The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has released a report advising renewable energy, lead by Solar PV (photovoltaics), is the only option for energy price reductions in the future. In the ‘PV […]
Solar panel orientation: Taking a western view
It is commonly accepted that the best orientation for solar PV in the southern hemisphere is to the north, but Adam McHugh, a lecturer in energy economics and energy policy at Murdoch University, […]
Smart Grid, Smart City – helping residents with their energy bills in NSW
The NSW Government has funded a new energy efficiency project, ‘Smart Grid, Smart City’. The project aims to change the energy behaviour of Australians, helping them to take control of their energy […]
Commercial-scale solar power farming around Perth, WA: 10kW, 30kW, 50kW, 100kW and beyond
Commercial-scale solar systems and solar farms are becoming increasingly popular investment options across Western Australia and particularly around Perth. Large-scale solar installations and solar farms offer owners and operators either an […]
A gross Solar Feed-in Tariff for Queensland?
Although a gross metering setup for small-scale solar, suggested as a possible alternative to the current set up, has resulted in uncertainty and concern in solar industry, solar PV still […]
WINAICO to launch their new 285W module in October
WINAICO, a subsidiary of WIN WIN Precision Technology, has announced the release of their new 60 cell, 285W Photovoltaic module in October 2012. Those attending All Energy in Melbourne on 10 & […]
‘Solar Grannies’ return to Fiji
Fiji’s Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, has met with 10 Grandmothers on their return from India. The women are the county’s first solar engineers, as a result of their training at […]
Apple builds the first of two 20MW solar farms
As a company Apple have always been known for thinking outside the box, changing our perceptions of what to expect from our technology and revolutionising the market in their wake. […]
ReneSola introduces new line of microinverters for the US market
ReneSola, a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, has introduced a line of microinverters, according to a media statement from the company. The Micro RePlus microinverters are intended […]
IKEA stores in the UK to sell solar panels
Traditionally known for their low cost furniture and sustainable ethos, Swedish furniture giant IKEA has introduced thin-film solar panels to their UK stores in partnership with Hanergy Holding Group Limited. […]
Meet the Solar Choice Commercial Business Case and Design Team
Interest in commercial-scale solar power is growing in leaps and bounds across Australia. In order to to handle the increasing volume of commercial solar projects that are being added to our […]
Is it time for solar incentives to go?
In the wake of the announcement last Monday, 3 September 2012, that the Victoria feed-in tariff was to be slashed from 25¢ per KWh to 8¢ per KWh many questions […]
Solar Choice Price Index – September 2012
At the beginning of September 2012, the average price per watt of an installed solar system in Australia was around $2.30 after subtracting the Federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) ‘rebate’, […]
Is Spinach the key to solar’s future?
Researchers from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee have discovered what Popeye knew all along–spinach gives you more energy. Although more traditionally associated with giving an extra energy boost to the […]
Australia’s first solar desalination plant approved
The clean energy applications of solar PV, powering everything from our homes and schools to large sports stadiums, are well-documented but less well known is thier potential to provide us […]
Is Chinese firm Suntech about to be bought out?
Despite publicly denying a takeover a few weeks ago, multiple industry insiders are reporting that a buy-out of one of the world’s largest solar companies, Suntech is “imminent”. […]
Spanish firm FRV to build 20MW solar farm near Canberra
Spanish firm Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) have become the first company to win work from the ACT Government as a result the ground breaking reverse auction. FRV will be installing a […]
New Victoria Feed in tariff – a fair price?
On Monday 3 September 2012 the Victorian Government announced the end of its previous 25¢ per kwh feed-in tariff. This move brings Victoria in line with state level solar PV […]
Victoria Feed-in Tariffs: Apply and install by 30 September 2012, new rate will be 8c/kWh
The Victorian government has announced the impending closure of the state’s Transitional and Standard Feed-in Tariffs. According to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), solar systems must be installed and […]
The advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
There are many benefits of solar energy at both residential and commercial levels. At Solar Choice we provide free impartial advice about going solar and can give our customers a […]
Fossil fuel electricity generation as ‘back-up’ for renewables?
In another success story from OECD renewable energy leader Germany, the country’s two largest electricity utilities have stated that they will not need to build any new fossil fuel power […]
Townsville RSL Stadium opens its $2 million solar project
Townsville RSL Stadium officially opened it’s AUS$2 million solar panel project today. The panels, located across the roof, will generate two-thirds of the stadium’s energy requirements. […]
The changing cost of solar power
The steady withdrawal of solar PV incentives, at both state and federal level, have lead to concerns by some consumers that the cost of solar power is set to soar. However, […]
Myth Busting: Victorians prove solar power isn’t just for the wealthy
It may come as no surprise to the vast majority of people that the more money you have the more likely you are to have an energy-saving LCD TV and front-loader […]
Take a tour of the Solar Choice Commercial Tender Management Platform
In order to streamline handling of the growing number of commercial enquiries, Solar Choice Commercial has developed a unique, interactive, web-based Tender Management Platform for its large-scale and commercial solar power […]
Korea’s Hanwha to rescue Q-Cells from insolvency
Korea’s Hanwha Group will take over Germany’s ailing Q-Cells, which entered into insolvency proceedings last April. Hanwha will retain most of the workforce at Q-Cells Thalheim research and production site […]
Crowdfunding could open doors to renewable energy for communities
In the wake of the global economic collapse in 2010 securing funding for community renewable energy projects was almost impossible. Fast forward to 2012 and the picture is a lot brighter with […]
SunStation – the fuel station of the future?
New Jersey based Princeton Satellite Systems have unveiled their solar-powered electric vehicle charger, the SunStation. […]
Creating LGCs from large-scale solar power generators
Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) are created every time an accredited renewable energy generation system over 100 kilowatts (kW) produces 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity. Power utilities are required under the […]
Minute by minute: new solar data tool to assist solar projects
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has developed the One Minute Solar Data interface providing a range of solar statistics, including global, diffuse, direct and terrestrial irradiance and sunshine-seconds for 20 locations round Australia. […]
Electricity generation by distributed renewable projects to triple by 2017
Global installations of renewable distributed electricity generation, including solar photovoltaics (PV), small-scale wind, and stationary fuel cells, are set to triple in the next 5 years, reports Pike Research. The news comes on the heels of […]
