Solar

The success of two unusual US microgrid projects is good news, but it's still not clear whether microgrids have leapt ‘the chasm’ – a pivotal step in a disruptive technology’s market evolution.

I have been off grid for over 30 years, starting with just one 40W panel made in Australia from American components. Now an age pensioner, I finally have all the appliances I only used to dream of - like an electric fridge, a washing machine, e-bikes and trikes, power tools.

The global digital revolution offers many benefits for the solar energy industry. Taking the inverter digital, is key to achieving all of these benefits.

Going off-grid is a big step. It requires careful consideration, good design and engaged users.

New Australia-wide standard gives networks power to limit size of household solar systems – and could push up prices for AC-coupled battery storage products from Tesla, Enphase, Selectronic and others.

Metricon becomes latest Australian housing developer to offer rooftop solar and storage as optional extra in new-build homes in Queensland.

“Off-grid guy” Michael Mobbs is so frustrated by the poor performance of his off-grid system in inner Sydney terrace house that he has decided to junk it and is calling for new proposals. It is a salutary lesson for others wishing to follow.

Rooftop solar capacity in Queensland receiving state's now defunct premium FiT of 44c/kWh has been overtaken by the total of rooftop solar receiving retail rate.

Cash-strapped Norfolk Island looking to storage to mop up excess solar PV, reduce growing “solar debt” and slash its high electricity costs.

Solar Analytics says its new suite of energy management software and hardware – including battery control and hot water diversion – will deliver more bill savings.

Nest Energy has installed Tasmania's largest rooftop solar array, a 1MW system on a commercial building in Launceston. Meanwhile, the company says the residential market for solar and storage in the state is "going like a rocket."

Until recently, Australia’s incumbent utilities would have comforted themselves with the thought that going off-grid in a big city was too expensive to contemplate. The continuing fall in the cost of rooftop solar, and the plunging cost of battery storage, has turned that assumption on its head.

North East Water launches tender for solar and battery storage system to power Yackandandah water treatment plant – testing the water for the entire national sector.

A Victorian flower bulb business expects to slash its yearly power bill by one-third after installing a 60kW solar system at its Dandenong Ranges nursery. And that's before battery storage...

Resorts that use solar plus storage are on the rise, as remote vacation spots try to attract green leaning patrons and guarantee their comfort.

Australia's rooftop solar market has set a cracking pace so far this year, and all signs are pointing to it continuing to gather pace, with or without battery storage or generous feed-in tariffs.