Love News
The danger in going cheap on your solar system
The importance of quality within the solar industry has once again been explored in an article by Nigel Morris from Solar Business Services. Whilst discussing that he can see big changes ahead for the industry, he also explains what really drove home the issue of quality. Its time to focus on solar PV quality issues Im not so different f...
CEC Release: Now is the time to power up consumers on energy use
Wednesday 27 February 2013: Australia now has the opportunity to make transformative changes to our electricity market to put power in the hands of consumers and businesses, according to the Chief Executive of Australia’s peak clean energy industry body. "We are facing an imminent need to ‘rethink energy’ to keep prices l...
Why change to LED lighting
LED lights have many advantages over other kinds of lighting, including compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, an unsafe lighting technology. Here are eight reasons to love LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, adapted from material provided by Polar-Ray LED Lighting Solutions. 1. LEDS HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR DECADES LED lighting is a proven techn...
GE Lighting Supports Lighting Revolution in Sydney
GE Lighting, together with its Australian partner UGL Limited, has completed the installation of LED lights at Bicentennial Park in Glebe – as part of the roll-out of a A$7 million project to replace street and park lights across the City of Sydney. The new LED lights are more energy-efficient, and exude a whiter and brighter illumina...
Focus on Australia's energy system heats up
Article by David Green, Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council: When summer comes to an end, the tennis and cricket has faded in the memory and the first energy bill arrives in the post or the e-mail, many of us will feel the cost of keeping our houses cool. And the cost might just make us a little more interested in how our pow...
Power Bills in Queensland set to skyrocket
AN average household will pay an extra $250 in power costs from mid-year after the Queensland regulator recommended a price increase of more than 21 per cent. The Queensland Competition Authority this afternoon released its draft retail benchmark price for 2013/2014, the first of the pricing decisions to be released around the country. ...
Fire warning for 650,000 solar panels
Consumers have once again been cautioned about doing their research when it comes to shopping for Solar. Although there have been no reported issues so far in Australia, Dutch authories and media have warned about the risk of roofs being set on fire due to electrical faults. 15 roof fires have already been reported in Europe and hundreds of thousa...
Queenslands solar dominance
In January the Clean Energy Regulator released its quarterly data on the number of solar systems creating Renewable Energy Certificates. The data includes certificates created to January 2, 2013 and includes installations up until the end of November 2012. As agents have 12 months from the date of system installation to create certificates, the n...
News: Heats on Dodgy Solar System Deals
As consumers spend thousands of dollars on solar systems that should last many years, industry representatives say finding a reliable retailer and doing research should protect your investment. COMPLAINTS to the national consumer authority about solar electricity systems have increased more than 30 per cent in the past year, with deceptive or...
A quality shift in Aussie solar market
Nigel Morris's summary from the latest industry report 'Australian PV - Technologies and Brands', reveals a change in the buying behaviour of Australian consumers when it comes to solar. No longer are the majority of conusmers choosing Tier 3 and Tier 2 products, they are choosing Tier 1 and are buying quality. This change possibly represents a m...
The three tiers of solar panel quality
Quality of solar panels varies significantly between the different tiers. There are 3 tiers of solar panel quality. Love Energy puts quality first and only supply the highest quality and most advanced solar power systems. Read more ' A Quality Shift in Aussie Solar Market '. ...
Cheat sheet: How your energy provider rates
KEEP getting calls from energy companies pestering you to switch your account? Confounded by offers of hefty discounts and deals? Customers who switch to some of the country's biggest energy companies are finding the promised service doesn't always measure up. Australia's biggest energy providers, including Origin and AGL, are being sla...
Paralysis keeping energy benefits out of commercial market
South Australian business owners, commercial property owners and governments are so paralysed with fear about the economic environment they are failing to see and embrace the benefits and savings of energy management, according to SA-based Love Energy. MD, Richard Mintz this week voiced his frustration at the SA business community’s reluct...
Prepare for LED domination
The LED lighting industry is set to dominate the global market more than a century after its discovery, benefitting from a widespread ban of conventional incandescent bulbs and as the market share of competing green replacements fade. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have a vital edge in that they have superior energy efficiency and longer lifes...
Solar companies diversify to boost turnover, differentiate themselves in rapidly changing market
FROM energy audits and efficient lighting to dedicated solar-panel cleaning services, local solar companies are expanding services to boost turnover and differentiate themselves in a rapidly changing market. Industry figures say the Federal Government's decision last month to abolish its solar credits multiplier on 31 December - six ...
German Solar Car closes global loop in Australia
PRESS RELEASE An award-winning solar car that has travelled more than 26,500kms around the globe is now heading from Darwin down the Stuart Highway to finish its global circumnavigation in Hahndorf, Adelaide. In October 2011, this two-seater solar electric car, SolarWorld Gran Turismo ( SolarWorld GT ) competed in the World...
CEC Media Release: New professional development program for solar installers and designers
A new Clean Energy Council continuous professional development program will help household solar power system installers and designers stay up-to-date with new developments in the industry while lowering the cost to become accredited. “The solar industry has an excellent track record for installing solar systems that meet h...
CEC Media Release: Final Power of Choice report will spark energy reform
The Power of Choice review by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) will spark much needed changes to help households better manage their energy bills over the long term, the Clean Energy Council said. The challenge of maintaining and upgrading the electricity network and meeting peak electricity demand are the main drivers of risin...
Solar Power Rebates will reduce on New Years Eve
Power prices are out of control and it just got worse… If you have been thinking about getting a solar power system, now is the time to act. On Friday, the Federal Government announced that it is reducing Solar Power Rebates by 50% on 1 January 2013. IMPORTANT: If you signed a contract to puchase a system on Friday or after, i...
We have moved!
We are excited to announce that due to growth and expansion, we have moved to a bigger premises. This will be our 3rd move in just 2 years. Our new address is 2/2-4 Adam Street, Hindmarsh SA 5007. We are looking forward to the future and we have some exciting announcements coming very shortly so keep an ear out. ...
Breaking News: Combet cuts support for solar
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet announced late this morning that the government will be phasing out the solar credits multiplier of 2 STCs per megawatt-hour to just one six months ahead of schedule on January 1, 2013. Currently STCs are trading at around $32. With the current multiplier of 2, for a 1.5 kW system in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane a...
Solar electorates
SunWiz has performed analysis of Clean Energy Regulator data to identify the top solar electorates. Use the interactive explorer below to identify the number of solar systems in your electorate. This will help you identify how popular solar has already become in your electorate, or how popular it stands to become. Click here to find o...
Alexandrina Council Solar Array
Love Energy and the Alexandrina Council celebrated the official opening of the Alexandrina Council Solar Array in Goolwa, SA on 12 October 2012. The event was attended by Love Energy, members of the Alexandrina Council, Mayor Kym McHugh, Mike Galea, Managing Director of Environarc and various members of the community. ...
Solar Chases The Magic Million
The latest data from the Australian Clean Energy Regulator shows that more than 858,000 homes in Australia are now equipped with solar photovoltaic panels, totalling almost 2 GW of installed capacity in solar PV, according to the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia. Australian homes also now have more than 600,000 solar hot water system...
Australia's Biggest Solar Suburbs Revealed
The major city mortgage belts and regional Australia are the biggest drivers of solar growth in Australia, according to new research. The REC Agents Association’s study, The Geographical Analysis of Solar Systems under the Renewable Energy Target, spotlights the leading six solar suburbs in the country and finds solar pene...
Solar homes love the saving
WITH the cost of solar generated power significantly less than the cost of power bought through electricity retailers, South Australian households, farmers, commercial properties and business owners can start reaping the benefits. Article published in the Stock Journal - 13 September 2012 Households pay less than 14c/kWh Competit...
Australians lead in fitting solar panels on homes
AUSTRALIANS put more household solar panel systems on their roofs than anyone else in the world last year, new data from the Clean Energy Regulator and the International Energy Agency show. The statistic astonished many in the solar industry, given Australia's small population compared with renewable energy market leaders such as European Union...
"Newman's accidental solar boom"
This is courtesy of Nigel Morris of Climate Spectator.........well said. Queensland Premier Campbell Newman must have one hell of a solar hangover today. Following his announcement to cut the $0.44c Net FIT he provided the industry and solar consumers with a window of opportunity to sign up before the scheme was switched to $0.08c, and...
The Carbon Tax a reality - 1 July 2012
The Government yesterday implemented the Carbon Tax. Aside from what it may mean for you and house-holds locally – let’s not lose site of the bigger picture and purpose of this tax; for a clean energy future. The carbon price will change Australia’s electricity generation by encouraging investment in renewable energy like w...
Considering Solar in Queensland? The time is now (before 9 July)
The Newman government have made the announcement to reduce the feed-in rate under Queensland's Solar Bonus Scheme. Effective from midnight on 9 July 2012, Queensland’s Solar Bonus Scheme will be amended for new applications. A review of the scheme will also take place. Changes to the Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme include: ...
Top 10 tips when purchasing solar
We published a link to the Clean Energy Council’s consumer guide for solar PV, a few weeks ago. Although just continuing on from that informative guide – here is a recap of their top 10 tips when purchasing solar. 1. Be an informed consumer. Research your options, be clear on your needs and compare quotes. 2. ...
Global Renewable Energy Investment Powers to Record $257 Billion
The way forward without a doubt. The UN proves it again - let's push forward for strong 2012 investments. "Huge gains for solar and investment surge in US drive global growth in 2011" Nairobi, 11 June 2012 - Solar generation surged past wind power to become the renewable energy technology of choice for global investors in 2011. Solar...
Informative guide to making your solar purchasing decisions
The Clean Energy Council has put forward an informative and succinct guide on purchasing residential solar. A fantastic resource for any householder. Household use of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems has grown significantly in Australia this decade behind increased awareness of the risk of dangerous climate change, the reduced cost of sys...
Australia to invest $10 Billion in Renewable Energy
Australian taxpayers will front the bill for what will be the biggest single investment in renewable energy ever. During negotiations of a new carbon price and diversion away from renewable energy subsidies, interests groups led by the country’s Greens and rural independents ensured that a significant potion of the inves...
$450 rise in utilities bills hit households hard
SOUTH Australian households will pay an extra $446 on utility bills this financial year - and it will get worse. An analysis by The Advertiser shows the combined cost of utility bills for the average household will be $3231, a 16 per cent increase on last financial year, and well outstripping CPI. A further ...
Australian Solar Energy Society Conference - Solar 2011
Solar energy experts joined policymakers, scientists and energy industry professionals in Sydney during December 2011 for the annual Australian Solar Energy Society Conference – Solar2011. The Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES)-hosted Solar2011 Conference, held at the Australian Technology Park in New South Wales,...
Construction starts on demonstration solar power station in Mildura
SILEX Systems subsidiary Solar Systems has started construction on the first stage of Australia’s largest solar power station in Mildura, Victoria. The Mildura power station will be the first full-scale commercial deployment of a grid connected solar power station using Solar Systems’ Dense Array concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) ...
Your burning energy questions answered
Should governments invest in large-scale desert-based solar plants? And are manufacturers of solar and wind systems using dirty energy to produce these solutions? In the first part of the Global Energy Prize series, Australia’s environmental scientist Barry W. Brook, answers the questions by Eco-Business readers on renewabl...
Replacing coal smoke with mirrors
SOUTH Australia has a new Premier. Now it's a good time to talk about a different type of power - the power that turns your lights on. The Playford B coal power plant in Port Augusta has been operating since the early 1960s. Having been a key part of the state's electricity system for decades, its retirement is imminent. Playford B'...
Turn on, tune in, pay up or switch off
THERE is no end in sight for those who are struggling with power bills, as Miles Kemp reports. In the 1990s, South Australians were told the State Government had to sell its ageing public electricity assets or face billions of dollars in taxpayer- funded infrastructure upgrades. What has transpired in the decade since has been t...
The Right Way to Value Solar
Australian households have installed over 1,000 megawatts of small-scale solar PV, and there will be more installed as module prices continue their fall. Now is the time to resolve confusion about the value of solar power, "grid parity" and the role of support mechanisms for solar PV. How do we decide what solar PV is worth? What do...
Energy white paper overstates cost of renewables, study finds
RENEWABLE energy costs are likely to be far cheaper than forecast by the government's energy white paper, new research has found, offering new options for the nation's future energy mix. Bloomberg analysis suggests the official figures issued last week overstate the cost of solar power threefold and windpower by 50 per cent. But at...
Why big energy wants to kill the LRET
LRET: Large-scale Renewable Energy Target. Ever heard of the merit order effect? Readers of this column may be familiar with it, because it is emerging as a key issue in the Australian electricity sector, and a flashpoint between the established fossil fuel generators and the new wave of renewable energy technologies, and a confl...
Flagships stumble: Solar funding stalls on the grid
The future of the federal government's $1.5 billion Solar Flagships program is in limbo, after both winning consortia failed to meet Thursday’s deadline for financial close. As predicted here two weeks ago, neither the $1.2 billion Solar Dawn project, which proposes to build a 250MW solar thermal facility in Queensland, and t...
The age of free solar
The cost of solar PV has fallen so dramatically in the last few years that industry pundits have begun playing a new game – identify the spot where the price of PV finally hits a floor. But what if it never did? That tantalising prospect was raised by the International Energy Agency in its Solar Energy Perspectives report r...
Australia's great big energy challenge
The biggest weakness of the draft energy white paper released this morning by the federal government is not immediately obvious – it’s found on page 269 of the 291-page report. It reveals that the data used by the Department of Resources and Energy for its energy modelling is already out of date. In a world that is preparing...
Electricity prices to rise 37% - Solar Power only a bit player
A report from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) estimates residential electricity prices are projected to jump by 37 per cent in nominal terms on average by 2014. Home solar power is yet again being made a scapegoat by some media outlets, but its contribution to the overall jump in electricity costs wi...
Beware "shonks" in solar industry
EXPERTS are warning to be wary of "shonks" as investigations continue into SA's first fire in a solar system. The Office of the Technical Regulator and the MFS are investigating the Coffin Bay fire, which caused $30,000 in damage to the system and the shed on which it was mounted. The system was still producing energy when i...
Renewables Can Save the Debate to Save the Climate at COP17
The UN’s climate negotiations in Durban are stuck in the same morass as the carbon price was for us in Australia for so many years. Both the Australian and the international climate debates have been focused on abstract carbon price schemes that no one understands. A poll in Australia confirms what I have...
Australia's 500,000 solar homes
In a report released yesterday at the UN climate negotiations in Durban, the Clean Energy Council of Australia has revealed that more than 500,000 homes in Australia feature photovoltaic systems. The report looked at renewable electricity generation across the board and revealed that power for around four million homes was produced in 2...
Renewables produce 10% of power supply
ELECTRICITY produced by renewable sources is approaching 10 per cent of Australia's total power supply, half of the national target for 2020. The Clean Energy Council's 2011 review - launched overnight at climate change talks in Durban, South Africa - said renewables' share of Australian electricity generation had grown by almost...
Powering the globe: How solar power fits future energy needs
Despite the solar sector's current worries - such as module oversupply, lack of long-term policy certainty and the ongoing trade conflict with China - the big picture is positive. More and more nations around the world are jumping into project development, and many global trends over the next several years are expected to work i...
Replacing fossil fuels with solar would add to strain
To replace fossil fuels with solar power, Australia would have to build solar panels covering more than 4000sq km, a key think tank has warned. In a report to be released today, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute says that could also be expressed as 200sq m of panel a person, or about four times the average amount of roof area pe...
A test of Teamwork, engineering skill endurance across the Australian Outback
After placing 15th in the 2011 Veolia World Solar Challenge, MIT’s Solar Electric Vehicle Team reflects on their experience and looks ahead to the future. In early October, 12 members of MIT’s Solar Electric Vehicle Team (SEVT) boarded planes bound for Darwin, Australia — the departure city of the 2011 Veolia Wo...
Energy future lurks where sun don't shine
There are 300 days of sunshine each year at Villanueva del Rey in southern Spain, and it is driving the hopes and aspirations of advocates of sustainable energy not just in Europe but around the world. In the fields outside Villanueva del Rey is the Gemasolar plant, billed as the world's first around-the-clock solar power...
Love Energy at the Norwood Christmas Pageant Tomorrow!
Love Energy is very excited to participate at the Chrismas Pageant of Norwood tomorrow, Saturday November 25th 2011. The Pageant will start at 10am from the Corner of The Parade and Woods Street. Come and enjoy the pageant with us! The pageant will go from Woods street to Queen Street on the Parade. See you there! ...
New chlorophyll could hold the key to more efficient solar panels
Love Enegy thought that a little bit of science would not hurt and we found this article from The Conversation.edu.au was quite interesting. "As the great spectre of climate change continues to loom large over the future, the search for viable, renewable energy sources is becoming ever more important. Solar power has long be...
Electricity prices up $500 - and more pain is on the way
The average annual household electricity bill has soared by more than $500 in just three years. The Essential Service Commission of South s annual performance report on the supply of gas and electricity, released today, also reveals consumers are paying $68 each year to subsidise green energy initiatives. It is the firs...
Harnessing solar energy to create gas from wastewater
U.S. solar tech company, HyperSolar Inc., states it has developed a process for creating natural gas from wastewater using solar power and has filed for a patent of the technology. The company says they have designed a cheap and efficient nanoparticle system that can mimic a plant’s ability to photosynthesise light...
Energised kids introduce their own clean energy future bills
Coolbinia Primary School in Perth, Western Australia, has at heart to reduce their carbon footprint and took concrete actions to achieve the carbon reduction. They are the first participating school of the project founded by the Maia Maia Project Emissions Reductions Currency Systems ( www.maiamais.org ) Children at Coolbinia PS have p...
First incentive scheme for large-scale solar launched in Australia
A new incentive scheme to promote large-scale solar projects has been launched in Australia Capital Territory. "The ACT will be driving Australia's clean energy future through 210MW of clean, solar power." If you want to read more about ACT new solar incentive, read PV Tech's full story . If you want to know how Love Energy can prov...
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions up 3.8% in October
Despite Australia's efforts to become one of the greenest country, our greenhouse gas emissions went up 3.8% in October. As the weather is getting warmer, the power demand gets higher and generators continue to ramp up capacity. A solar power system is not only the best way to save money and control your power expense; it also helps red...
Renewable Energy Getting Cheaper
In the past few years, solar energy has become cheaper and more affordable for everyone (residential and commercial projects). In the next five years, large-scale solar power stations should become competitive with wind farms. Solar power systems have the great advantage of having a less intrusive impact on the environment and with no movi...
Sustainable future within your reach
Bendigo, Victoria sets a great example of community effort and action to reach a sustainable future. Bendigo is looking at powering the city from 100 per cent renewable energy and solar seems to be the easiest and most efficient way to achieve this goal. Love Energy is your renewable energy partner in South Australia, Western Australia ...
Bright Thing Solar Forum in Queensland
The Queensland Government is running solar forums to help Queenslanders understand the benefits of solar power systems as well as the rebates and incentives available. The next forums will be held in Keperra on Saturday 26 November and Cloncurry on Friday 2 December. Visit the Bright Thing Solar Forum website to know more. Love Energy...
Solar parity to keep electricity prices down
"There has never been a better time to put solar on your roof than now" states the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia ( SEA - www.seaaus.com.au ). Love Energy could not agree more. Solar became a necessity. Electricity costs are only getting higher and installing a solar power system on your property or your business is the onl...
Bright future for solar with carbon price
"Today is a historic day for Australia's solar industry, a major step to a clean energy future." said John Grimes, the Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES), Australia's peak solar industry body. The carbon tax may be controversial, but it is believed that it will place Australia on the map as a country committed t...
Tonight Love Energy demystifies solar for you
You may be confused about: why go solar, what system best suits your needs, what makes an efficient system, how much you can expect to save? Love Energy can demystify solar for you! Come and join us Tonight, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8th at 6.30pm for a FREE INFO SESSION at Love Energ...
Tomorrow Tuesday 08th November - Love Energy Solar Info Session
ARE YOU CONFUSED ABOUT SOLAR? If you are confused about: why go solar, what system best suits your needs, what makes an efficient system, how much you can expect to save? Love Energy can demystify solar for you! Come and join us TOMORROW, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8th at 6.30pm for a FR...
Love Energy Solar Info Session next Tuesday November 8th
ARE YOU CONFUSED ABOUT SOLAR? With recent changes to the Solar Feed In Tariff in South Australia, many consumers are unclear about the ongoing benefits of installing Solar Power Systems. Generous Federal and State Government Incentives still remain. Your Love Energy consultant can discuss these with you and provide a cle...
Regional WA holds potential for renewable energy
As mentioned yesterday on Love Energy’s news, there is no better time for solar than now. This is something that regional Western Australia has understood very well as the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy has commissioned Consulting Companies to undertake a Regional Renewable Energy Assessment in WA to prov...
Australia's solar paradox
There is no better time for solar than now . However, while households and businesses are facing fast-increasing electricity prices, solar installers on the other hand experience a decline in enquiries, despite generous feed-in-tariffs and Government rebates still available in most States. With electricity cost inevitabley increasin...
Floating solar panels to generate Green Energy
In the USA, India, Europe and Australia, floating solar panels technology is being developed to overcome the shortage of land for installing PV panels. This technology could contribute not only to maximize the vaste area of water but also to make solar energy cheaper. And you must love it. In the ever changing world of solar t...
Love Energy at Tee Tree Plaza Shopping Centre, South Australia
Love Energy is at Tee Tree Plaza Shopping Centre, South Australia until Sunday 6th November. If you are confused about solar, do not hesitate to stop by and talk to one of our consultant. Alternatively, you can directly book a no-obligation consultation, just call 08 8152 7500 . Or book your appointment online now. &n...
Confused about Solar?
With recent changes to the Solar Feed In Tariff in South Australia, many consumers are unclear about the ongoing benefits of installing Solar Power Systems. Generous Federal and State Government Incentives still remain. Your Love Energy consultant can discuss these with you and provide a clear solution to your Solar questions. Why no...
Queensland Solar Atlas helps to build our clean energy future
The Sunshine State proves once again its dedication to fight climate change. A Queensland Solar Atlas, a new electronic map, has been developped to pinpoint the best areas for potential future solar power projects. Love Energy praises Queensland's commitment to clean energy generation. If you want to do your bit for the environmen...
Solar is going one step further in Queensland
A 153kW solar project will be installed on the roof of the Reef HQ Aquarium in Queensland and is expected to be completed by May 2012. This will be the second largest and most innovative solar project in the Sunshine State. Love Energy is thrilled that solar awareness now allowes this type of project to be launched and endorsed by the Go...
Join the Love Energy Info Night TONIGHT
ARE YOU CONFUSED ABOUT SOLAR? If you are confused about: why go solar, what system best suits your needs, what makes a bad or a good system, how much you can expect to save? Love Energy can demystify solar for you! Come and join us TONIGHT at 6.30pm for a FREE INFO SESSION at Love Energy H...
Japanese team & technology wins the Australian World Solar Challenge 2011
Earlier this week, Love Energy informed you about the amazing solar challenge from Darwin, Northern Territory to Adelaide,South Australia. The winner of the solar powered car race was the Japanese team, proving once again how advanced and efficient Japanese solar techonology is. Love Energy congratulates Japan's Tokai Universi...
Love Energy at Womad Earth Station this weekend
Womad Earth Station is a brand new and unique festival of music and ideas exploring our relationship with the planet. Starting tomorrow and during the whole weekend, the music program will feature 19 groups from accross Australia and the world. But Earth Station is not only about music. A series of Planet Talks will be held by leading sc...
Are you Confused about solar? Info Session on Tuesday October 25th.
ARE YOU CONFUSED ABOUT SOLAR? If you are confused about: why going solar, what system best suits your needs, what makes a bad or a good system, how much you can expect to save? Love Energy can demystify solar for you! Come and join us next TUESDAY October 25th at 6.30pm for a FREE INFO SESSION at Love Energy H...
World Solar Challenge 2011: 3,000 kilometers across the Australian desert
We mentioned it yesterday, the World Solar Challenge 2011 is on! 37 teams from 20 countries around the globe are crossing the Australian desert from Darwin to Adelaide. The solar car race does not only put Australia on the map, it also promotes solar energy as a sustainable source for the future and you must love it. At L...
Solar car race across Australia has power to change world
The 2011 World Solar Challenge is starting tomorrow. In 1987, the winning Solar car travelled the distance from Darwin - Northern Territory to Adelaide - South Australia at an average speed of 66.9 km/h. In 2009, the winning Solarcar achieved the same result at an average speed of over 100 km/h with a 25% reduction in th...
Solar interest in Swan Hill
The ABC reports the Victorian town of Swan Hill is being investigated for a medium to large solar power development. Councillors voted last month to make Swan Hill's Blackwire Reserve the site for the new development, and they have already received interest from local and international solar companies. Mayor Greg Cruickshank said the ...
Carbon Tax gets green light
The International Business Times reports the Clean Energy Future package was passed through the Australian House of Representatives in Canberra yesterday by 74 votes to 72. The Australian Solar Energy Society has applauded the win, saying it will show a clear way forward for Australian industry, commerce and community. AuSES Chairman ...
Are you confused about solar?
Are you confused about solar? We understands that with changing Government incentives and lots of mis-information in the industry, finding the best solar solution can be difficult. That is why Love Energy is hosting a free information session in Adelaide that will demystify solar. Come to Love Energy's Adelaide Office in Torrensville...
Western Australia ideal for solar
The Sustainable Energy Association of Australia says that while State Government changes have impacted the solar PV industry in Western Australia, now is still a great time to install solar. The SEA says that the recent changes have created an even more competitive market, and the solar PV industry has experienced a rapid growth cycle. ...
Solar shines in Australia's eyes
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that solar energy has rated extremely highly in a poll of perceptions around the energy industry. The study, conducted all around Australia including Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, ranked the public's attitudes towards the major forms of energy in this country. Solar power came out on top with eight in...
Flinders Ranges will get greener
The Flinders Times reports the Flinders Ranges in South Australia is set to receive almost $1 million to spend on solar initiatives. The money will go towards solar power systems at ten locations across the region, including 84 solar lights to be installed at local playgrounds, monuments and sporting facilities throughout Quorn, Hawker, ...
Port Augusta could clean up with solar
AdelaideNow reports a bid has been lodged to shut Port Augusta's Playford B power station, with the view to possibly replacing it with solar thermal energy. Alinta Energy, the operators of the power station, want a payment to shut the plant under Carbon Tax regulations so they can begin operating with solar thermal or gas. Playford B ...
Kangaroo Island looks to solar
The Islander reports Kangaroo Island is investigating the possibility of establishing the island's first community-owned solar energy project. Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hills and Coast has been given a $250,000 grant to study the possibility of bringing solar and wind power to Kangaroo Island. If the project is established,...
Australian electricity prices could double
Business Spectator reports electricity prices in Australia could continue to rise over the next six years, despite the Australian Energy Regulator last week committing to slash power bills for consumers. Electricity prices have already risen 35% over the last four years, and Edwin O'Young of Port Jackson Partners has said they could be s...
South Australia's feed-in tariff drops TODAY!
Today is officially the LAST DAY to receive the current 44c/kWh solar feed-in tariff in South Australia. For anyone that has been considering installing solar in Adelaide, this is your last chance to make the most of these generous Government incentives! As Love Energy has previously reported , the feed-in tariff isn't ending comp...
Adelaide electricity prices to rise again
South Australian Energy Minister Michael O'Brien confirmed yesterday that Adelaide electricity bills will rise a further 8% next month. At the start of this month AGL customers were hit with a 17% price rise, and overall since 2002 electricity prices in Adelaide have increased by 75%. The Australian reports that this new price hike is r...
Pollution protests around Chinese solar
The BBC reports villagers in East China have protested for three days over pollution fears from a local solar panel factory. Protesters stormed the factory, overturned cars and destroyed offices at Zhejiang Jinko Solar in Haining City after they became concerned over waste being discharged into rivers and pollutants being released i...
Cheap solar costing Queensland
The Courier Mail today reports that thousands of solar PV systems in Queensland are failing because of poor quality components. The issues are centred around cheap inverters, primarily from China, that are either faulty or not working efficiently to produce maximum energy from panels. While these inverters are initially cheaper, Maste...
Australia must capitalise on solar boom
Climate Spectator says that more needs to be done if Australia wants to capitalise on the global solar boom. The International Energy Agency will release a report next month saying that by 2060 almost half of the world's energy needs will come from solar, and organisations like the Clean Energy Council say Australia could be left behind ...
Five days to go in SA!
This is officially the last week to receive the current 44c/kWh solar feed-in tariff in South Australia. As of Saturday, October 1, the new State Government feed-in tariff for people installing solar PV systems will be dropping to 16c/kWh, a reduction of over 50%. To make sure you receive the maximum rebate locked in for the next 17 yea...
Making hay while the sun shines
There is a rush to install solar before September 30 in South Australia, but Love Energy Managing Director Richard Mintz has told The Advertiser and AdelaideNow that solar will continue to be extremely valuable after this date. From the start of October the money received for the excess electricity generated by a solar PV system is dro...
Wind to shape Queensland energy
Queensland has long been the solar state, but it could now also be set to take the lead in wind energy. The Camden Advertiser reports that five major wind farm projects are now being planned for the state, which according to Queensland Energy Minister Stephen Robertson could produce up 1500megawatts of renewable energy if they all go ahe...
SEA calls for energy diversity in WA
The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) has called on the Western Australian Government to keep WA's energy market diverse, amid the possibility that two of the state's largest retailers could be merged. It believes that if Synergy and Verve Energy merge it will create less competition in the energy market and in turn possibly increase th...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #13 from Love Energy
When it comes to electricity, often people think of how they can best save money in the home, but there's also many new innovations and simple ways to cut down on your power usage in the garden. Firstly, examine your electric garden accessories; the truth is that many of them could be replaced with tools that use no electricity at all. ...
Love Energy opens in Queensland
As of yesterday, Love Energy have officially commenced business in Queensland. Love Energy will service Brisbane with top quality rooftop solar systems from world class brands Schott (Germany), Kyocera (Japan), SMA (Germany) and Aurora (Italy). Call or come into our new office in Ashgrove to speak with one of our friendly Energy Consult...
Port Augusta could swap coal for solar
The ABC is reporting that Port Augusta's two coal-fired power stations could be converted into solar thermal power plants. The plan comes from Non-Government Organisation Beyond Zero Emissions, and will be put to South Australian Energy Minister Michael O'Brien this week. Beyond Zero Emissions' Operations Director Mark Ogge says conve...
Solar's value still shines in WA
The ABC is reporting Western Australian Energy Minister Peter Collier has said installing solar in Perth is still extremely beneficial, regardless of the state axing feed-in tariffs. In response to comments made by the National Electrical and Communications Association, which called on State and Federal Governments to do more to support ...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #12 from Love Energy
Have you ever wondered why your home can seem so hard to cool down through sweltering summers, or why it can be so difficult to heat up in the depths of winter? Air conditioners and heaters can be helpful, but there's a way to improve their effectiveness and reduce your power bill at the same time. Over 35% of your home's heat will esca...
SMA celebrates 30 years in solar
SMA Solar Technology AG has today celebrated 30 years of being in the solar industry, and announced it will open the world's largest service centre for solar photovoltaic inverters in 2012. From being founded in 1981 as a small German engineering firm, SMA has grown to become a world-leader in solar inverters that employs over 6,500 staff ...
SA's renewable energy target boosted
AdelaideNow is reporting that South Australia's renewable energy target will be increased under Premier Mike Rann's updated State Strategic Plan. The current target is to have 20% of the state's energy coming from renewable sources like solar and wind power by 2014, however this has been revised to 33% by 2020. South Australia is curr...
Solar's power yet to peak
Despite solar feed-in tariffs reducing at the end of September, The Advertiser has reminded Adelaide home owners that they should not rush into buying a rooftop solar system. In an article featuring insights from Love Energy Managing Director Richard Mintz, it reinforces that solar will continue to be extremely valuable in South Australi...
Love Energy Media Release RE: Solar Shop
Love Energy Chief Operating Officer Kristian Livolsi makes a statement on the back of Solar Shop's shock announcement today that they are going into receivership… “Solar Shop is and will always be an icon in the Australian Solar industry, having being founded some 12 years ago. Our thoughts are with Solar Shop, its...
SA solar audit reveals faults
AdelaideNow is reporting that a random audit of South Australian homes with rooftop solar panel systems has revealed a high number of non-compliant installations. Of the 300 installations audited it was found that over half were non-compliant, largely involving issues of poor workmanship and untidy wiring. The State Government has ord...
Renewable energy prices to fall
Renewable Energy World reported on Monday that research from the University of Melbourne indicates solar and wind energy prices will continue to fall over the coming years. Lead research Patrick Hearps said that solar technology would become very competitive with fossil fuels over the next five to ten years, and open up mu...
Australia to reach grid parity
Climate Spectator is reporting Australia will become one of the first countries in the world to reach grid parity between solar and traditional electricity. This means the cost of producing electricity from rooftop photovoltaic panels over their 25-year life span will be the same as the cost of retail electricity. Industry analysts pr...
Queensland stands up for solar
The Queensland Government stood up for the state's current solar feed-in tariffs at a renewable energy conference in Brisbane yesterday. The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting State Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said Queensland will avoid going down the path of states that have cut feed-in tariffs or reduced them significantly. ...
Perth opens first desalination research facility
Australia's first dedicated desalination research facility opened in Perth yesterday at Murdoch University's Rockingham campus. Waterworld is reporting that the $5 million facility will provide a base for researching new technologies in the field of desalination, including the use of solar power. Desalination plants convert sea w...
Love Energy at the Royal Adelaide Show
Love Energy is getting into the spirit of the Royal Adelaide Show all this week, so come and visit at site 133 in the Jubilee Pavillion! We have friendly Energy Consultants on hand who can answer any questions you might have relating to solar, and we can book a free appointment to assess your home for a rooftop system. The Jubilee ...
Victoria will cut feed-in tariffs by 58%
The Victorian Government has announced it will cut solar feed-in tarifs by over 58% from the end of September. Houses with rooftop solar systems in Victoria currently receive $0.60 for every kilowatt hour of excess electricity they feed back into the grid, however from September 30 this will be cut to 25c/kWh for new installations. This...
$1.3 billion wind farm for South Australia
South Australia's Yorke Peninsula will reportedly receive one of the world's biggest wind farms, following an announcement by Premier Mike Rann and Indian Wind Power company Suzlon Energy yesterday. The group is planning to invest $1.3 billion in the Ceres Project, which will comprise 180 wind turbines on a site 20km south-west of the t...
Love Energy newsletter launched
Want to recieve the latest Love Energy updates, offers and solar news direct to your inbox? The Love Energy e-Newsletter launched last Friday, so sign up today to find out what all the fuss is about! It's completely free, all you need to do is visit the subscription page and enter your email address along with a few simple details. ...
Warning against unlicenced solar
On Saturday The Advertiser and AdelaideNow featured Love Energy Managing Director Richard Mintz and Technical Consultant Leigh McAninich in a story warning against "fly-by-night" solar retailers in South Australia. They reported that following 218 complaints about solar panel supply and installation in the state since January, the Offi...
WA Government to buy solar plant
The ABC is reporting the Western Australian Government will purchase the renewable energy generated by the Greenough River Solar Plant and Mumbida Wind Farm, both south of Geraldton in the state's mid-west. Combined, the solar plant and wind farm will produce 65 megawatts of power, which will be used to offset the cost of running the Bin...
Love Energy continues to grow...
Love Energy is excited to announce the opening of our Queensland office next month on September 12, to be headed by State Manager Michael Harrison. This follows our successful Western Australia launch in May, where the operation has been lead by former local boy and now State Manager for WA Tony Wells. In South Australia ...
SA won't scrap feed-in tariffs
AdelaideNow is reporting South Australian Energy Minister Michael O'Brien has said there is "no way in the world" the state will scrap its solar feed-in tariffs. Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has called on state governments to scrap their respective solar schemes when the Carbon Tax comes into place, but South Australia will ...
Western Australia unlikely to meet renewable target
Climate Spectator is reporting the Western Australian Government has admitted it may not reach its renewable energy target of 20% by 2020. WA Energy Minister Peter Collier revealed state-owned utility Synergy, which accounts for 80% of the market, will be buying 450 megawatts of renewable energy by 2020. While this is positive it will s...
Logical Progress
Love Energy has broken new ground by installing a fully customised and tailored small scale commercial rooftop solar PV system. The 23kW installation at Logic Plus' Halifax Street headquarters in the Adelaide CBD comprises 95 Kyocera panels and will produce in excess of 42,000 kWh per annum. General Manager and Managing Director Ja...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #11 from Love Energy
When it comes to saving water, lots of people do the right thing by taking shorter showers, but more can be done to be environmentally friendly and also reduce your electricity bill. Did you know up to 35% of power in the average household is produced from heating water? On a quarterly power bill of $300 this would be $105, which over t...
Ford Focus drives solar
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Ford's new Focus Electric car will feature a roof mounted solar panel, which could supply 1600km a month of free driving. Currently electric cars in Australia recieve their power from plugging into convential electricity, however the Ford Focus electric will instead use solar generated whi...
Australia to become seventh biggest solar market
The Process and Control Engineering website is reporting Australia is set to become the world's seventh largest solar market by the end of 2011. Australia was ranked tenth in 2010, but IMS Research's 'Global PV Demand' report has increased the country's forecast for 2011 by almost 1GW. It predicts Australia will produce 22GW of s...
Australian soldiers to use solar technology
American business website Forbes is reporting a new development in solar will allow Australian soldiers to produce their own power by wearing solar cells. The new technology, developed by the Australian National University in conjunction with the Australian Defence Department, is called SILVER Cell and will incorporate paper-thin solar c...
Sun still shines on Australia's last solar factory
The ABC today reported that Australia's last solar panel manufacturer Silex Solar would close its West Sydney factory, however in a new development this story has found to be incorrect. The International Business Times has published an update stating there was an error of communication in the initial story, and Silex will continue to o...
Investec investigate WA solar power station
The Australian newspaper is reporting South African company Investec is planning to build a 50 megawatt solar power plant outside of Geraldton, West Australia. If the proposal is given the green light, the $200 million project would be the largest in Australia outside of the Federal Government's Solar Flagships program. Investec is lo...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #10 from Love Energy
It can seem daunting when you have to heat your whole house on a chilly evening, or even cool everyone down on a sweltering summer’s day. This can be made easier by breaking your house down into small segments and shutting off areas of the house you don’t use when heating or cooling. It will concentrate the temperature and e...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #9 from Love Energy
Washing your dishes by hand is a great way to save money, electricity and water. It takes a little longer and requires a little elbow grease, but if you have the time then you can completely eliminate the need for a dishwasher, which uses a lot of power. Having said this, when washing the dishes, be mindful of how much water you’r...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #8 from Love Energy
It’s great to be conscious of lighting and turn switches off when you’re not in the room, but you can do even more by being smart about what bulbs you choose. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs can cost a little more money at the supermarket, but they use 80% less electricity and last four to ten times...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #7 from Love Energy
When it comes to cooking, microwaves are great for saving you time and effort, but did you know they can also save you money? Microwaves are actually far more energy efficient than ovens, using less than half the energy of a standard oven. There are obviously times when an oven is the best thing to use, but when you get a chance...
CSIRO solar printing project launching
US green energy website Earth Techling is reporting that Australia is working hard to bring thin-film solar production to the market. This new technology, patented by the CSIRO, reportedly has the potential to make solar more cost efficient and more effective for large volume areas. Thin-film solar cells are based ...
New data shows solar boom in NSW
New data released has shown last year's solar bonus scheme was extremely successful in New South Wales, with up to 14% of households installing a rooftop solar system in some suburbs. Ausgrid energy efficiency specialist Paul Myers said installations had boomed from 2,000 to 46,000 over 18 months, with areas on the state's North coast bein...
International Business Times: How will an Inverter impact your home?
The International Business Times has started a series examining the ways in which Australians can save electricity, and they have begun by investigating how Inverters can impact your home. The article is a simple run down on the technology of converting solar energy to electricity for your home, and provides helpful material for anyone c...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #6 from Love Energy
Electric stoves tops are a popular choice for cooking in homes across Australia, but how do you make the most of their energy? One frustrating feature about electric stoves is that they don't cool down immediately when you change the heat, but this can also be used to your advantage. Before your food is done, turn off the stove and the ...
Love Energy give away solar system!
Love Energy and Mix 102.3 yesterday were proud to give away a $15,000 solar system to one lucky Adelaide couple! Chief Operating Officer Kristian Livolsi joined John, Jodie and Snowy on Mix Breakfast to announce that Kate Bailey and Jason Eckert had won the How Deep Is Your Love? competition, sponsored by Love Energy. For the past thr...
Important Update: WA Feed-In Tariffs to end
It has been revealed today that West Australia’s feed-in tariff scheme could end by September, with state rapidly approaching its 150megawatt cap. Solar customers are currently receiving the rate of 20cents for every kilowatt hour of electricity that they feed back into the grid, but once the limit is hit no new installa...
Electricity prices rising today in Adelaide
Electricity prices are set to increase by 17.44% for AGL customers in Adelaide today, August 1. In real terms this rise will increase a bill of $300 every three months by $52.32, and a charge of $1,000 would be extended by $174.40. The Sunday Mail and AdelaideNow covered a story at the weekend, revealing more and more...
Red Centre goes solar
Australia's largest tracking solar system was launched yesterday in Alice Springs. The 3,000 rotating panels will produce power to supply around 300 homes in Central Australia The Uterne tracking system differs to a normal solar farm in that each panel is fixed on a rotating joint, allowing it to follow the sun's trajectory and work at ...
Solar panels can cool your home
International sources have revealed installing solar panels on your rooftop can do more than just power your home, it can also cool it. A United States research team has reportedly found that ceilings in buldings with solar panels are staying on average 2.8 degrees celcius cooler than those without panels...
Moree Solar Farm secures $66.5M
The Moree Solar Farm project in northeast New South Wales will recieve an extra $66.5 million from a new grant initiative. The money comes as part of the Federal Government's Education Investment Fund, after the project earlier this year secured $300 million of funding through the Solar Flagships program. The construction...
Warning against DIY solar installations
The National Electrical Communications Association (NECA) has put a stern warning to anyone considering personally installing their own solar system on their home. Chief Executive Officer of NECA, James Tinslay, said that when performed by an unlicensed electrician solar installations are not only dangerous, but also illegal. The warnin...
7.30 Report puts spotlight on solar for business
The 7.30 report in Queensland aired a story on Friday night posing the question; why isn't there being more done to entice businesses to install a rooftop solar system? Reporter Emma Pollard raised the point that businesses aren't being offered the same incentives as households to go solar, when they really have a lot t...
Queensland smashes solar taget
Queensland has again shown it's a leader in Australian solar, cracking its solar target almost three years ahead of schedule. A goal was set last year by Premier Anna Bligh's government to double the state's solar generation of 250megawatts over the next five years, and only 15 months later Queensland is now produc...
Green star energy ratings to encourage solar
Green star energy ratings for homes being sold in Adelaide will cost almost $600 less than was first predicted, and promote the use of renewable energy systems like solar. The new initiative, which will audit a household to determine its level of greenhouse emmissions and water efficiency before it is sold or rented was initially...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #5 from Love Energy
Clothes driers are a popular choice in Australia's cooler months, but they use a lot of energy and can produce up to 3kg of greenhouse gas per load. Hanging your clothes outside or in a warm spot in the house is an easy way to spare your pocket and your planet; it just takes a little more time and planning. If you do need to invest in a...
Shopping centre to pioneer in solar
Stockland Shellharbour in New South Wales is set to install the largest rooftop solar system of any shopping centre in Australia. 7,000 square metres of rooftop solar panels will be installed as part of its $300million redevelopment that will occur with the aim of making a sustainable shopping district for the local communit...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #4 from Love Energy
Pools and spas are a welcome addition to any home, but unless you use them smartly they can end up costing a lot more than you exp ect. In fact features like heaters, filter pumps and salt chlorinators can ammunt to up to 30% of your household electricity bill! To make the most out of your pool or spa and still keep your power bill und...
University of Queensland new leaders in rooftop solar
The University of Queensland has positioned itself as a solar leader, after it today officially unveiled Australia's largest rooftop solar panel system. The 1.22 megawatt system comprises over five thousand solar grids and runs across four buildings at UQ's St Lucia campus in Brisbane. It surpasses the prev...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #3 from Love Energy
Keeping your fridge cold in winter might not seem like a big concern, but it could be costing you a lot of money! Make sure your fridge is clean and well ventilated; it will allow the air flow better and require less energy to cool your food. It might seem simple, but doing this can cut your fridge's operating cost by up ...
Carbon Tax to raise West Australian power bills
There will be plenty of responses to the Labor Government's Carbon Tax this week, and at Love Energy we're committed to bringing you all the latest information and reactions from around the country The West Australian is today reporting that the Carbon Tax will result in a $1billion surge on electricity prices fo...
South Australia poised to benefit from Carbon Tax
There will be plenty of responses produced to the Labor Government's Carbon Tax this week, and at Love Energy we're committed to bringing you all the latest information and reactions from around the country. Yesterday the Greens followed up Sunday's announcement by stating the Tax would bring a significant win...
Solar to be boosted by Carbon Tax
The Federal Government's Carbon Tax will direct $13billion into Australia's renewable energy sector, and reportedly secure future foreign investments worth tens of billions of dollars for the solar industry. Yesterday's announcement by PM Julia Gillard in Canberra stated carbon will be priced at...
Light shed on Sydney solar defects
More light has been shed on the issues around defects in New South Wales solar panels, in a new Manufacturers Monthly article. A recent Sydney audit revealed 18.5% of houses with solar panels had a major defect, and it has now been claimed this could be the result of mistakes from DC (Direct Current) manufacturers. ...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #2 from Love Energy
When it comes to washing machines, heating water is the biggest user of energy. Using cold water washes on clothes can save up to 80% on green house emissions from your washing machine, and it helps prevent colours running too! If you're looking to purchase a new machine, choose a front loader that has a great energy efficienc...
Simple Energy Saving Tip #1 from Love Energy
Lots of people do the right thing by shutting their computer down when they go to bed or switching the TV off with the remote when they leave the room, but are they really turned off? It's a little known fact these devices could actually just be on standby, and continuing to use electricity. In fact leaving these devices on st...
The 7PM Project supports solar
Love Energy was thrilled to see The 7PM Project 's excellent feature on the benefits that solar panels can bring to your home, which aired on Channel 10 last night. The current affairs program strongly endorsed solar power for Australian homes, and detailed the money it can save you in today's climate of rising electricity price...
Solar suits lower incomes
Statistics taken from 76,000 Adelaide households shows lower and middle-income families are leading the way in solar panel installations. Saturday's Advertiser covered the story with findings showing Adelaide's 'mortgage belt' installed the most solar systems, with suburbs like Morphett Vale, Mt Barker, Woodcroft and Parafield ...
No defects on SA solar
Increased checks of South Australian solar panels have found no major defects. Concern emerged after an audit detected major faults in 18.5% of solar systems in New South Wales, but State Energy Minister Michael O'Brien yesterday revealed no such problems were present in a recent Adelaide review. He says the State Government is committe...
Tariffs extended but cut in SA
The State Government announced last Thursday that South Australia's solar power scheme will be extended until 2013, however the tariffs will be reduced by 63%. Solar residents currently receive income for feeding power back into the grid at the rate of 44 cents per kilowatt hour; this will still be available for all existing cus...
Welcome to our new website
We are very excited to welcome you to our new website. Over the next few weeks we will be posting new blogs, uploading new photos and videos, to give you as much information about latest solar trends and the views of our customers. So stay tuned. ...
