ReNew Issue 118

Date published: 1 Jan 2012

One community group is hoping to proceed with a community wind farm, despite new restrictions.

Find out why this tropical rainforest retreat, featured in ReNew 95, has survived two Category 5 cyclones.

Protecting your rainwater tank in case of bushfire, flood, cyclone or earthquake can make a huge difference to recovery, writes Anjali Brown.

Rebuilding has been slow since the Black Saturday bushfires. We visit new homes in Yarra Glen and Marysville to see what’s different.

Architect Mark Thomson is trying a hands-on approach to rebuilding in flood-affected areas.

Find out the window requirements in bushfire prone areas, or listen to the audio files at www.ata.org.au/bushfire

All the details on solar panel warranties, cell types, size and price to help you decide which system is best for your home.

This simple solar tracker pleases the neighbours and improves the system’s performance.

Find out why a battery backup on your grid-connect system can be an advantage.

Curious about the real performance of photovoltaic panels, ReNew reader Colin Dedman has put seven brands to the test.

The pool has been transformed into a rainwater tank and cooling system, and there’s also a novel solar wall. Check out this innovative renovation.

Biomass is often the forgotten renewable energy. David Coote explains how woody biomass has been used in Europe to meet renewable energy targets.

Are EVs a real solution for low carbon transport or a technological red herring? Members of ATA’s Electric Vehicle Branches investigate.

Christopher Jones shows us how he converted a petrol bike to clean, quiet electric power.

Find out some of the challenges, and many benefits of running a vehicle on biodiesel or veggie oil.