As Australians increasingly convert to lower emissions energy systems, major energy retailer EnergyAustralia is looking to offer smarter energy solutions to its 2.5 million customers by making a AU 9.3 million strategic investment in Brisbane-based solar energy startup Redback Technologies. The funding will help Redback accelerate the development of a new technology that will allow Australians to have greater control over their energy consumption, save costs, and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. Philip Livingston, founder and managing director of Redback Technologies, said the partnership with EnergyAustralia also accelerates the company's strategic plan of "leading the disruptive change required for mass adoption of renewables." "Today marks a new day for the clean energy sector in Australia, and we at Redback could not be happier," Livingston added. Globally, Australia has the highest proportion of households -- 16.5 percent or 1.5 million -- equipped with solar panels.