One Step Off The Grid

1 week ago | onestepoffthegrid.com.au | Matthew Elmas

WHAT WAS CLAIMED: Solar panels can’t be recycled in Australia. OUR VERDICT: Misleading. Experts say most panel components can be recycled in Australia. A senior National Party politician is clouding the truth with claims that solar panels can’t be recycled in Australia. Experts say the glass and metal frames from solar panels are being recycled locally, with several Australian-based companies saying they can recycle up to 90 per cent of the component materials.

2 weeks ago | onestepoffthegrid.com.au | Sophie Vorrath

When the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate comes into play in July this year, it will be a requirement that all  energy storage systems installed through the scheme are capable of participating in a virtual power plant, or VPP. The idea is that, in the not-too distant future, millions of rooftop solar and battery systems will be able to be aggregated by various third parties – such as retailers – and controlled collectively to offer paid services to the grid.

2 weeks ago | onestepoffthegrid.com.au | Sophie Vorrath |Giles Parkinson

Solar Insiders Podcast: Australia’s waste panel problem – and how to turn it into a goldmine May 21, 2025 by Sophie Vorrath & Giles Parkinson Leave a Comment Smart Energy Council’s Darren Johannesen explains how Australia’s solar “waste” stream is actually a massive reclaimed resources opportunity – but the federal government needs to act fast. Plus, news of the week. You can find previous episodes of Solar Insiders here or wherever you get your podcasts.

2 weeks ago | onestepoffthegrid.com.au | Anne Delaney

When renewable energy developers first approached the Hay Shire Council in south-west NSW, the council saw both opportunity and risk. With the region designated as a Renewable Energy Zone and major wind projects on the horizon, they knew the energy transition could bring real benefits, but also real community division. Rather than sit back and let events unfold, they took the lead, helping ensure the community would engage with the transition.

3 weeks ago | onestepoffthegrid.com.au | Sophie Vorrath

Legislation to extend Victoria’s market-based energy efficiency subsidy scheme by a further 15 years has passed through state parliament, sending a “rock-solid signal” to business to invest in electrification so consumers save energy and money. The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Amendment (Energy Upgrades for the Future) Bill 2025 was voted through parliament late on Tuesday, extending the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program to 2045 from its current legislated end date of 2030.