Top 12 RenewEconomy articles of the year

By Giles Parkinson on 14 December 2012

So here we go, too. Here’s a list of the top 12 – the most popular stories that appeared onRenewEconomy since its launch in January, 2012. Some of them you may have missed.It’s THAT time of year, when media outlets get all self-indulgent and are absolutely convinced that their readers want nothing better than to be reminded of what was important, and popular, over the last 12 months.

We hope you enjoy, and we thank all of the 227,000 people that have visited this site this year for your interest, your readership, and your continuing support.

1. Why generators are terrified of solar 

This story “went off”, as the saying goes. Notable for this graph below, showing the massive bite taken out of energy market revenues in Germany in the middle of the day by rooftop solar. Nothing demonstrated quite so graphically how solar PV in such high penetration changes the game of the energy market. The German government and industry are now reviewing the way the market is structured, considering new incentives to ensure that dispatchable generation remains on-line.

2. More wind energy myths debunked: Madigan claims put to the test

We have been very fortunate to be able to share with you Mike Barnard’s forensic demolition of the outlandish claims of the anti-wind lobby. DLP Senator John Madigan managed to get a Senate inquiry into wind noise. Barnard looked at Madigan’s position on wind energy and found 10 whoppers in 364 words – a better strike rate than even Max Rheese.

3. Zero cost solar: Will this be Gillard’s secret election weapon?

The first sign that solar leasing products would be introduced into Australia, and the potential for rooftop solar – available to even wider demographic – could influence the political narrative in an Australia obsessed with the price of electricity. This has been borne out by Campbell Newman’s solar tap-dance, and huge interest on where solar will be felt in federal electorates.