Along with a surge in solar power installations, fire services are reporting a worrying jump in callouts to rooftop fires.

Australians have taken advantage of some of the cheapest solar PV systems in the world, but weak regulations, some shonky installers and a lack of mandatory inspections compromise safety, write Timothy O'Leary and David Whaley. Governments, regulators, emergency services and home owners can all take steps to reduce the risks.

In other news, this is also a pivotal day in US politics. Democrats may take control of the all-important Senate, depending on the results of Tuesday’s two runoff races in Georgia. We’ll have analysis coming on what this would mean for the incoming Biden administration, as soon as the races are called.

And Congress meets today to certify the Electoral College votes in the US election. As John Hart writes, a small group of Republican rebels is planning a final challenge to the result. Could this finally be Donald Trump’s last stand?

John Watson

Section Editor: Higher Education; Cities + Policy

FRNSW

Solar panel fire season is all year round and it’s getting more intense in Australia

Timothy O'Leary, University of Melbourne; David Michael Whaley, University of South Australia

Weak regulation and a lack of mandatory inspections have increased fire risks for the one in four homes with rooftop PV panels. Here's what we need to do to be safer.

Brynn Anderson/AP

Trump’s last stand: how the dramatic endgame for the 2020 US election will play out in Congress

John Hart, Australian National University

The process of counting and certifying the Electoral College votes usually generates very little attention. Not so this year, with rebel Republicans planning to challenge the votes in several states.

Simon Bullard/AAP Image

Hang in there, Australia — we’re in great shape but we’re only halfway through the COVID marathon

Brendan Crabb, Burnet Institute; Michael Toole, Burnet Institute

It could easily be another 12 months until Australians are fully vaccinated. While we've had great success fending off the coronavirus, our leaders need to work even more closely to prevail this year.

Light from our setting sun reflecting off storm clouds can give off a some vivid shades of pinks, purples and oranges. Jake Clark

Curious Kids: how does the Sun make such pretty colours at sunsets and sunrises?

Jake Clark, University of Southern Queensland; Nataliea Lowson, University of Southern Queensland

It's all to do with the light from the Sun and a blanket of air wrapped around Earth called the 'atmosphere'.

flickr

Guide to the classics: The Wind in the Willows — a tale of wanderlust, male bonding, and timeless delight

Kate Cantrell, University of Southern Queensland

Written by Kenneth Grahame as a story for his young son, The Wind in the Willows has also been read as a social satire and a gay allegory.

EQRoy/Shutterstock

New global ranking system shows Australian universities are ahead of the pack

Nicholas M Fisk, UNSW; Ian Jacobs, UNSW

With 13 universities in the top 200 in the new aggregated ranking system known as ARTU, Australia ranks fourth in the world and is part of a rising new order in the global higher education sector.

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