City of Hobart proposes acting as virtual power hub, by buying rooftop solar directly from residents at higher rate than FiT and using it to power daytime operations.
City of Hobart proposes higher price to buy rooftop solar from residents
Tariffs
North-facing rooftop solar panels rarely best for consumers – or the grid
University of South Australia study finds that when it comes to solar self-consumption, optimal panel placement is rarely towards the equator.
WA solar households set for price shock as premium tariffs come to an end
With WA premium feed-in-tariff contracts starting to come to an end, it is a good time for solar households to consider their options.
Consumers want it, networks need it: Verdict in on world-first blockchain solar trading trial
Report on W.A. trial using Power Ledger blockchain technology finds peer-to-peer solar energy trading technically feasible, good for grid and consumers – but unlikely to take off under current network tariff structures.
Indigo Power launches crowd investment round to expand community owned renewables
Indigo Power calls for EOIs for crowd-funded investment to expand community owned renewables projects across Victoria.
Cuts for Victoria recommended solar tariffs – but few retailers offer peak rate
Victoria regulator makes small cuts to 2020/21 solar feed-in tariff rates, but says only one retailer offering customers both single and time varying FiT.
Saving energy to help those who can’t
We should be taking advantage of opportunities that reduce peak demand and associated energy prices without the need to engage individual household consumers.
Solar has smashed the centralised energy model, but can it bridge the social divide?
As rooftop solar booms in Australia, a closer look at the distribution of "prosumers" across the network reveals emerging inequalities that must be addressed.
Victoria regulator cuts rooftop solar tariff, wants mandatory time-varying FiT
Essential Services Commission wants retailers to offer customers choice of “single rate” feed-in tariff or a FiT that ranges from 9c/kWh and 12.3c/kWh, depending on the time of day.
Daintree power supply saga drags on as new report casts doubt over micro-grid plans
KPMG report casts doubt over federal government-backed plans to power Queensland World Heritage-listed Daintree region with solar to hydrogen gas-based microgrids.
“Australia’s largest” virtual power plant completed by AGL in South Australia
AGL marks installation of 1,000th battery system in its South Australia VPP, a milestone it says makes the 5MW scheme the largest of its kind operating in Australia.
Grid reform “urgent” as rule-maker catches up with solar, batteries and EVs
AEMC unveils blueprint for "future energy grid" embracing rooftop solar, household batteries and electric vehicles, although its call for urgency rankles with those that see the rule-maker as a stumbling block in the past.
Tesla slashes price of Powerwall 2 battery by $2,000 for VPP customers
Tesla unveils deal for South Australian customers that cuts around $2,000 off price of Powerwall 2 home battery – but only for members of the company’s VPP program.
“Australian first” residential solar PPA a big hit with new home buyers
A Western Australian housing development trial offering drastically reduced daytime power costs through a residential solar PPA has seen 90% uptake from new home buyers.
New energy retailer set to launch, as Powershop and Kogan join forces
Powershop inks deal with online retailer Kogan.com, to offer “competitive power and gas services” via new brand called Kogan Energy.
Catch Energy launches in Tasmania, marking the state’s third electricity retailer
Catch Energy joins Tasmania's tiny retail electricity and gas market, offering consumers a third choice, after 1st Energy and the state-owned Aurora.
