is: An AC Solar Panel is a solar panel that takes sunlight in and spits AC (Alternating Current) electricity out. […]
[Continue reading…]Solar Power: Finally Cheaper Than Diesel For Rural Indian Microgrids
Ever stopped to think how solar power can help rural and remote communities across the globe? A study by cleantech research company Pike Research has predicted that solar pv will play a big role in the growth of world microgrids. These are the small energy grids for isolated communities which can power anything from villages […]
[Continue reading…]Will your solar power system protect you from power cuts?
photo credit: Glen Bowman I get asked this question a lot. Unfortunately the short answer is: No – A standard grid connect solar system will not protect you from blackouts. Kind of counter intuitive isn’t it? You go to the trouble and expense of your own little solar power station, and then you have no […]
[Continue reading…]Solar Power Forecast for 2012: More stability, better forecasts, fewer conspiracies?
This year should be the year that renewables start to take off in Australia: We will have a carbon tax in place that will support renewable energy and overseas money is starting to flow in. Large scale solar is finding funding, following the trend from overseas. Chinese production of solar panels is bringing the cost […]
[Continue reading…]13 Solar Questions You Must Ask To Weed Out The Shonks
One of the questions that lands in my inbox almost every day is this: “Hey Finn – I’ve been made a fantastic offer on a shiny new solar power system for my home. It is heaps cheaper than every one else on the market. Is it too good to be true or a genuine bargain???” […]
[Continue reading…]The Problems With Thin Film Solar Panels
If you are looking to buy a solar power system and have done any kind of research on the web, then you have probably  come across lots of people  arguing over the pros and cons of Thin Film Solar Panels compared to the more common monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels. In a nutshell, there are […]
[Continue reading…]Trust Solar Paints? Sure Can
By Rich Bowden Honouring our commitment to keep readers informed of the pointy end of current solar research, this week’s column brings you the latest breakthrough on…..solar paint. Yes that’s right. Solar paint.
[Continue reading…]Tiny Tokelau Takes on the World With Solar PV Plunge
By Rich Bowden One of the least reported, though possibly one of the most important, announcements to come out of the recent climate change gabfest in Durban earlier this month was the one from tiny Tokelau, with a population 1,500 (and three cars as reported by the Guardian). The Pacific state said it is planning […]
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