Solar

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Original media release from ECA (23/11/2023). Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) CEO Brendan French, quoted in response to the Capacity Investment Scheme: quote Energy Consumers Australia CEO Brendan French: “Energy Consumers Australia welcomes this morning’s announcement which is both an important step in providing reliable supply to consumers and also a continued firm commitment by Federal…

Read More Energy Consumers Australia Welcomes Announcement of Capacity Investment Scheme, Calls for More Work for Consumers

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Original media release by the ACCC (20/11/2023). Following a recommendation by the ACCC, the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Stephen Jones, has today issued a national safety warning notice to warn consumers of fire risks associated with recalled LG solar lithium-ion batteries which are installed in solar energy systems across the country. The safety warning notice was issued…

Read More National Safety Notice Issued for Recalled LG Solar Batteries

Solar battery storage outside a brick house. The plastic and metal is charred black and melted in some areas. Solar battery storage outside a brick house. The plastic and metal is charred black and melted in some areas.

All households with a solar storage system need to urgently check if the system has a recalled LG battery installed and should switch off affected batteries immediately, the ACCC has warned.

When these batteries malfunction there is a serious risk of injury or death due to the affected batteries overheating and causing a fire.

Read More LG Solar Batteries Recalled – Consumers Urged to Check and Switch Off Affected Batteries Immediately

A yellow lightbulb with a dollar sign inside. A yellow lightbulb with a dollar sign inside.

The Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) latest State of the energy market report highlights that the energy system in 2023 experienced fewer shocks and better outcomes than in the preceding year, however many of the vulnerabilities observed in 2022 remain. 

The report reveals some improved outcomes in wholesale energy markets with average wholesale electricity prices significantly lower than the record highs seen in 2022. Wholesale gas prices also declined significantly from 2022 but remain high by historical standards.

Read More AER Highlights Better Outcomes but Continue Challenges

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Launched today, the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program seeks to raise consumer protection standards in Australia for purchases of new energy tech, including rooftop solar, battery storage, EV chargers, home energy management systems and more. Australia is a world leader in small-scale renewable energy generation, with over 3 million rooftop solar systems providing…

Read More The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) is here to raise consumer protection standards

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Australian households and small businesses now have access to a free online solar PV savings calculator, backed by a $946,399 investment from the Australian Government and tailored to individual property needs. Led by the University of New South Wales and the Australian PV Institute and designed by engineers, the SunSPOT tool has been upgraded to…

Read More Free solar advice for Australian households and businesses

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Reliable, affordable, renewable energy has helped many Australians take back control of their power prices. Yet as the solar industry booms, consumer protection has not kept up. More needs to be done to protect householders, according to a comprehensive report released by Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action). Sunny Side Up: Strengthening the consumer protection…

Read More Sunny Side Up: Strengthening the consumer protection regime for solar panels in Victoria

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PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment to provide no-interest loans for households to access solar and batteries, announced on Sunday.  ‘This program will provide welcome relief for people struggling with the cost of living. Making finance available for up to 300,000 households with income below…

Read More No interest loan plan puts roof-top solar within reach of struggling households

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“Given energy prices on the rise while the cost of solar power systems declines, it’s little wonder that almost one in four Australian households are using some form of solar power,” says CHOICE spokesperson Nicky Breen. “Interest in solar is growing with more than 750,000 solar power systems installed across the country in the last…

Read More Where to start with solar

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Dr Martin Gill reviews a solar installers analysis suggesting a strata complex would recover the cost of investing in a solar system in “just over 4 years” – Dr Gill’s review of the installer’s analysis raises multiped issues, read more here. The Clean Energy Council maintains a list of Approved solar installers. These installers voluntarily agree to a…

Read More Validating a solar quote

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Energy-savvy Queenslanders with home battery storage can put $50 in their pocket from today by signing up to Australia’s first battery storage database. Queensland Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today announced the home battery database, which will also improve safety during emergencies. “Households with solar panels are starting to install batteries to store their solar…

Read More Queensland leads the way in energy storage