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There’s no doubt Australia is playing its part in embracing renewable energy and contributing to the fight against climate change. After all, we as a country did commit to the Paris Agreement. What we didn’t plan for…was the grid being overloaded and network distributors placing export limitations on residential solar systems. Thus, the debate started as to whether it’s fair that two houses side-by-side don’t have the same benefits of solar purely because of the date of installation. The reality is electricity was never meant to move in two directions.

Is your solar inverter tripping throughout the day and you have no idea why? We have been asked this question a lot lately from our customers. The good news is it isn’t the inverter that is causing the issue. It’s high grid voltage and it’s becoming an ongoing problem not just in Victoria, but across Australia.

It has been a devastating summer so far with bushfires wreaking havoc in Victoria and other States across Australia. However, there has been immense support from people and businesses all over the world, willing to donate money to organisations set-up to help those desperately in need.

It’s echoed across the country (around this time) each year that ‘summer blackouts’ are inevitable. Some of us choose to listen, whilst others simply shrug it off. The fact is, there has never been more evidence to suggest that the grid is working overtime. Not just in Western Australia and South Australia either, but right here in our backyard of Victoria.

Solar Victoria have officially released all information regarding the solar rebates that will be on offer from 1st July 2019.

High voltage issues are often ignored or simply not even considered. However, if not managed properly, it can become an annoying problem for your household. In Australia, the normal grid voltage is between 225 and 240 Volts (V). Voltage levels will fluctuate during the day depending on how much power is being drawn from the grid, and how much solar is being sent back. It is up to the electricity distributor to monitor the voltage levels; however, it is becoming more difficult to keep voltage levels below 254V.

It's fair to say there's a little confusion surrounding the Victorian solar rebate. So, just to clarify, it has closed. However, the rebate will be re-opening from 1st July with even more on offer for Victorians - including:

1. The number of STCs being created is higher than the target set 

Following a decision not to progress a franchise model, Echo Group has moved away from the Jim's Energy brand, and has officially become ekoenergy.