Solar power is becoming an increasingly popular investment in Australia. Last year, more than 9500 solar panels were installed each day on average. However, there is still a lot of information out there about solar, particularly when it comes to upkeep, reliability and cost. Here are five myths that prospective first-time buyers need to know.

Dear Lifehacker, I have a simple question. Solar or wind power - which is more efficient for the home user? Is the Tesla Powerwall any good? Thanks, Ollateatakai

Residents at Sydney student housing co-op Stucco in Newtown have seen huge reductions to their power bills thanks to a combined solar and battery system installed last year. After a year of operation, Stucco has confirmed a reduction of around 55 per cent to residents' bills, with the building generating more energy than it used in 2017.

You may have heard about Australian Chief Scientist Alan Finkel's review into Australia's electricity network. You may also have read about its implications on the industry or the environment, but you're probably still wondering what exactly it will mean for you and your electricity bill. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Finkel review's blueprint for Australian electricity.

Tool rolls are a fantastic way to keep all your tools organised. Over on YouTube, Darbin Orvar made one specifically for holding and charging up a variety of electronics.

With hackathons proving their worth as a way to nurture creativity and spur innovation, CSIRO is getting in on the action, inviting potential clean energy innovators to #hackthesun for $10k in prize money. This will be Australia's first solar hackathon, with the same model internationally already having produced a number of successful solar startups.

Back in May, 2015, we crunched the payback figures for the Powerwall, based on an assumed Australian cost and example electricity prices. Now there are local installed costs available, we have broken out the calculator and gone over the figures. The question is, can the Powerwall give a decent payback time?

Dear Lifehacker, Is it more difficult to live an 'off the grid' lifestyle in Australia?
From intensitycamel

There are numerous benefits to making your home solar powered -- and more than a few pitfalls. Here's what you need to know about solar powering your home in Australia.

Tesla's Powerwall is a great concept -- with the potential to reduce electricity costs, tie in with solar and create a smarter, distributed power grid. But how long will it take to actually save you money?

There are plenty of solar-powered device chargers out there, but you can save a few bucks (and have some fun) by hacking together your own.

Pizza and sunshine; what's not to like? If you want to reheat some old pizza outdoors, you can turn any pizza box into a makeshift solar oven.

If you want to cut electricity bills, nothing is more effective than harnessing the power of the sun. This weekend, tackle a DIY project or two that gives you access to solar power.

Since ebook readers are the perfect example of low-power-draw, long-term-use devices that benefit from solar power, why not put some solar cells on the back and make yours solar powered? This instructables shows you how.