Solar Energy



snow on solar panels

How do solar panels work in winter?

Posted by September 5th 2024

Living in Australia, you’re likely using air conditioning in the summer and heaters in the winter to keep your house at optimal temperature. Running these heating and cooling appliances, however, consumes a lot of electricity.  These days, …


people adjusting solar panels

How often do solar panels need replacing?

Posted by February 7th 2024

Contrary to what some people think, solar panels are not a set-and-forget system. Not only do panels require the occasional maintenance check and, in some cases, a solar monitoring set-up, but eventually they also may …


Two Tesla Powerwall 2 models on the side of the house.

How to score a free Tesla Powerwall 2 with Amber Electric

Posted by February 7th 2024

Wholesale electricity provider Amber Electric is giving Aussies the chance to win a brand-new Tesla Powerwall 2, fully installed, for their home. In celebration of the release of its new battery automation product, Amber for Batteries, …


thunderstorm over house

Solar battery backup systems: Are they worth the cost?

Posted by February 7th 2024

Solar batteries have been a hot topic for the energy community for a while now, particularly as more Aussies choose to install home solar systems. But perhaps one of the most widely debated discussions for …


Man holding small solar panel.

Big power bills on the horizon: Is now the time to go solar?

Posted by February 7th 2024

Aussie households have again been burdened with predictions of staggering energy bill hikes, prompting many to question: is now the right time to go solar?  Following last week’s stark warning of a 35 per cent electricity …


roof with solar panel

What are micro inverters and are they worth it?

Posted by February 7th 2024

Solar panels generate energy, but not in a form that can be directly used in a household. Hence, the need for an inverter. An inverter essentially takes the power generated by the panels and turns …


man inspecting panels

Solar Panel Maintenance: When do panels need servicing?

Posted by June 26th 2024

More Aussies are hopping on the solar power bandwagon and having panels installed on their roof. But, how many know what maintenance is required to keep solar panels in prime condition? Just as you would cars …


Solar panels in a garden

What are community solar gardens?

Posted by November 11th 2024

In fact, nearly three-fifths (55%) of Aussie households strongly or somewhat agree that it is unfair that people who rent are less likely to have access to rooftop solar or battery storage, according to …


Two Tesla Powerwall's on the side of a house.

Tesla Powerwall owners can now save big with Origin’s Loop VPP network

Posted by February 7th 2024

Origin Energy has extended its virtual power plant (VPP) network, Loop, to include BYO batteries for households in New South Wales, Victoria, south-east Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.  Eligible Tesla Powerwall owners can …



Electricity Meter Types Explained

Electricity Meter Types Explained

Posted by January 31st 2023

In this Canstar Blue guide we'll explain the different types of electricity meters available to energy consumers in Australia and how they work. We'll also share some tips and tricks around how to read the …


Solar panels on house roof with VB Solar Exchange logo

VB Solar Exchange: Earn slabs of beer for solar exports

Posted by February 7th 2024

Most of us know the jingle, and it’s fair to say there isn’t a more quintessential Aussie beer than Victoria Bitter (VB), but perhaps what we didn’t know was that VB recently teamed up with …


Small play houses with solar panels on them

How to score free solar panels in NSW

Posted by February 7th 2024

Up to 30,000 vulnerable New South Wales households will soon be eligible for a free solar system or energy efficient appliance upgrade as part of a new state government initiative. The Energy Bill Buster Program, announced …


Angled roof with solar panels on it, covered by trees

Nectr launches Buy Now Pay Later solar and battery plans

Posted by February 7th 2024

Nectr has launched a collection of Buy Now Pay Later solar and battery installation plans in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Aimed at helping Aussies ‘future-proof’ their home energy consumption, the electricity provider is …


Solar panels being made

What are solar panels made of?

Posted by February 7th 2024

Not only will we explore what solar panels are made of, we’ll also cover how and where they’re made, along with other helpful information. Find out everything you need to know about what goes into …


Solar panels on a rooftop with blue sky behind it.

Innovative end-to-end solar package now available in VIC and NSW

Posted by February 7th 2024

Solar panel manufacturer QCells has launched an innovative end-to-end solar power solution for residents in New South Wales and Victoria. Under its new brand, Arcstream, the solar powerhouse is offering packages that cover all bases, from …


Solar panels on an angled roof

ACCC urges customers to check solar batteries for fire risk

Posted by February 7th 2024

The consumer watchdog is urging customers with an LG, SolaX or Opal home energy solar system to check their solar batteries immediately for a potential fire hazard. There are concerns that some consumers may have missed …


Man holding calculator in front of solar panels

Origin releases AI tool that helps Aussies choose solar system

Posted by February 7th 2024

Origin has launched an online solar tool that’s able to provide customers with insights of how well a PV system will perform on their rooftop. The utility giant claims the AI technology removes effort and guesswork …