The Conversation

When the grid goes down, can solar and batteries power your home?

As Hurricane Ian wreaks havoc in the US, a Berkeley Lab team explores what it takes for homes and buildings…

September 29, 2022

7-star housing is a step towards zero carbon – but there’s much more to do

Energy efficiency upgrades represent a step in the right direction, but much more remains to be done to future-proof Australian…

August 30, 2022

Does turning off the air-con when you’re not home actually save energy?

Which is more efficient: running the air-con all day long, or turning it off when you’re not there to enjoy…

August 24, 2022

Who is burdened with taking care of rooftop solar at home?

New study finds the changing nature of household energy has potential to reproduce existing forms of inequality across gender, cultural…

July 18, 2022

We created the first AI-powered solar backup system for houses in sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers develop intelligent solar backup system powered by artificial intelligence to support sub-Saharan Africa’s utility grids.

February 7, 2022

Solar panels on half the world’s roofs could meet all of its electricity demand: study

Are there enough rooftop surfaces for solar PV panels to generate affordable, low-carbon energy for everyone who needs it?

October 13, 2021

UK energy crisis is a call to get homes off gas and onto energy efficiency

Like in Australia, most UK homes leak heat like a sieve and are hungry for gas, putting them on the…

September 30, 2021

Complicated, costly and frustrating: How to avoid getting burnt on home solar

New research shows we need better support for the millions of Australian households and businesses that have invested in new,…

August 5, 2021

Why you should stop removing your solar panels early

Research has found there are many incentives to remove rooftop solar panels prematurely, adding to Australia’s massive waste problem.

May 25, 2021

Are solar panel fires on the rise and, if so, what can we do about it?

Australia prides itself on being a world leader in household solar but until now we have not fully appreciated the…

January 25, 2021