#solar power north melbourne

[greenedgetechnologies]

Finding The Passionate And Best Solar Installers Melbourne

If you are looking for the best solar installation services for your home or business, look no further than our company, Green Edge Technologies. We have a team of highly skilled solar installers working day in and day out to ensure that all new installations are on time, meet all safety regulations, and provide customers with excellent value for money. We aim to provide our customers with the best possible solar installation services at a competitive price. We will work closely with you to ensure your needs are fulfilled, whether a small residential installation or a large commercial one. Contact us for more details about Best Solar Installers Melbourne.

[solarpanelsinstallation]

How to Choose the Right Residential Solar Panel System?

Switching to solar energy is a significant step toward sustainability and long-term savings on energy bills. With various solar panel options and configurations available, selecting the right system for your home can be complex.

This guide will explore the essential considerations to help you choose the optimal residential solar panel system. From assessing energy requirements to comparing system types, this blog aims to simplify the process so you can make an informed choice.

For those in Melbourne, tailored solutions are specifically suited to the region’s unique climate. Let's explore what’s essential when selecting residential solar panels Melbourne homeowners rely on for efficiency and reliability.

1. Assess Your Energy Needs

The first step in choosing the right solar panel system is to analyse your household’s energy requirements. Reviewing your recent electricity bills can provide insights into your monthly energy consumption; if you’re planning any additions to your home, such as installing an electric vehicle charging station or adding a new appliance, factor in how these changes might impact your energy needs.

Why This Step is Crucial

Understanding your energy demands helps determine the size of your solar panel system. An underpowered system may leave gaps in your energy needs, while an oversized system could increase upfront costs unnecessarily. Determining your energy usage will enable you to choose a system that aligns closely with your power consumption.

Pro Tip: Many online tools and energy calculators allow you to estimate your energy needs based on household size, location, and daily usage habits.

2. Choose the Right Type of Solar Panel

Solar panels come in several types, each with strengths and ideal use cases. The three most common types are:

Monocrystalline Panels: These panels are highly efficient and compact, making them suitable for homes with limited roof space. While typically more expensive, they offer the highest energy efficiency among common residential options.

Polycrystalline Panels: These panels are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline but come at a lower price point. They are ideal for homes with ample roof space where efficiency may not be as critical.

Thin-Film Panels: Known for their flexibility and lightweight design, thin-film panels are less efficient and are generally used in specific applications, such as portable power or certain architectural settings.

Selecting Based on Efficiency

Monocrystalline panels are generally the preferred option for homeowners looking for the best performance from Melbourne's residential solar panels. However, if budget is a primary consideration and you have adequate roof space, polycrystalline panels can be a more economical choice without sacrificing too much efficiency.

3. Consider the Orientation and Tilt of Your Roof

The orientation and tilt of your roof are critical factors in determining how effectively solar panels will capture sunlight. In the southern hemisphere, north-facing panels tend to maximise sunlight exposure, making them ideal for homes in Melbourne.

Roof Specifications

Orientation: North-facing roofs are optimal, but east—or west-facing roofs can also work effectively with the right system adjustments.

Tilt Angle: Most experts recommend a tilt angle between 20-30 degrees, depending on your roof’s structure. Flat roofs may require additional mounting systems to achieve the correct tilt.

Insight: An installation specialist can evaluate your roof’s specific needs and ensure the panels capture as much sunlight as possible throughout the year.

4. Research Inverter Options

The inverter is a crucial component of any solar system as it converts the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home. There are two main types of inverters:

String Inverters: These are the standard choice for many residential systems. They are cost-effective and work well in homes with minimal shading.

Microinverters: These are installed at each panel, allowing them to work independently. Microinverters are highly efficient in situations where shading may vary across the roof.

Choosing the Right Inverter

If your roof experiences partial shading, microinverters may be the most efficient choice. For areas with little to no shading, string inverters provide a reliable, budget-friendly option for residential solar panels Melbourne homes depend on.

5. Evaluate Warranties and Service Agreements

Solar panels typically come with warranties covering product quality and performance, ranging from 10 to 25 years. Inverter warranties tend to be shorter but are still critical. Additionally, reputable installers often provide service agreements, including regular maintenance, inspections, and performance monitoring.

Key Considerations for Warranty and Service

Product Warranty: Covers defects in the materials and manufacturing process, usually lasting between 10-12 years.

Performance Warranty: Guarantees a certain level of efficiency, often around 80-90% of the original output after 25 years.

Installation Warranty: Many installers offer a separate warranty on installation work, covering issues related to mounting or wiring.

Reminder: Check with your installer about maintenance requirements and any service agreements they may offer to keep your system operating optimally.

6. Budgeting and Financing Options

The initial cost of solar panels can be a major deciding factor. Fortunately, various financing options, including government rebates, low-interest loans, and leasing arrangements, are available to help make the transition more affordable.

Available Financing Options

Government Rebates and Incentives: In many regions, including Melbourne, government incentives can reduce the upfront cost of residential solar panels Melbourne homeowners install.

Solar Loans: Many banks offer specific loans for renewable energy projects, allowing you to pay off your system over time.

Leasing Programs: If you’re interested in solar energy without upfront investment, leasing can provide access to solar energy with fixed monthly payments.

Conclusion

Investing in solar energy is a step toward sustainable living and long-term savings. By evaluating your energy needs, understanding the types of panels available, and selecting a reputable installation provider, you can make an informed decision about the right residential solar panel system for your home.

With the ideal combination of equipment, orientation, and warranty coverage, your system will be a reliable energy source for decades. For those in Melbourne, there are plenty of options for residential solar panels Melbourne residents can trust to meet regional requirements and withstand the local climate.

With careful planning, your investment in solar energy will offer significant financial and environmental returns.

[gook54-blog]

GREGG BRADON

💥A NEW POINT OF SYNTHESIS💥

"This transitional phase between ages and stages of evolutionary growth has a two-fold purpose: (1) to foster the realization of the continuity of life and immortality of the human soul; and (2) to lay the foundation for the journey of conscious evolution. The ranks of those who have awakened include people of diverse religious orientations who fall along a wide spectrum of intellect, education, and spiritual experience, aspiration, and attainment.

You will find “fellow travelers”around the globe who are progressing rapidly on the path in response to events of these times. They are alive to the breakdown of material reality and coming to grips with the need to construct a new world from an expanded state of consciousness.

Two simultaneous processes are now occurring: the death of the old order and the birth of a new order; waves of destruction are triggering waves of higher awareness. The groundwork is being laid for humanity’s reorientation from the world of form to the world of meaning as a growing body of people awaken to their divine essence and seek to make it manifest in the world. They are spearheading a movement for change within the human kingdom that is, in turn, evoking response from Higher Realms.

The human being has been objectified and debased by popular culture, reduced to an entity that measures its worth on the basis of possessions including its physical form, which inevitably grows, matures, decays and dies, like all organic forms. This self-image will be replaced in the new era by the realization that the human being is a spiritual being—a soul in incarnation for the purpose of gaining light, to fulfill the potential of the divine spark at its core. This is beginning to occur through the intensifying changes of these times." atreeoflight.org/star (see Cosmic Whisperings)From Pat Donworth 🔥

THURSDAY, OCT. 3, 2024 | 2:15 PM EDT | 18:15 UTC

Good day, global friends! 🌷

WELL, WELL, WELL … ACTIVE SUNSPOT REGION 3842 BLASTED OFF ANOTHER X-FLARE THIS MORNING … THE STRONGEST OF SOLAR CYCLE 25 … AND THE STRONGEST X-FLARE IN 7 YEARS

The X9.05 maxed at 8:18 AM EDT:

• X9.05-flare max

8:18 AM EDT

(12:18 UT)

Thurs., Oct. 3

But guess what? The X-ray flux from this blast has remained in the M1-flare range ever since. We’ve been in M1-flaring range for almost 6 HOURS following the X9 lollapalooza flare. Anyone feeling “R-A-M-P-E-D. U-P?!! 🚀🚀🚀

Deep shortwave blackouts occurred over Africa and the South Atlantic as the X-flare’s radiation ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere

And a CME was released that will affect Earth in a few days (see below)

Chances for another X-flare stand at 35% … which is pretty impressive, as X-flares go

🌏 GEOMAGNETICS:

CME 1: Tuesday’s X7.1-flare launched a faint halo CME that ordinarily wouldn’t kerfuffle up strong storming, but due to the “equinox crack” effect this time of year, the forecast calls for Kp7/G3 (strong) geomagnetic storming on Friday, Oct. 4. Auroras may be visible as far south as Salt Lake City, Nashville, Denver, Richmond, VA; London, Brussels, and Warsaw; and, in the southern hemisphere, Melbourne and Wellington

CME 2: AR3842 erupted another halo CME this morning following the strongest explosion yet of a flare in the current Sun Cycle 25. The CME from this X9.05 behemoth blast is forecast to arrive Sunday, Oct. 6. Analysts are still mapping out the details but expect moderate to strong storming and a weekend filled with a plethora of auroral activity all around the globe

GEOMAGNETIC CONDITIONS as of post time:

• Kp3: Unsettled

• Solar wind speed: Average

• Solar wind densities: Low but spikey

• Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) strength: Average

• IMF orientation: North

🌞 SUNSPOTS & SOLAR FLARES: There are currently 10 sunspot regions on the Earth-facing sun, 4 with magnetically-unstable configurations capable of powerful flaring

Chance for flares today:

• C-flares: 99%

• M-flares: 75%

• X-flares: 35%

FLARE ACTIVITY

Today: 1 X, 4 M, 2 C

Yesterday: 6 M, 10 C

(Per UT time = EDT+4)

💥💥 X-FLARE FUN FACTS:

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 X-FLARES OF 2024:

1. X9.05: Oct. 3 TODAY!! 🙌

2. X8.79: May 14

3. X7.1: Oct. 1

4. X6.37: Feb. 22

5. X5.89: May 11

6. X4.54: Sept. 14

7. X4.52: May 6

8. X3.98: May 10

9. X3.48: May 15

10. X3.38: Feb. 9

🏆 TODAY’S X9.05- FLARE is the strongest X-flare since September 2017, when X-flares were released on Sept. 6 and Sept. 10. These powerful flares were reclassified upward by NOAA in 2020 to strengths of X13.3 (Sept. 6) and X11.8 (Sept. 10)

Btw, X10 and higher solar flares happen maybe 8 times during an entire 11-year solar cycle

But X-flares, in general, happen about 10x PER YEAR (or roughly once per month) during a solar cycle, with more occurring during solar maximum and less during solar minimum

Lastly, BEWARE of the usual dramatic HOF (Hair-On-Fire) apocalyptic posts that EXPLODE onto the scene following X-flares, and, especially, POWERFUL X-flares. These big blasts are NORMAL solar phenomena, even more so during SOLAR MAXIMUM 😀

🌎🌝🌞

ON THE PERSONAL:

We appear to be in the birth pangs of a New Earth rising up and through a tired Old Earth. I had a vivid, stunning lucid dream/experience of this Rising New Earth two years ago, on Oct. 1, 2022

Here’s the dream:

“My clothing was snagged by a New Earth tree branch as I watched New Earth rise, rise, and rise up out of and beyond Old Earth. I was lifted up waaaaay above Old Earth by the New Earth. I went higher and higher. I wasn’t just ‘watching’ this happen to me as if watching myself in a dream. I WAS me in that body feeling all the feels and consciously looking out my eyes as I was lifted up, up, up. It was extraordinary. I will not forget that moment.”

🌟🌏🌟

“I think that

we’re greater

than we think,

more powerful

than we know,

more unlimited

than we could

ever dream”

~ Joe Dispenza

🩵

“We are moving

into a new world

and the old negativity

will be left behind.

Through the law

of cause and effect,

we can change the world,

one person at a time.”

~ Dolores Cannon

🌟🌎🌟

“The Earth is a living being.

She is evolving just as we are

and is moving into her

next incarnation.”

~ Dolores Cannon

🌟🌍🌟

And how are YOU doing? 💖🌷

Have a BEAUTIFUL one! 🌷🌈

ALL IS ONE 💖 ALL IS LOVE

© Pat Donworth 2024

[citynewsglobe]

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What to Go to: Go to the Mindil Seaside Sundown Markets, discover the Kakadu Nationwide Park, and immerse your self within the native Indigenous tradition.Australia's cities supply a mix of enterprise alternatives and leisure actions that cater to a wide selection of pursuits and industries. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the serene landscapes of Hobart, every metropolis brings its distinctive flavour to the desk, making Australia a high vacation spot for these seeking to get pleasure from one of the best of each worlds on their enterprise travels. [ad_2] Supply hyperlink

[greenpowerelec]

How Solar Systems Can Lower Your Electricity Bills

Considering the amount of money a typical household spends on electricity, switching to solar can make significant savings. Choosing a quality installer ensures the system is properly installed and that homeowners receive the maximum benefit from their investment.

Essential Solar use top tier inverters on nearly all of their installs and go internal with the cabling (using cable tray). They have done a lot of work in Melbourne.

Solar Panels

A quality solar systems Melbourne can generate enough power to substantially reduce your electricity costs and lower your carbon footprint. With a little upfront research and a good installer, you can benefit from the abundant sunshine and government incentives available in Melbourne.

The best way to determine the right type of solar panel for your home is by discussing your energy consumption patterns with a reputable provider. They can help you decide the optimum number of panels and the size of your roof to maximise your energy savings.

Solar panel prices continue to fall, but it’s important to compare the features of different brands before making a purchase. For example, monocrystalline solar cells have a better conversion rate than polycrystalline or thin-film solar cells. It’s also worth considering the 'temperature coefficient', which measures how much output is reduced when temperatures deviate from optimal. The lower the temperature coefficient, the more efficient your solar panels will be.

Inverters

While Melbourne sits a little further south than the sunnier state capitals, it still receives enough sunshine for solar energy systems to be cost effective. Thanks to plummeting equipment costs, a typical north facing 6.6kW system in Melbourne can payback within 4 – 6 years (depending on electricity consumption habits).

In a nutshell, solar panels collect the sunlight and convert it into power for your home. The inverter is the ‘heavy lifting’ part of the solar power system and without it, your solar PV system would not function.

There are a number of inverters on the market to choose from, depending on your needs and budget. A couple of good options are TYCORUN and Solaredge. Both are reputable companies offering quality products that have been designed, tested and made in Australia for Australian conditions. They also have stringent testing requirements to ensure safety.

Batteries

A residential solar battery can be a great addition to your solar system. It can save you money on your electricity bills and help you contribute to a renewable energy future for Australia. It can also store any excess energy generated by your system and allow you to sell it back to the grid for a Feed-in Tariff.

There are many different types of solar batteries available, ranging from lithium-ion to super-capacitors. Choosing the right one for your needs depends on factors like capacity, depth of discharge (DoD), round trip efficiency and warranty.

The my solar & battery calculator separates out solar and battery savings to help you decide whether or not a home energy storage system is the best fit for your needs. It can also help you compare the prices of different brands and systems in your area. It also explains key terms like voltage and current, and compares hybrid inverters to make it easier for you to understand the technology.

Monitoring

With a solar green power monitoring solution installed, you can keep tabs on your system from anywhere in the world using a simple web portal or smart device application. This can help you notice trends and maximise your energy efficiency, which reduces your electricity costs.

Basic solar monitors display your live solar output, logging daily, monthly and yearly figures, and notifying you or your installer if there’s an issue. They also provide insight into your energy use, such as discovering what appliances suck power even when they’re turned off – this can help you increase your solar self-consumption ratio.

Advanced solar monitoring solutions can offer data visualisation, performance tracking, predictive analytics and remote control capabilities. These systems connect to your off grid solar system via the power optimizer or inverter, and send measurement data to a cloud-based software platform over the internet. This enables users to track their system performance, make informed decisions about energy management and system optimisation, and take swift action when issues arise.

[energyplatformau]

Solar Panels Melbourne - A Greener Way to Reduce Your Energy Bills

Solar power is a greener way to reduce your energy bills. It’s a smart investment for your home, and it can help you save thousands of dollars over the years. It also lowers your carbon footprint and helps you achieve energy security. In addition, it’s an important part of Melbourne’s efforts to transition away from coal and towards renewable energy.

Solar panels melbourne generate electricity by converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This energy is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity for use in your home. Any excess energy is sent back to the grid and credited to your account.

One kilowatt of solar panels is capable of producing around 4-18 kWh of raw energy every day, which is enough to power the average Melbourne family home. However, in order to maximise the benefits of a solar system, it’s crucial that you choose the right size for your energy needs. It’s also a good idea to consider adding a battery to your solar system, which will allow you to store excess energy and use it when the sun is not shining.

There are many solar companies in Melbourne, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one is best for you. Checking a company’s reputation in the broader community, checking that it is authorised on government websites and looking at reviews will give you a good idea of its reliability and quality. It’s also essential to look for companies that offer Australian-based support teams and adequate warranties or aftercare.

Melbourne’s rooftop solar market is competitive and offers some of the best incentives in Australia. The city’s residents can claim a rebate for up to $9,000 for the installation of a 5kW solar and battery system, while homeowners and businesses can receive up to $16,500 for installing a 10kW solar and battery system.

A number of factors determine the cost of solar panels, including the brand and quality of hardware, the installer’s rates and government rebates. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes before making a decision.

A typical north-facing 6.6kW solar power system in Melbourne can pay itself off within 4 to 6 years and will save you a significant amount of money on your electricity bill. However, the exact return on your investment will vary depending on your electricity consumption habits and property. Using a reputable solar calculator is an effective way to determine the exact return you can expect from your installation.

[gosolar-gogreen]

Join the GoSolar GoGreen effort to protect the environment by recycling e-waste and solar panels. . . . OUR SERVICES → INSTALLATION SERVICES HOME & COMMERCIAL → AFTER-SALES SERVICE →BACK-UP POWER For information and free solar quote www.gosolargogreen.com.au 03 5292 0758 info@gosolargogreen.com.au UNIT 19, 3 STANLEY STREET, WODONGA, VIC 3690. 33 MACKEY ST, NORTH GEELONG VIC 3215.#GoSolarGoGreen #solarelectricity #gosolar #gogreen #geelong #wodonga #victoria #victoriaaustralia #australia #melbourne #rooftopsolar #solarpanel #solarpanels #solarpv #sustainableenergy #solarinstallation #solarmanufacturers #photovoltaic #solarpowerenergy 

[solexcel2]

Solar Panels Clyde North

Avail the services of Sol Excel, which has the best Solar Installers. Offering the best Solar Power in Melbourne with a team of experienced solar panel installers providing all the solar solutions that includes solar panels.

[solarpanelsmelbourneprice123]

DIY Solar Panels - Tips and Tricks

Do-It-Yourself sun powered chargers can be a tomfoolery and simple venture to fabricate utilizing straightforward devices, materials and sun based cells, where you can be producing your own power, while likewise having a decent outlook on doing your piece for the climate. Visit here solar panels melbourne price

The extraordinary news is that sun based power is conceivable assuming you live in numerous nations, both in the north and southern half of the globe you can introduce sunlight powered chargers, to either decrease your power bill, or get off the electric lattice totally and be energy independent.

For those concerned assuming they get sufficient daylight, do you have any idea about that sun based power frameworks are being introduced as far north as Gold country, in spite of the fact that, obviously, you will get undeniably more sun oriented energy the nearer to the equator you are, (do you have at least some idea that you can make sunlight based power on shady days).

As a mortgage holder, there are numerous ways of putting your sun based power framework, on the rooftop, mounted on a post, as a sunlight based power exhibit in your yard, or on the other hand on the off chance that you have a RV, you can involve sunlight based energy as you travel.

The main necessity while building sunlight powered chargers are the way cautiously you bind the sun based cells together, a muddled work will fundamentally diminish your sunlight powered charger proficiency.

The following thought is to introduce the sun powered chargers in the legitimate area, and at the right point to the Sun, to get the most immediate daylight.

Any place you place your sun powered chargers, remember that your boards produce power best when in direct daylight, by straightforwardly pointing toward the south, be particularly certain there is no shade at late morning.

On the off chance that there are impediments or trees obstructing the daylight, if conceivable, move the hindrances far removed, or cut the trees down.

Preferably, your sun powered chargers ought to be in the Sun the majority of the day.

[sciencespies]

Despite the dumpster fire of 2020, here are 11 huge achievements we made in science

https://sciencespies.com/humans/despite-the-dumpster-fire-of-2020-here-are-11-huge-achievements-we-made-in-science/

Despite the dumpster fire of 2020, here are 11 huge achievements we made in science

With just a handful of days left in this strange beast of a year that will most certainly go down in history books, we thought it would be nice to reflect on the marvellous things scientists still delivered, despite everything.

Of course, scientific achievements are usually years in the making. Nevertheless, here’s a round-up of some of the exciting science news we reported in 2020. Just to remember that it wasn’t all terrible.

1. We found the first known extraterrestrial protein in a meteorite

Could life emerge elsewhere in the Solar System? As curious and intelligent beings, humans are naturally interested in finding out if living creatures thrive beyond the confines of our little blue space rock. One way to discover this requires turning to meteorites.

Earlier this year, scientists revealed they had found the first-ever extraterrestrial protein, tucked inside a meteorite that fell to Earth 30 years ago.

“We’re pretty sure that proteins are likely to exist in space,” astronomer Chenoa Tremblay told ScienceAlert in March. “But if we can actually start finding evidence of their existence, and what some of the structures and the common structures might be, I think that’s really interesting and exciting.”

2. We avoided some troubling changes in the atmosphere

A new study revealed that the famed Montreal Protocol – the 1987 agreement to stop producing ozone-depleting substances – could be responsible for pausing, or even reversing, some troubling changes in air currents around our planet’s Southern Hemisphere.

Healing the protective ozone layer surrounding Earth seems to have paused the migration of an air current known as the southern jet stream, a phenomenon that ended up pushing parts of Australia into prolonged drought.

“If the ozone layer is recovering, and the circulation is moving north, that’s good news on two fronts,” explained chemist Ian Rae from the University of Melbourne.

3. An AI solved a 50-year-old biology challenge, decades before anyone expected

Earlier this month, scientists at the UK-based artificial intelligence company DeepMind announced that a new AI system had effectively solved a long-standing and incredibly complex scientific problem concerning the structure and behaviour of proteins.

For about 50 years, researchers have strived to predict how proteins achieve their three-dimensional structure. The astronomical number of potential configurations has made this task – known as the protein-folding problem – incredibly difficult.

DeepMind’s success means a huge step forward in a range of research endeavours, from disease modelling and drug discovery, to applications far beyond health research.

4. Scientists used fast radio bursts to find the Universe’s missing matter

In a mesmerising tale of mystery within a mystery, earlier this year a really clever application of fast radio burst (FRB) tracing gave astronomers an answer to a perplexing question – just where is the missing matter in the Universe?

We’re not talking about dark matter here, but the baryonic (normal) matter that should be there on account of all our calculations, but simply couldn’t be detected until now. The Universe is vast, and the stretches between galaxies enormous. Yet in that seemingly empty space, lone atoms are still kicking around.

While looking for the source of the powerful interstellar signals known as FRBs, researchers figured out that extremely diffuse gas can account for all the missing ‘normal’ matter in the Universe. Phew.

5. We also confirmed the first-ever detection of an FRB in our own galaxy

That’s right. On 28 April 2020, a Milky Way magnetar called SGR 1935+2154 flared up in a single, millisecond-long burst so incredibly bright, it would have been detectable from another galaxy.

This landmark detection made a huge and immediate impact on the study of mysterious FRBs, that until now had only been detected coming from outside our galaxy, making their precise source difficult to pin down.

“This sort of, in most people’s minds, settles the origin of FRBs as coming from magnetars,” astronomer Shrinivas Kulkarni of Caltech told ScienceAlert.

Astronomers had a whale of a time doing follow-up work on this detection, and by November we also had confirmation that this intra-galactic FRB is a repeater. We can expect even more excitement around this next year, for sure.

6. SpaceX and NASA made history with the first crewed launch

Space enthusiasts truly had lots of cause for excitement this year, as various launches and space missions soldiered on despite the global pandemic. On 30 May 2020, SpaceX became the first private space company to deliver NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

We have liftoff. History is made as @NASA_Astronauts launch from @NASAKennedy for the first time in nine years on the @SpaceX Crew Dragon: pic.twitter.com/alX1t1JBAt

— NASA (@NASA) May 30, 2020

Not only did they safely bring them home several months later, another crewed launch went off without a hitch in November, delivering four astronauts to the space station – the first in what will likely be many routine missions in 2021 and beyond. 

7. NASA touched an asteroid, and JAXA brought back a sample

After a long trip of more than 320 million kilometres (200 million miles), NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft finally touched down on asteroid Bennu in October, collecting a sample of its surface rubble, its efforts captured for posterity in magnificent footage delivered by the space agency. We can expect the probe to return with its precious cargo in 2023.

Last year, the Japanese space agency JAXA achieved a similar feat with the Hayabusa2 probe, collecting a sample from asteroid Ryugu. In December this year, we witnessed the safe return of that sample, and have already been treated to a first glimpse of some of the black dust the team retrieved. We can’t wait to learn more about what these asteroid missions will discover.

Ryugu dust on the outside chamber of the retrieval capsule. (JAXA)

8. Scientists found the first animal that doesn’t need oxygen to survive

Back here on our own world, biologists were in for a surprise when they found the first multicellular organism without a mitochondrial genome – which means an organism that doesn’t breathe. In fact, it lives without any need for oxygen at all.

While some single-celled organisms are known to thrive perfectly well in anaerobic conditions, the fact this common salmon parasite, a jellyfish-like creature Henneguya salminicola, doesn’t need oxygen to survive is quite remarkable, and has left researchers with many new questions to answer.

H. salminicola under the microscope. (Stephen Douglas Atkinson)

9. We got spectacular footage of a “long stringy stingy thingy” off the coast of Australia

Back in April, a trailing ribbon of conjoined tentacled clones caused quite a stir amongst a bunch of biologists exploring a little-studied part of the ocean off the coast of Western Australia. This strange entity was a particularly long siphonophore, a floating string of thousands of individual zooids. In fact, it could be one of the longest such strings ever observed.

Check out this beautiful *giant* siphonophore Apolemia recorded on #NingalooCanyons expedition. It seems likely that this specimen is the largest ever recorded, and in strange UFO-like feeding posture. Thanks @Caseywdunn for info @wamuseum @GeoscienceAus @CurtinUni @Scripps_Ocean pic.twitter.com/QirkIWDu6S

— Schmidt Ocean (@SchmidtOcean) April 6, 2020

“Everyone was blown away when it came into view,” biologists Nerida Wilson and Lisa Kirkendale from the Western Australian Museum told ScienceAlert.

“There was a lot of excitement. People came pouring into the control room from all over the ship. Siphonophores are commonly seen but this one was both large and unusual-looking.”

10. A physicist came up with the mathematics that makes ‘paradox-free’ time travel plausible

Wouldn’t it be great to pop into a time-machine and fix up some mishap you’ve done in your past, all without accidentally killing your grandfather in the process?

Well, 2020 also became the year when we learned of a mathematically sound solution to time travel that doesn’t muck everything up. Physics student Germain Tobar from the University of Queensland in Australia worked out how to “square the numbers” to make time travel viable without the paradoxes.

While it hasn’t gotten us immediately closer to having a working time machine, his calculations show that space-time can potentially adapt itself to avoid paradoxes. And, according to Tobar’s supervisor, the mathematics checks out. Fabulous.

11. The first COVID-19 vaccines are already being administered outside of clinical trials

The single biggest challenge the world faced this year was the global COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare professionals and essential workers have carried much of the burden of keeping society afloat, and we can never thank them enough. Meanwhile, researchers from myriad relevant fields – from immunology to genetics – have also worked tirelessly all year long to better understand the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

That work will continue into the new year, but in late November we finally got the first taste of what it means to accelerate scientific research and funding beyond its typical pace. The very first vaccines intended to protect people from COVID-19 have already completed all the necessary phases of clinical trials, and are being rolled out in the UK, US, and parts or Europe.

Lots more will need to be done before we can put this devastating pandemic behind us and protect the most vulnerable communities worldwide, but already having effective vaccines is a truly fantastic achievement, and without a doubt the biggest cause for celebration of science this year. One to carry us into 2021 full of hope.

#Humans

[biglittlematters]

How solar panels mean more than reduced energy bills

April 1st, 2019, 5:34pm AEDT

Energy bills aren’t the only thing that’s rising. 

Identified as the centre of productivity, cities are at the forefront of high energy consumption, and are becoming hotter, on an even hotter planet (Sengupta 2018). Although some may blindly argue the change in global temperatures we are experiencing attests to natural climate variation, it is widely accepted the major energy resources we have religiously relied on-- coal, oil and natural gas, has an end to its once seemingly bottomless pit. So how can we harness the fruitful opportunities of renewable energy to increase the health, and wealth, of our cities?

Darebin City Council led the way and implemented the Solar $aver Program in 2013 to promote clean, local energy and to action its set target of doubling the region’s solar generation within the next four years (City of Darebin 2017, p. 2). This initiative encourages low-income homeowners in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne to install solar panels with the aid of government funding and cost saving incentives.

The proven benefits of eco-efficiency as a result of local generation has created a prominent presence for solar panel systems in remote, rural areas and capital cities across Australia (Arceo, Rosano & Biswas 2018). As examined in Sydney, local generation in built up areas, could offset the urban heat island effect (UHI) and enjoy the environmental benefits of cooling local maximum temperatures, by up to 1°C (Ma et al. 2017).

However, these benefits are not enjoyed by all due to the high upfront costs associated with installing solar panel systems (Robertson 2016). Within these systems, there are more efficient systems which are larger in size, consequently further increasing costs. Darebin City Council’s Solar $aver Program is innovative in the aspect that it closes the socio-economic gap and creates opportunities for lower-income residents.  

Andrew Longmire with solar panels on his roof. Picture: Mark Dadswell (Irwin 2014).

How did the solar saver program come about?

Following the privatisation of the Victorian electricity industry in the 1990s (ABC News 2016), annual energy bills cost Victorian households $2000 on average in 2009 and 2010. These whopping numbers stirred concern and anger in communities across Victoria, especially amongst disadvantaged households that relied on lower-incomes- namely pensioners.  

Local action was spurred by Darebin City Council in partnership with the Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA), comprising of nine local councils and the not-for-profit organisation Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd (MEFL) (Sansom 2014). These local-government based bodies utilised niche areas, in otherwise state government dominant policy and regulation domains, enabling action on energy issues (Mey, Diesendorf & MacGill 2016). 

Their primary decision making powers in the energy division covered that of energy efficiency and fuel sourcing projects, and as a result, birthed the Solar $aver Program. The City of Darebin and its local partners were able to practice their rights to self-govern, to an extent; as it still required the support of the Victorian Government, remaining creatures of the state (Mey, Diesendorf & MacGill 2016).

The officially recognised voice for local governments in the State, Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), advocated Darebin City Council’s interest in rolling out this initiative to the State Government and requested the establishment of a Community Feed in Tariff (CRE)- a rewards incentive resource which would provide solar energy generation rebate (Municipal Assocsiation of Victoria 2013). 

The landscape of the flourishing private electricity industry at the time prompted the Victorian Government to encourage small-scale renewable energy projects; and the Solar $aver Program was put in motion with the $900,000 set aside from Darebin City Council’s 2013/2014 budget and additional funding provided by private financiers and the state government (Irwin 2013; Robertson 2016).

Darebin City Council worked alongside the MEFL program, Positive Charge and private company Energy Matters to install the solar panel systems (Sansom 2014).

Booming success 

A year after the roll out of the Solar $aver Program, Darebin City Council saw the installation of solar systems across 292 low-income pension households, contributing to increased solar capacity in Darebin by over 5% (City of Darebin 2015). 

This iniatiative will continue to prevent 1,476 metric tonnes of greenhouse gases annally by participating households for 20+ years, saving household owners at least $100 and up to $520 a year (Darebin Council Environment & Natural Resources 2015; Gardiner 2017). 

The program’s success was recognised as a finalist in the 2014 United Nations Australia Environment Awards (City of Darebin 2014) and the winner of the 2015 LGPro Award in Sustainability Initiative (City of Darebin 2015). 

It went on to invest in secondary, more expansive phases of the Solar $aver program that would include disadvantaged renters, not-for-profit and community organisations with the additional allocation of $1 million to the program (City of Darebin 2016). 

Darebin’s success prompted other local councils led by the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) to advocate for a state wide solar finance program (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015).

Shortcomings, challenges and what’s next

In light of the first phase of the Solar $aver program's success, the second phase (and future phases) fell short of their set objectives due to a shift in position of the state government. The withdrawal of their support for community renewable energy infrastructure, including solar panels, drastically reducing funding for Feed-in Tariffs (City of Darebin 2016). 

This can be attributed to a distinct absence of unilateral agreement at the State and Federal Government levels on renewable energy and climate change policy, creating irregular and unreliable grant funding for local initiatives such as the Solar $aver program (Hadfield & Cook 2019).

Despite reduced state government support, the City of Darebin continues to set ambitious goals to double 2017 solar generation levels to 36,000 kilowatts by 2021 and continues to lead advocacy for decarbonsation across the state (City of Darebin, 2017).

To make the most of renewable energy resources, it is apparent the Australian governing landscape will need to be reconsidered. 

References

ABC News 2016, ‘Fact check: Does privatisation increase electricity bills?’, ABC News, 3 March, viewed 25 March 2019, < https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-25/fact-check-does-privatisation-increase-electricity-prices3f/6329316>.

Arceo, A, Rosano, M & Biswas, W.K 2018, ‘Eco-efficiency analysis for remote area power supply selection in Western Australia’, Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 463-475.

City of Darebin 2014, City of Darebin Annual Report 2013/2014, City of Darebin, Melbourne.

City of Darebin 2015, City of Darebin Annual Report 2014/2015, City of Darebin, Melbourne.

City of Darebin 2016, City of Darebin Annual Report 2015/2016, City of Darebin, Melbourne. 

City of Darebin 2017, City of Darebin Annual Report 2016/2017, City of Darebin, Melbourne.

City of Darebin 2017, Darebin Solar Saver Frequently Asked Questions, City of Darebin, Melbourne.

Darebin Council Environment & Natural Resources 2015, Sustainability News Summer 2015/2016, City of Darebin, Melbourne.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015, Local Government Victoria and Collaborative Councils Solar Rates Program, State Government of Victoria, Australia.

Gardiner, E 2017, ‘Darebin Council expands multimillion-dollar solar loans scheme’, Herald Sun, 2 October, viewed 28 March 2019, <https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-council-expands-multimilliondollar-solar-loans-scheme/news-story/5782957e29b0065703f1f48e3749dc01>. 

Hadfield, P & Cook, N 2019, ‘Financing the Low-Carbon City: Local Government Leverage Public Finance to Facilitate Equitable Decarbonsation?’, Urban Policy and Research, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 13-29.

Irwin, J 2013, ‘Darebin Council pioneers solar panel scheme for low-income earners’, Herald Sun, 8 October, viewed 27 March 2019, <https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-council-pioneers-solar-panel-scheme-for-lowincome-earners/news-story/4389f0507e63fe38b40f507a58267c0a>. 

Irwin, J 2014, ‘Darebin Council approves special rate for Australian first Solar Saver scheme for pensioners’, Herald Sun, 12 September, viewed 27 March 2019, <https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-council-approves-special-rate-for-australian-first-solar-saver-scheme-for-pensioners/news-story/afb470985e37afd1376397208bc65b29>.

Ma, S, Goldstein, M, Pitman, A.J, Haghdadi, N & MacGill, I 2017, ‘Pricing the urban cooling benefits of solar panel deployment in Sydney, Australia’, Scientific Reports, vol. 7, pp. 1-6.

Mey, F, Diesendorf, M & MacGill, I 2016, ‘Can local government play a greater role for community renewable energy? A case study from Australia’, Energy Research & Social Science, vol. 21, pp. 33-43.

Municipal Association of Victoria 2013, Municipal Association of Victoria State Council Papers Appendix A, Municipal Association of Victoria, Victoria. 

Robertson, A 2016, ‘Understanding the impacts of residential solar on everyday practices: a case study of Darebin Solar Savers’, PhD thesis, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, < https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/118674>.

Sansom, M 2014, ‘Solar Saver program gives pensioners power over bills’, Government News, 18 September, viewed 25 March 2019, <https://www.governmentnews.com.au/solar-saver-program-gives-pensioners-power/>.

Sengupta, S 2018, ‘2018 is Shaping Up to Be the Fourth-Hottest Year. Yet We’re Still Not Prepared for Global Warming’, The New York Times, 9 August, viewed 19 March 2019, < https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/climate/summer-heat-global-warming.html>.

[solarmaxxau]

Solarmax Australia Provides Grid Connected Solar Inverters for Bollson Energy and Fracht Australia

Solarmax Australia recently supplied grid connected solar inverters to Bollson Energy and Fracht Australia, Solarmax's installation partners. The company provided four 15kW 15MT2 and one 10kW 10MT2 inverters to their respective installations.These systems will be used to generate electricity for homes and businesses.

Solar company nsw

If you are interested in installing a solar power system for your home or business, you can do so with the help of a solar company in NSW. Solar panels have several benefits. They produce clean energy and can reduce your power bill. Moreover, you can benefit from the government's subsidy for renewable energy.

Solar power is a great way to save money while also reducing the carbon footprint. It can also help you sell unused energy back to the power grid. However, you should hire a licensed electrician to install the panels on your home. This will ensure a safe and secure installation. Once the system is installed, you can start saving on your energy bills.

The best months for solar production in NSW are October and December. A wellinstalled system should produce a little less than 5kWh per day on average. For maximum production, it is best to install the solar panels at an angle of 34 degrees from horizontal and facing due north. This will allow them to generate the highest amount of electricity throughout the year.

Solar Sydney

If you've been to Sydney, then you have probably already heard about Solarmax, a 40 minute IMAX film which tells the story of humankind's struggle to understand the sun. The film features stunning scenes of the sun's past and present. The IMAX format allows for close-ups, and includes such scenes as the first light, Crystal spheres, Aurora, and a great observatory. The audio and video for the film were produced by Powerhouse Studio and Rimshot Studio & Audio.

During the first half of the year, SolarMax also announced new positions within its company. The Sydney office will be led by Gavin Merchant, who will be responsible for acquiring and supporting existing customers, as well as increasing sales of the company's products. In addition to Australia, SolarMax has also recently opened branch offices in China, Greece, and Bulgaria. The company has already implemented several successful projects in Australia, and the expansion into other markets is part of its ongoing global strategy.

Solar system Sydney

SolarMax, one of the world's leading manufacturers of grid-connected solar inverters, has expanded its global distribution network to Australia. The company's new branch office in Sydney will provide more service and flexibility for the Australian market. The company will be demonstrating its string inverters and monitoring solutions at the All Energy Conference in Melbourne.

The new distribution agreement is a win-win situation for both companies. SolarMax will be available in Australia through ReneSola, which has established sales channels across the country. The new partnership will allow ReneSola to recommend SolarMax solar inverters to their clientele. SolarMax's solar inverters are certified for use in Australia and are accredited by the Clean Energy Council.

The company previously listed itself on the Solar Industry Directory. This listing has since been removed. In addition to providing solar panels and inverters for homes, Solarmax also offers solar inverters for businesses.

Solar companies in Sydney

If you're considering installing solar panels for your home, there are a few solar companies in Sydney that can help you make the right decision. First, look for companies that are members of the Clean Energy Council, which accredits solar installers with industry-best practices. These companies are reputable, and their products and services are designed to reduce your energy bill and help reduce climate change.

Another great way to choose a solar company in Sydney is to look for recommendations. Ask friends and family members for recommendations - they may have used a solar company in the past that they've had positive experiences with. Solar installation in Sydney requires a series of steps, and it can take up to two weeks.

In addition to the savings on your energy bill, installing solar panels can also boost the value of your property. Some solar panels in Sydney are self-sustaining, which means you'll be generating more money than you're spending. Another benefit is the rebates from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. If you can obtain these rebates, you can save up to 40% off the cost of installing solar panels in your Sydney home.

[lecaustralia]

How to Find the Best Solar Installers

When hiring solar installers melbourne, it's important to look for a national certification. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers independent certification for solar installation professionals. This credential is earned by demonstrating specific knowledge and skills. Applicants must have a specific amount of experience and complete a rigorous exam to earn the certification. Additionally, they must sign a code of ethics and complete continuing education courses every three years.

Whether you're considering the installation of solar panels for your home or a commercial building, it's vital to find a highly-respected solar installer. There are some bad actors in the solar industry, including deceptive advertisements and aggressive sales tactics. To avoid getting taken advantage of, look for solar installers with NABCEP certification. You can also check a solar company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau.

Choosing the right installer can be tricky. Many installers focus on certain kinds of projects. For example, Brooklyn SolarWorks specializes in solar installations on downtown rooftops. Such roofs have very different needs than those of larger homes on Long Island. In addition to finding the right solar installer, take your time to consider your unique needs and priorities. For instance, do you want backup power for your electric car? A local association or online reviews can help you determine the best solar installers for your needs.

If you're interested in becoming a solar installer, consider obtaining an apprenticeship or training at a solar company. These programs will teach you the basics of solar panel installation. Training can last anywhere from a month to a year. During this time, you'll learn about electricity, safety, solar installation techniques, and panel design and configuration. Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you can then apply to a company offering solar panel installation.

[marshallenergy]

Commercial Solar Panel Installers in Melbourne

When choosing a commercial solar installer in Melbourne, it's important to find one that has a long history of success and a proven track record. Solargain is one of Australia's largest solar companies. It started in 1995 as a plumbing business but has expanded to offer solar power systems, battery storage, solar hot water system installations, and more. This company is rated by Canstar Blue as the best in Australia for solar panel installation.

Amazing Solar

If you are looking to convert your roof into a solar power station, Amazing Solar Solutions are the team to call. They will help you convert your roof into a green energy source and create a clean energy system for your home or business. With solar panels installed on your roof, you can produce clean electricity on demand.

In addition to cutting your energy bills, solar power also increases your property value. Many Melbourne residents have already switched over to solar power. It is also an excellent way to protect your property against increasing electricity prices. You can even use solar power to power fans and lights in your home. Solar energy is free, and you can start using it right away.

If you're looking for an experienced solar installer in Melbourne, you've come to the right place. Amazing Solar Solutions has a team of skilled solar installers that will turn your roof into a power station.

Glen Clark & Co

Glen Clark & Co are a family-owned business based in Bayswater North. They have been designing solar power systems since 2010. This company offers commercial solar panel installation and design. Their work is backed by a warranty and a comprehensive set of service plans.

The company's service team includes professional technicians, sales representatives, and plumbers and engineers. The team also offers a range of alternative energy solutions, including battery-backed solar power and off-grid solar power. They can also advise you on solar power financing and offer tips and advice on how to maximize your investment. Glen Clark & Co also offer incentives for solar power installations.

If you're looking for commercial solar panel installers in Melbourne, there are a few things to consider before making your final decision. While you may have already started your search for an experienced solar company, it's important to get quotes from several companies before making a final decision. After all, solar panels are a major investment!

Total Solar Solutions

Total Solar Solutions provides the complete package for commercial solar panel installation. Their team of solar panel installers are knowledgeable and dedicated to the highest level of customer service. They have a proven track record of providing a quality installation. Total Solar Solutions' installation team is meticulous, clean and professional. They are also licensed installers and are fully accredited by the Clean Energy Council.

Total Solar Solutions is an Australian owned solar energy company with an increasing client base. With commercial and residential installations, they help their clients cut energy costs and contribute to a greener future. They are an authorized LG Solar dealer and also sell solar inverter products from SolarEdge, Enphase, and Fronius.

If you're looking for a solar panel installer in Melbourne, Do Solar can help. They offer free consultations and most packages have no upfront cost.

Betta Value Renewable Energy

When it comes to solar energy, one of the leading companies in Melbourne is Betta Value Renewable Energy. They offer a full range of commercial solar power solutions to meet the needs of a variety of businesses. They have a team of solar energy experts on staff who will design a custom solar power system to supplement your current utility company electricity or produce free electricity for your business. This system will increase your energy efficiency and save you money.

This relatively new installation company is based in the southeast business district of Melbourne. Founded in 2017, the company is dedicated to providing sustainable solar solutions for businesses and homes. They also have branches in Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales. They specialize in all types of solar panel systems and can install solar panels of various sizes. Their basic packages consist of 5kW, 6.6kW, and 10kW solar panels and can help you save up to 1,916 to 3,832 a year on your energy bills.

Another company to consider is Solargain. They provide solar panel installation services throughout Australia, and are one of the largest solar companies in the country. They were originally founded as a plumbing company, but have expanded their services to include solar power systems, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging stations. They have received several awards and have been recognized as the best solar panel installers in Australia.

[safereturndoubtful]

Day 29 - to Rovaniemi

The mystery of the red truck was solved for me this morning.

I posted a photograph of it a couple of days ago, doubting its economy and dreading its emissions.

It arrived here with a German guy driving four years ago, and hasn’t moved since. The guy liked the area, so found a job and settled. He lived in it for a year, but has moved villages and now just uses it as a holiday home.

I’ve begun to seriously doubt the value of my E in Physics A-level, 42 years ago now..

This course I’ve set my mind on understanding the Victron Connect Solar system in the van. It’s tremendous, but if ever it doesn’t function as it should it’s been my error that’s led to that.

A week or so ago after a couple of days of cloud and rain the power dropped lower than I expected, to 50% of capacity. The app on my iPad has all the details you could want. After several hours going round in circles I managed to find that it was the Firmware that needed updating.

Yesterday it was low again. So low that it cuts out and shuts off, then restarts. I managed to work out the reason. In the rainy weather I’ve been watching more sport on TV than usual, partly because I have an unlimited internet deal. The TV drains the system much more quickly than anything else.

Today I decided to hook up and get the batteries fully charged before reaching the Arctic, which means paying for a campsite. But, it’s a good site, on the river overlooking Rovaniemi town.

Then I had the problem of hooking up, with a series of socket adapters. It took me an hour to get it running, and that was with Jack’s help, from GV conversions, who did all the work on the vehicle.

Interestingly, Lithium batteries have more than halved in price, so I think when I get chance, I will upgrade. These current batteries can get damaged by running them at anything lower than 50%, with Lithium they can run as low as 10%, and last longer and generally more efficient.

Anyway - the rain from yesterday cleared in the early hours. I know this well, as the dog needed to go out just after it was light.

I contacted the Migration Service, hoping that the visa would be delivered by post today, or tomorrow. Unfortunately they are short-staffed, and it will take between 5 days and 2 weeks.

Luckily, the owner, Martin, enjoyed the beer I gave him. Keen for another, he offered to mail it up to me when it arrives.

With that sorted, I walked the dog, tidied up and filled up with water, and readied to leave.

A stop in Haparanda for Co-Op and lunch, then into Finland, and an hour or so north to Rovaniemi, where I’m currently at.

I’ve actually been here before, when I was 27.. on my journey between Liverpool and the MCG (Melbourne) without using trains. I had taken the ferry from Newcastle to Bergen, hitched up to North Cape, then here.

I remember staying here well, on a campsite just out of town. It was September and the guys and I was camping with and I got an incredible view of the Northern Lights - which I’m hoping to see again.

[fumpkins]

Regional towns look to community batteries as renewable energy solution

Small regional communities are working to secure their own energy futures amid electricity price rises and widespread fears of blackouts.

Key points:

Regional Victorian towns Ballan and Pomonal are investigating a community battery

Experts say batteries will be a big part of Australia’s renewable energy transition 

Questions remain around the role community level batteries will play in the mix 

A new report from the Australian Energy Market Operator shows electricity prices rose to their highest levels on record in the three months to June 30, leading to increasing energy bills across the east coast.

Communities like Ballan, 80 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, are driving their own renewable energy projects as they seek reliability, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact.

The volunteer-run Moorabool Environment Group is working with residents on the first steps of a project to bring a community battery to the town of almost 3,400 people.

Rose De la cruz has solar panels on her home in Ballan and would like to link to a community battery.(Supplied: Rose De la cruz)

Resident and group member Rose De la cruz said Ballan was a “good candidate” for the technology.

“We do suffer from power outages quite a lot here and we have a growing lot of residential houses with solar on their roofs,” she said.

“At the moment everybody is talking about the cost of electricity, so people are interested in anything that will bring down the cost.”

The basic concept was for households and organisations with rooftop solar to feed into a shared battery and draw out electricity when needed.

Ben McGowan inspects a mid-sized battery at Yackandandah.(ABC News: Emilia Terzon)

Read more on Australia’s cost of living:

Increasing take-up 

Community batteries are becoming an increasingly popular option for regional communities.

The first community battery in Yackandandah, a small tourist town in north-east Victoria, was launched in July 2021 after two years of planning and fundraising.

The 274-kilowatt-hour battery that supplies electricity to 40 homes from solar panels on the roof of an old sawmill is part of a bigger mission to have the entire town powered by renewable energy.

It also serves as a backup power supply.

Residents in the western Victorian town of Pomonal, on the edge of the power grid, are also looking for solutions to eliminate blackout concerns.

Pomonal Power People member Dee-Ann Kelly said more people had become interested in the idea of a community battery.

Grampians Community Power Hub hosted a community meeting at Pomonal.(Supplied)

“I am interested in the idea that not everyone needs to have solar,” she said.

“Down the track I am willing to get solar, but for now I want to be able to utilise where we have got solar and where we may have solar in the future.”

She said the project was also about supporting people who did not have the ability to put solar panels on their properties.

“We have talked about not leaving people behind,” she said.

The town is part of a community battery feasibility study and is waiting for a report before deciding on the next steps.

Ms Kelly said sustaining interest and driving the project could be a challenge, given it could take many years and was not an “overnight solution”.

A community battery in Meadow Springs, Western Australia, is accessed by 52 homes.(Supplied: Western Power)

But she said she was confident the community’s desire for power reliability during disasters, such as bushfires, and broad focus on sustainability would drive continued support.

“We live in the beautiful Grampians and have nature all around us. This is what drives people to want to have a future and be involved in making really important decisions,” she said.

Clean energy future 

Australia Institute energy advisor Dan Cass said Australia had been over-reliant on “risky and expensive” coal and “increasingly expensive” gas.

Mr Cass said the community battery model would be part of the move to build clean energy resources quickly to avoid another energy crisis.

A community battery in the Perth suburb of Port Kennedy.(Supplied: Western Power)

He said the Australian Energy Market Operator modelling showed a need to build thousands of gigawatts worth of battery storage over the next several years.

“We need a lot more batteries on the grid and we need them urgently,” he said.

“The question is who owns the batteries and what is the scale at which they are built?”

Mr Cass said it was likely large batteries, mid-scale community batteries, and small household batteries would be part of the solution.

“I think we will find eventually every freestanding roof in the country will be able to have solar panels and in some cases that will be backed up by batteries,” he said.

“It will give enormous power and control back to energy consumers and communities as well as being more resilient and zero emissions.

“Australia is in a great position … it is just a matter of planning this out well and this will be the last energy crisis Australia will ever need to face.”

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New post published on: https://livescience.tech/2022/08/04/regional-towns-look-to-community-batteries-as-renewable-energy-solution/