In which the Tesla Powerwall proves its worth, changing tariffs show the importance of solar self-consumption, and we weigh the implications for future EV charging.
Two years (and one major blackout) with my home battery and solar system
Tariffs
Victoria network owner relaxes rooftop PV export limits in top solar hotspots
While debate rages over how to solve the problem of rooftop solar congested grids, Powercor has completed a major works program that has delivered impressive results.
Batteries with no solar: Changing market gives households new energy options
A time-of-use renewable energy retail offer has signed up hundreds of customers since its launch in South Australia, including homes with battery storage only.
Inverter giant Fronius taps Aussie tech to help “future proof” rooftop solar
GreenSync says its digital energy exchange software will be rolled out in deal with Fronius to further Australia's "amazing" rooftop solar success story.
NSW regulator slashes rooftop solar feed-in-tariff by 25 per cent
NSW IPART cuts benchmark solar feed-in-tariff by around 25 per cent, citing a fall in wholesale electricity prices driven by more solar.
Industry skewers “messy” solar tax proposal in joint submission to AEMC
"A messy regime that might not even be implemented uniformly across states:" Joint industry submission pokes more holes in AEMC solar export charge proposal.
Ombudsman backs customer told it would cost $2,500 to cut gas connection
A South Australian solar home owner has lodged a complaint with the state’s energy ombudsman after being advised that disconnecting from gas would cost up to $2,500.
Australia’s “father of PV” says your next rooftop solar system might be tens of kilowatts
UNSW's Martin Green says the average Australian solar household will soon be installing "tens of kilowatts" on their rooftops, as costs continue to fall.
Solar tax could trigger a mass exodus from the grid, new survey says
Survey finds solar households overwhelmingly oppose the AEMC's proposed rooftop solar tax, but how many would rather quit the grid than pay to export their power?
NSW solar households to get paid less for daytime exports, more for evening peak
NSW pricing regulator recommends further cuts to all-day solar FiT price range, but also proposes time-dependent benchmarks, to incentivise exports in afternoon peak.
Solar export charges: What does it mean, and should you still get solar?
The AEMC's draft determination on how network companies support, and charge for, export services has sparked a lot of questions. Here are some answers.
Tasmania Labor promises feed-in tariff “fix” with solar and battery loans
Tasmania’s opposition party pledges $20m to zero and low-interest loans of up to $15,000 for households and businesses to finance batteries and rooftop solar.
Sydney factory to share excess rooftop solar power with employees
An 800kW solar system installed on the industrial rooftop of a window furnishing company in Sydney will soon supply power to its employees, too.
Tesla launches new battery energy plan, including big Powerwall discount
Tesla launches new energy plan in South Australia that promises big discounts on home battery storage and more behind-the-meter back-up for the grid.
Zero-sum game: The rise of solar export limits, and what can be done about it
As rooftop solar continues to boom around Australia, an increasing number of households are coming up against strict limits to the amount of energy they are allowed to export to the grid, some of which cannot export their solar at all.
