Solar Energy

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 …


Solar panels on a red roof

Solar installation numbers drop to lowest in three years

Posted by February 7th 2024

Rooftop solar installation numbers have plummeted during the first quarter of 2022 as rising costs continue to plague the industry. The Australian Energy Council’s (AEC) latest quarterly report revealed solar uptake hit its lowest in almost …


Solar Panels

A guide to solar power in Canberra

Posted by February 7th 2024

But when it comes to installing solar in Canberra, what should you be aware of, and what’s available to you? Find out more about solar power in Canberra with this Canstar Blue guide. How much does …


Wind farm in background

Wesfarmers locks in renewables to power stores in Queensland

Posted by March 31st 2022

Retail conglomerate Wesfarmers has locked in a new long-term renewable electricity purchase agreement for 147 of its Queensland stores, Greenpeace Australia Pacific announced. It means that select Bunnings, Kmart, Target and Officeworks sites across the Sunshine …


Solar panels on a rooftop with palm trees in the background

Origin Energy: How to bag $1,000 off your solar system

Posted by February 7th 2024

Utility giant Origin is slashing $1,000 off selected solar packages in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT. The savings will apply to Origin Energy’s Advantage solar range on its 6.33 kilowatt (kW) …


Dan Murphy's store in Australia

Cheers! Dan Murphy’s using solar power to cool its drinks

Posted by May 14th 2024

Liquor merchant Dan Murphy’s has celebrated its commitment to renewable energy by proudly unveiling a new-look logo on the roof of one of its Adelaide stores, and it’s pretty genius. The Dan Murphy’s Brickworks store in …


Rooftops with solar panels in Victoria

Victoria’s minimum solar feed-in tariff to drop from July 1

Posted by February 7th 2024

Victoria’s minimum solar feed-in tariff (FiT) will drop from 1 July 2022 – and wholesale electricity prices are to blame, according to the state regulator. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) announced that the minimum single rate …


Hand with $50 notes and light bulb on solar panels

Big savings for solar customers despite feed-in tariffs dropping

Posted by February 2nd 2022

New Canstar Blue research found that Aussies with solar panels could be saving up to $1,642 a year on electricity costs when compared to customers without solar, despite declining feed-in tariffs. Unsurprisingly, the findings – which …


Ampol petrol sign

From petrol to powerlines: Ampol to sell energy in Australia

Posted by May 16th 2024

Petrol major Ampol is the latest ASX-listed company set to sell electricity and gas in Australia, following moves announced by oil giant Shell and telco provider Telstra last year. In its detailed submission to the Australian …


Men installing solar panels on roof

Solar panel size: How many do you need?

Posted by February 7th 2024

While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ PV system on the market, most reputable solar installers should be able to give you credible advice based on a range of personal factors. On this page you’ll find a …


Woman smiling happily at computer screen.

More than a quarter of Aussies brag about solar energy savings

Posted by February 7th 2024

More than a quarter of Aussies who recently installed solar love to brag about their lower energy costs to family and friends, new Canstar Blue research found. South Australians were the biggest boasters, with the research showing …


Battery outline in greenery

New Aussie eco tech set to revolutionise solar battery storage

Posted by February 7th 2024

An Aussie-based renewables company is set to shake up the local solar market, thanks to its latest eco-friendly battery storage solution. Zero Emissions Developments'(ZED) newest innovation, ‘PowerCap’ – a sustainable battery system – has emerged as …