Published

3 months ago

June 4, 2025

Alice Rush

Clean Energy Generation

A community is a group of people who share common characteristics, interests, or goals, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. When SACE started the #Clean Energy Generation (CEG), it was our way of creating and supporting a community of people across all ‘generations’ working together to build a future powered by clean energy. CEG members are using our collective power to accelerate the transition as we pivot away from polluting fossil fuels to a future that is safe, healthy, and protects the people and places we love most.

As it turns out, lots of Southeasterners are heeding the call to join and take action. World Asthma Day on May 6, 2025, provided a great opportunity to educate, engage, and demonstrate that collective action is powerful!

Plugging into the Electric School Bus Effort

SACE is a proud member of the Alliance for Electric School Buses, a national consortium of non-profit organizations committed to transitioning our nation’s fleet of school buses to electric. This year, to honor World Asthma Day, the Alliance created a call to action to show support for continuing federal funding for clean electric school buses. This nationwide effort generated thousands of handwritten postcards and digital signatures in support of clean school buses.

Electric School Buses Offer One Asthma Solution

Clean, electric buses provide significant health benefits for children, particularly those with asthma. Studies have shown that reducing exposure to diesel exhaust by transitioning to zero-emission electric school buses can reduce asthma attacks, respiratory illnesses, and school absences. Diesel exhaust pollution is harmful for everyone, but is especially bad for kids as their lungs are developing.

At Earth Day events throughout our region in April, several members of the Clean Energy Generation spoke to friends, neighbors, and community members about the benefits of electric school buses. We helped make the connection between cleaner air associated with driving zero-emission electric school buses that lack a tailpipe. We educated members of our community about the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, and the $5 billion in federal funding that was allocated for it through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Many of the people my colleague Janet and I spoke with at the Savannah Earth Day event had no idea that Georgia has 124 and Florida has 219 electric school buses safely transporting students to school. Some folks were also surprised to learn that Bluebird and Thomas Built buses are made by American workers in Georgia and North Carolina, respectively.

SACE staffers Dory Larsen (left) and Janet Miller (right) at Savannah’s Earth Day event.

Turning Awareness into Action

After talking with community members, we asked them to take action in support of clean school buses via signing a digital letter that would be sent to their federal senators and representative or to hand write a postcard to one of their state senators, urging them to continue funding for these buses during the federal budget reconciliation process.

From left to right: Kay Hudson (right), Scott Presson, Sara Vinson, Maxine Connor, Laura Bastarach, and Rhudine Rush-Steele. Not pictured: Mary Dipboye

Kay Hudson, with the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Orange County, collected postcards at Orlando’s Earth Day event.

Scott Presson is a clean energy volunteer with the Sierra Club Georgia Chapter and encouraged his chapter to collect postcards.

Sara Vinson, co-founder of Sustainable Newton, collected postcards at the Cheerios Challenge/Earth Day Celebration on April 19th in Covington, Georgia.

Maxine Connor, Natural Resources Chair of the League of Women Voters of Citrus County, Co-Chair and co-chair of the LWVFL Clean Energy Action Team, collected postcards at the LWVFL Clean Energy Action Team table at the Earth Day Expo at the Extension office in Citrus County, FL on Saturday, April 26. Maxine is also the Natural Resources Chair of the League of Women Voters of Citrus County.

Rhudine Rush-Steele and friend Laura Bastarach called friends & canvassed to help collect postcards. The picture is at a goat yoga class held in their local park every year.

Mary Dipboye (not pictured) collected postcards through her work with the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. She is the co-chair of their Green Team.

Culmination of Day of Action

After collecting hundreds of postcards and virtual signatures in support of funding for clean school buses, SACE was proud to team up with partner advocacy organizations of the Alliance for Electric School Buses in both Georgia and Florida to deliver them to elected officials on World Asthma Day for a Day of Action.

In Georgia, SACE, Moms Clean Air Force and Climate Action Campaign delivered letters to Senator Jon Ossoff’s Atlanta office. We were joined by advocate Ramsey Nix, who wrote about the experience, and her two children.

Left to right: Neal Vanmarter (Sen. Ossoff staff); Kiya Stanford (MCAF); Janet Miller (SACE); Ramsey Nix and her children Tommy and Catie Jo; Dory Larsen (SACE), Alex White (Sen. Ossoff staff); and Yesha Joshi (CAC).

In Florida, Lorna Perez, Florida Field Consultant and Sarah McBride, communications specialist, with Moms Clean Air Force, along with Karen Freedman, co-chair of the LWVFL Clean Energy Action Team, delivered them to Senator Rick Scott’s office in Tampa (X Video).

Left to right: Sarah McBride, Karen Freedman, and Lorna Perez.

At Senator Ossoff’s office, we were able to meet with staff and thank them for the Senator’s support of clean school bus funding. At Senator Scott’s office, it was an opportunity to explain all the reasons why he should.

Both Day of Action events demonstrate how impactful CEG members can be in energizing their communities. They act as weavers, gathering together their community members and then connecting their collective action to the leaders who make decisions on behalf of their community.

It also shows how, when many voices are singing from the same score, the chorus is harmonious and unmistakable.

Join the Clean Energy Generation

With all the chaos at the federal level, it’s easy to feel like you’re alone yelling into the void, so we invite you to join the Clean Energy Generation and lend your voice. Put your passion into action! Join our next Clean Energy Generation call at noon on June 13 to learn about ways we will keep moving forward.

Thank you to all the advocates who supported the World Asthma Day of Action. In Florida: Jeff Dorian, Karen Freedman, Mary Dipboye, Maxine Connor, Suncoast Sierra Club, Kay Hudson, and Mary Linn. In Georgia: Rhudine Rush-Steele, Scott Presson, and Sara Vinson

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Electrify the South program leverages research, advocacy, and outreach to accelerate the equitable transition to electric transportation across the Southeast. Visit ElectrifytheSouth.org to learn more and connect with us.

The post Clean Energy Generation: Taking Action for Our Kids appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Clean Energy Generation: Taking Action for Our Kids

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

1 week ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

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ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

1 week ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

In this blog post:

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:

Energy Independence

Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.

Maximized Savings

Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.

Better Return on Investment ROI

Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?

Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.

These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.

Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:

Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.

Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.

Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.

You don’t have to care about power outages anymore

In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source

Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak

During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.

Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:

Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.

Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage

One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.

Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.

While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.

Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.

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The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

1 week ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.