ABC July 29, 2010, 3:31 pm Latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Tasmania’s population has grown and men still earn more than women. In the year to June 2009, the population increased 1.1 per cent to over 503,292 people. The birth rate was up, at 2.24 births per woman.from 2.2. Full Continue Reading →
Gillard a ‘no-show’ on refugee solution
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The Federal Opposition says it is clear Labor is not serious about building a refugee processing centre in East Timor.
Three weeks ago Prime Minister Julia Gillard revealed plans to establish an offshore processing centre in that country.
But East Timorese foreign minister Zacarias da Costa says his country still has not received any concrete proposal from Australia.
Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison says it shows the Government does not intend to act on the plan.
Chinese manufacturing power, falling prices, and technology breakthroughs have transformed the solar industry from a green niche into a mushrooming market.
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Solar power is the source of nearly all our energy. New technologies allow to harness it with growing efficiency (Photo: Reuters) |
“The Sun Always Shines on TV”, a famous Europop song in the 1980s, could be re-released for the 21st century, just slightly modified: nowadays, the sun always shines on PV.
Photovoltaic solar panels have become a symbol of renewable energy and a greener future – unfortunately, they still represent less than 0.1 percent of global energy production.
But growth is tremendous. Solar capacity in Germany, the world’s leading PV nation, will double in 2010 from 10GW to 20 GW, estimates the Swiss bank UBS. And despite Germany’s moderate climate, these solar panels do already produce massive amounts of electricity.
Figures from the European Energy Exchange show that solar power accounted for 10 percent of Germany’s electricity consumption during midday peak load on more than ten days in July 2010producing some 7GWh of solar power, comparable to the power output of seven nuclear power plants.
So you’ve decided to invest in solar power for your home to lower your utility bills. Great! But before you proceed any further, it’s important to know some of the more common solar mistakes that homeowners make so you can avoid them. Here are five of the most common mistakes:
Mistake # 1: Missing out on limited time rebates and incentives.
Nothing’s worse than making the right step towards solar power and then realizing that you missed out on a large incentive or rebate. These programs are great for homeowners, but they can have very strict requirements and most expire after a set period. Make sure you know what solar financial incentives and rebates are available from the federal, state, and municipal government and your local electrical utility. More importantly, make sure your home solar power system meets every requirement necessary to qualify for the programs and that these programs don’t expire before you’ve completed your installation. Professional solar installers are intimately familiar with the programs and can make sure that you are able to take advantage of all applicable solar rebates and financial incentives.
Gentlemen, please review and re-distribute as widely as you think isappropriate : this is a simplified downdraft gassifier that was designedand tested back in the late 80’s for use in an emergency if petroleum basedfuel was unavailable for essential activities such as agricultural foodproduction and emergency transport. It should be noted : devices of this Continue Reading →
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Labor says migration levels are already forecast to fall (ABC News: Giulio Saggin, file photo)
The Federal Opposition says it would cut migration levels by almost half if it wins the election.
The Coalition says it would reduce Australia’s net overseas migration from nearly 300,000 people per year to just 170,000 if it wins the election.
The Opposition’s immigration spokesman, Scott Morrison, has indicated the number of skilled worker visas will be protected.
“We are very keen to ensure a strong skilled migration program and one that particularly addresses the needs of regional areas,” he said.
“We need to get our population growth rate back to – at least – the long term average.”
