Have you ever wondered what a watt really is, why it matters, or how it impacts how much you pay for power? If you have, you’ve probably spent a fair few hours on Google trying to make sense of the complicated technical explanations experts write. The energy industry is at its core very complex and technical, and that will never change. But from working in this industry for so long, we know that there are thousands of Aussies out there who just want straight answers to their energy questions, without all the gobbledygook. So, we’ve decided to translate some of that jargon into Aussie English ..read more

In this day and age, it’s no secret that smoking tobacco is bad for you. In Australia, smoking tobacco products is prohibited in all public indoor spaces and most public outdoor spaces, including the grounds of universities and hospitals and within 10m of outdoor children’s playgrounds. BUT… It wasn’t always that way.  The Propaganda When did the tobacco lies stop? It took decades to convince the public that smoking was bad for you. Australia only prohibited smoking ads in December 1989 and stopped subsidies not long after. As you can see in the ads below (that seem pretty bloody ridiculo ..read more

According to the latest Low Emissions Technology Statement, “Ultra Low Cost Solar” is now a priority for the Australian Government. By investing $40 million into researching and developing low cost photovoltaic (PV) solar technologies, the government hopes to achieve its “Solar 30 30 30” target. What is ultra low cost solar? Seems pretty self explanatory doesn’t it? As you might have guessed, ultra low cost solar means cheaper solar. It is just one of six priority technologies the government outlines in the latest Low Emissions Technology Statement (LETS). Learn more about the Technology Inves ..read more

View Post With one in four Aussies installing solar on their roof, you may be rushing to get your hands on your own system. But before you start researching, here are some things you must consider before you invest in solar panels. 1. Cheap solar panels are cheap for a reason The cost of solar in Australia has reduced in recent years due to better technology, and the government solar rebate. But, as with fine wine, you get what you pay for. If you’re installing in a solar system, it’s a substantial financial investment. If you want to choose the best solar panels, the first thing is to focus o ..read more

A question we get asked often is which parts of a solar panel can be recycled. The Australian solar industry has grown exponentially over the past two decades, with more than 2 million solar panel systems installed on residential rooftops. A solar power system has a typical life expectancy of 20 to 25 years. When that life comes to an end, can you recycle your solar panels? What % of a Solar Panel Can Be Recycled? In Australia when solar panels reach the end of their life expectancy, the majority of them used to end up in landfills. Thankfully back in 2014 Clive Fleming and David Galloway reco ..read more