Solar

Article (5)
  • Revolution of concentrating solar power plants
    ABB has launched a new concept for turnkey concentrating solar power plants (CSP) based on a low-cost, highly efficient and highly scalable technology that is claimed to use considerably less material, land and water than other CSP technology. The plants use 70% less material, require 40% less land and consume 80% less water per megawatt generated than parabolic trough designs.
  • The cost of renewables modest, according to the Clean Energy Council
    Even with significant over-estimation of the cost of renewable energy, a new report by the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA) still shows the cost has been modest, according to the Clean Energy Council.
  • Choosing a solar module
    Thin-film or crystalline 'thick-film'? Mono or poly crystalline? German, European or Asian? The huge choice of solar panels available on the market makes deciding on one or the other a real headache. For David McCallum, General Manager at Conergy Australia, quality panels must fulfil three criteria: they must be high-yield, solid and safe.
  • Green light for solar
    The federal government will provide more than three quarters of a billion dollars to help build two of the largest solar power stations in the world.
  • Solar energy
    In 2009, the global solar industry remains in a very strong position, despite the faltering global economy. A number of factors are driving strong growth in the global solar industry today: government policy incentives and carbon regulation; volatility in the fossil fuels markets; climate change, energy security issues; and the need for increased energy production to meet growing demand.
Feature (4)
  • Cost of installed solar photovoltaic systems in the US fell in 2008
    Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have released a new study on the installed costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems in the US, showing that the average cost of these systems declined by more than 30% from 1998 to 2008. Within the last year of this period, costs fell by more than 4%.
  • Sun sets on real green jobs while politicians fiddle
    In the wake of the federal government’s 50,000 green jobs announcement, Conergy, a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of renewable energy systems, is reminding Australians that there are real green jobs in the solar industry crying out for the promised support of our elected politicians.
  • British builders gain solar skills
    More construction groups are choosing solar photovoltaic panels than all other renewable energy technologies put together — making it the most popular, green energy system for the trades to diversify into, according to recent research from the Britsh government’s Department for Business & Regulatory Reform (BERR).
  • Powering the future — solar cells by the metre
    Trials promise a new era of solar cells that are printed like money.
Product (12)
  • Noark circuit breaker, surge protection devices, fuses and isolators
    Noark provides a range of circuit breakers, surge protection devices, fuses and isolators for both grid and off-grid photovoltaic systems. Tested under severe lab conditions, with ambient temperatures from -25 to +70°C including a complete range of compensation curves for different temperate and elevation curves, this range of products combines streamlined structural design and electric emulation technology.
  • Solarflex-X PV1-F cable
    The Solarflex-X PV1-F cable has TÜV and VDE certifications and is used globally in stand-alone and networked systems as a module or branch wire.
  • gesis PST40i1 solar DC connectors
    The gesis Solar Connectors PST40i1 is a single-pole cable connector designed for DC applications up to 40 A.
  • Philips dimmable 12 W Master LEDbulb
    The Philips dimmable 12 W Master LEDbulb is an LED replacement for a 60 W incandescent light bulb.
  • Trina QuadMax monocrystalline module
    The Trina QuadMax monocrystalline module for rooftop installations uses manufacturing processes and advanced techniques to yield claimed conversion efficiencies of up to 18.8%.
  • BP Solar Energiser Kit
    The BP Solar Energiser Kit is an all-in-one solar electricity kit for businesses. Modular and easy to install, it is claimed users will generate more energy from the kit compared to most other modules over the life of the system.
  • Schott tubing for solar
    Schott Tubing is a key component within the rapidly growing market of concentrated solar power (CSP). The tubing is used within the infrastructure of a parabolic trough power plant. In order to achieve the necessary temperatures, solar radiation is concentrated in parabolic trough arrays. These troughs are more than 400 m in length and are made of parabolically shaped mirror segments. The troughs track the sun over the course of the day and focus the solar radiation along the focal point of the mirrors onto specially coated, evacuated receiver tubes that convert solar radiation into heat. A heat transfer fluid, which is circulating through the receiver, is heated up to 400°C and then used to generate steam.
  • Radox Solar assemblies
    Radox Solar assemblies are now available from Huber+Suhner. The premade assemblies will enable solar panel installers to complete wiring quickly and efficiently.
  • Temperature measurement for solar industry
    The Ircon line of infrared sensors, linescanners and process imaging systems is designed for temperature monitoring applications in the solar manufacturing industry.
  • Hybrid solar panels
    Sanyo has launched a solar panel for the Australian market which produces 205 W under standard test conditions. The HIP-205NKHB1W HIT (heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer) cells combine technology from two common solar cells in the marketplace, crystalline and amorphous, to create an efficient and effective solar cell.
  • Robot for solar cell production lines
    The ABB FlexPicker — System Solar is a flexible robotic plug-and-play solution for the production of solar cells. The standardised robotic cell was specially designed for loading, unloading and handling processes in automated production lines for solar cells.
  • Hat with solar-powered light
    The 2C Light Solar Cap is solar-charged, personal lighting system, cleverly built into a stylish hat. It is lightweight, combining functionality with style and sustainability.
News (42)
  • First Solar sets another world record for CdTe solar PV efficiency
    First Solar has set a new world record for cadmium‐telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) solar module efficiency, achieving 14.4% total area efficiency.
  • Solar farm for WA
    First Solar has announced that construction has commenced on the 10 MW AC Greenough River Solar Farm, located 50 km south of Geraldton. Once completed, the solar farm will be the first utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) project in Australia and will bring significant investment to the local community through a partnership with local civil contractor WBHO Civil - the company awarded the Phase 1 construction contract for the project.
  • US researchers on target to develop inexpensive solar cells
    Researchers in the US are moving closer to developing inexpensive solar cells.  
  • Global community can learn from Alice Springs’ solar success
    An Australian study has revealed that Alice Springs has valuable experience and expertise to share with the rest of the world on the impacts of solar generation on urban electricity grids.
  • Calls for overhaul of solar installations regs
    The release of official government figures showing many solar installations are dangerous has led the National Electrical and Communications Association to continue its calls for governments at all levels to work together to stamp out dodgy solar installers and protect consumers.
  • SMA Solar Academy advances Australian solar expertise
    SMA Australia is providing solar training at its North Ryde premises and via its Solar Academy Roadshow.
  • How to choose a solar provider
    Conergy has provided consumers with five essential questions to ask when looking for a solar provider and installer.
  • 1 MW solar power station for Alice Springs
    Alice Springs’ quest to create a sustainable energy future has been boosted with the launch of the one-megawatt Uterne solar power station.
  • National solar schools program receives $25m grant
    The federal government has awarded $25m in grants for schools under the National Solar Schools Program.
  • Shining light on solar
    A $66.5 million grant from the Gillard Labor Government will fund world-leading research to help build one of the largest solar power plants in the world in north-west New South Wales - creating jobs, strengthening industry-research partnerships and securing Australia’s clean energy future.
  • Australian solar energy company educates at WEEC
    A leading Queensland renewable energy company, Auzion, will be representing the Queensland solar industry at the 6th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) this week.
  • Remote NT communities now solar powered
    An initiative supported by the Northern Territory Government's Climate Change Policy will see three remote NT communities powered by solar energy.
  • Solar panel power for Lizard Island
    Sanyo has completed a fully backed up HIT solar panel installation at the Australian Museum’s Lizard Island research station in Far North Queensland.
  • Black & Veatch expanding solar photovoltaic services
    Black & Veatch is expanding its solar photovoltaic (PV) services and will provide independent engineering and due diligence services to manufacturers of solar PV materials.
  • ABB investment sharpens solar focus
    The power and automation technology group ABB has agreed to buy a 35% stake in Novatec Solar (formerly Novatec Biosol), an innovative concentrated solar power (CSP) technology company based in Karlsruhe, Germany.
  • Solar becoming the new Aussie ‘Hills Hoist’
    The Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council says the increased affordability of solar power in Australia means the technology is fast becoming “the Hills Hoist of the 21st century”.
  • Funding to help solve solar energy puzzle
    CSIRO has welcomed the award of a $5.65 million grant from the Australian Solar Institute towards three major solar research projects worth a total of $16 million.
  • Lend Lease launches solar business
    Lend Lease has announced the launch of Lend Lease Solar, a dedicated renewable energy business that will seek to establish market leadership in the delivery of high-quality solar solutions.
  • Thiess-Silex Solar Consortium a major bidder to build large-scale solar PV power station
    The consortium between Thiess and Silex Systems has confirmed its interest in constructing Australia’s first solar photovoltaic power station as part of the Commonwealth’s Solar Flagships program.
  • Alice Springs to shine its solar reputation at airport
    Alice Springs’ growing reputation as the solar centre of Australia will soon be evident to every person who arrives by air, when the Alice Springs airport becomes the first airport in Australia to be powered by a large-scale solar power station.
  • NSW government support for solar goes gross
    NSW is set to adopt a gross feed-in tariff to support the growth of the renewable energy industry in the state. The policy, which has long been advocated by the sector, was announced by the NSW government today.
  • New solar car to shine
    The University of New South Wales solar racing team, Sunswift, has unveiled an all-new solar car to contest this year’s Global Green Challenge race from Darwin to Adelaide.
  • Control for solar research project
    Researchers at the Australian National University in Canberra have developed breakthrough technology that makes large scale solar thermal power generation commercially viable.
  • Clean energy from the world's deserts
    ABB, a participant in the Desertec industry initiative, has announced that the idea of generating clean electricity in the world’s deserts is making progress.
  • Government continues to grow renewable energy industry
    The Australian government has released the final legislation for the expanded Renewable Energy Target (RET) which will allow for the creation of ‘Solar Credits’ to replace the existing Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP) from today onwards.
  • Boost for Australian solar power research
    Germany’s Roth & Rau AG, an international supplier for the solar power industry, will set up a silicon solar cell production line at the University of New South Wales. The pilot line will be the backbone of the $20 m Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF) at UNSW.
  • Solar power projects seeking proposals
    The Alice Solar City Consortium is seeking proposals from solar technology providers to develop iconic projects at Ilparpa (south of Alice Springs) and the Alice Springs Airport.
  • Linear Fresnel solar power plant in commercial operation
    The world’s first Linear Fresnel solar power plant in commercial operation has been developed in Spain by a company majority owned by Transfield Holdings, Novatec Biosol AG.
  • Spray-on material to lead to cheaper solar panels
    A spray-on material that could make solar panels cheaper is to be developed in a joint research effort.
  • Australian solar power tracking system to be built
    A manufacturer of high-efficiency, solar cells, solar panels and solar systems has announced an agreement to build a 505 kW solar power installation in Western Australia.
  • Solar company confirms commitment to Australia
    Solar company Conergy has confirmed its commitment to Australia and has asked the Australian government for a long-term commitment to the solar industry.
  • NSW will launch solar feed-in tariff for surplus electricity
    NSW households generating solar power will be paid for surplus electricity they pump into the grid under a new state government scheme.
  • BP Solar to close manufacturing plant in Sydney
    BP Solar will cease the production of solar photovoltaic (PV) power cells and panels from its manufacturing plant in Sydney Olympic Park at the end of March 2009 as part of a global drive to reduce the cost of renewable power.
  • Australian solar technology powering California
    Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has launched Ausra’s solar power plant in Bakersfield, California.  
  • Centre showcases solar technology
    Solar technologies that have never before been used in Australia were unveiled this month by Peter Garrett, the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, as part of the new $3.1 million Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre in the desert town of Alice Springs.  
  • Solar and bioenergy industry conference in Sydney
    Company representatives from the solar and bio energy industry are invited to the Solar and Bio Energy Industry Conference at Sydney’s MLC Centre on 24 November 2008. The event is supported by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development and the German Ministry of Economics and Technology. The German-Australian Chamber of Industry & Commerce, the German Energy Agency and renac AG organise this free admission event for key players and representatives from the renewable energy industry.
  • Solar power should achieve 'grid parity' by 2012
    UNSW graduate and solar cell entrepreneur Dr Zhengrong Shi has painted a bright picture for the future of solar power during a visit to the university to speak to engineering graduates.
  • Building-mounted solar panel system to be established
    A building-mounted solar panel system will be established at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs following approval of a $3 million photovoltaic installation.
  • Partnership to boost solar power
    A partnership between Australian, American and Chinese researchers could make affordable solar power technology available to rooftops from Sydney to Shanghai.
  • Altium supports solar car teams
    Altium is supporting two student projects from the University of New South Wales and the University of Iowa to design, build and race solar cars.
  • Technology stores solar energy
    MIT researchers have discovered a way to store energy for use when the sun isn't shining. This discovery could transform solar power from a marginal alternative power source to a mainstream energy source.
  • Crystals could change the way solar energy is used
    University of Queensland researchers have made a discovery that produces highly efficient miniature crystals which could change the way solar energy is used and harvested.
Case Study (6)
  • Solar farm installed at hotel
    The family owned and operated Jet Park Hotel & Conference Centre has recently been named as the recipient of an Enviro Gold Award. Awarded by Qualmark New Zealand, the Enviro Awards recognise businesses in the NZ hospitality industry that are working to reduce their environmental impact.
  • Broadcast site embraces renewables
    Critical communications specialist Broadcast Australia has commissioned its first broadcast transmission site to be majority powered by renewable energy. The Mount Owen site near Queenstown in Tasmania has been recently upgraded to use site-generated wind and solar power, which are together expected to reliably meet the site’s 8 kW power needs for 80 to 90% of the time.
  • Coca-Cola Amatil’s distribution centre in Eastern Creek
    Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has opened its new distribution centre at Eastern Creek, which is partly powered by nearly 700 solar panels on its roof.
  • National Solar Schools Program
    ABB has announced that the recently developed S800PV circuit breakers have been used successfully in solar power applications in Australian schools. Designed specifically for the photovoltaic (PV) industry, ABB’s S800PV high-performance miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and IP65 enclosures are protecting Australian schools’ investment in green energy, including the recently installed 6 kW solar power system at Wenona girls school in Sydney.
  • Large-scale photovoltaic plant
    Inverter technology being introduced to Australasia by industrial drives manufacturer Bonfiglioli has been selected for use at one of the world's biggest photovoltaic energy installations.
  • Solar power technology
    The Linear Fresnel Solar Power Plant, which is now in commercial operation, has been developed in Spain by a company majority owned by Transfield Holdings, Novatec Biosol AG.
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