PV module failures caused by poor materials could jeopardise the government's Solar Sunshot program without a better testing hub.

Households and small-scale generators need incentives and rewards for managing energy demand.

Another $6 million is added to Queensland's Battery Booster rebate budget, which offers up to $4,000 off home energy storage.

Even Alan Pears, RMIT senior industry fellow, and self-proclaimed energy nerd, had to jump through hoops to find out.

Australians are increasingly keen on home batteries, but the reasons why signal an ever-widening gap between consumers and industry.

Smart meters that track energy use in real time are seen as crucial technology for monitoring energy efficiency of households and businesses.