Current testing standards have been called into question after new research indicating 20% of solar panels tested in a study had 1.5 times worse than average degradation rate. [Read more…]
About Michael BlochMichael caught the solar power bug after purchasing components to cobble together a small off-grid PV system in 2008. He's been reporting on Australian and international solar energy news ever since.
Longi Shunning Silver For Solar Panels
Chinese solar panel manufacturing goliath Longi has reportedly decided to cease using silver in the manufacturing of its back-contact solar cells. [Read more…]
Surprise In Top Solar Inverter Manufacturer Rankings
Wood Mackenzie’s latest inverter manufacturer rankings note a firm high up on its leader board that’s a surprise inclusion given the challenges the company faces. [Read more…]
Old Solar Panels Living Up To Performance Warranty Promises
A bunch of solar panels installed in the 1990’s have undergone testing; the results of which indicate maximum degradation levels stipulated in long performance warranties are realistic. [Read more…]
Home Battery Boom Smashes 2025 Forecasts: See The Numbers
Installations in 2025 under the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP) surpassed even some previous optimistic estimates. [Read more…]
Electricity Bills: Higher Fixed Network Charges Ahead?
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) recently published its draft recommendations for a “smarter, fairer, lowest overall cost” electricity network, one that may involve higher fixed network charges. [Read more…]
Australian Consumer Alert: Portable Air Conditioner Scams
Ads for cheap(ish) so-called “air conditioners” that look a little like small reverse cycle split system head units have been popping up all over the web. Save your money and your time — they won’t work as advertised for a very simple reason, and may pose fire safety risks. [Read more…]
How Hail-Resistant Are Solar Panels Really?
Image: @RACQOfficial
While all solar panels installed on homes in Australia have basic hailstone resistance attributes, some manufacturers take it a step further to provide a bit of extra peace of mind and a competitive edge. But we see some hail storms here that no panel could be expected to survive. [Read more…]
Xmas 2025: Rooftop Solar Panels Power Australian Celebrations
On Xmas day 2025, millions of rooftop solar panel systems installed across Australia did their bit to make the electricity consumed during celebrations cheaper and greener for all with impressive contributions to grid exports. Added to this major contribution were a bunch of shiny new home batteries seeing their first Xmas operations. [Read more…]
Sticker Shock: The Real-World Range Of Electric Vehicles
EV range figures — and fuel economy for fossil fuel vehicles for that matter — provided by auto manufacturers can be on the optimistic side; but by how much? Recent and ongoing testing in Australia reveals the differences from real-world driving range can be substantial. [Read more…]
RSS - Posts
Currently Raging Debates: