ANU receives go-ahead for solar art installation
09 February, 2012The Australian National University School of Art is set to shine in the sustainability stakes with a new solar panel array. The 40 kW array will produce about 70,000 kW hours of electricity annually (enough to power about 10 houses), cutting the school’s carbon emissions by more than 5%.
First Solar sets another world record for CdTe solar PV efficiency
02 February, 2012First 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
02 December, 2011First 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.
Revolution of concentrating solar power plants
01 December, 2011ABB 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.
Global community can learn from Alice Springs’ solar success
26 October, 2011An 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.
The cost of renewables modest, according to the Clean Energy Council
21 October, 2011Even 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.
Calls for overhaul of solar installations regs
20 October, 2011The 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.
US researchers on target to develop inexpensive solar cells
18 October, 2011Researchers in the US are moving closer to developing inexpensive solar cells.
SMA Solar Academy advances Australian solar expertise
24 August, 2011SMA Australia is providing solar training at its North Ryde premises and via its Solar Academy Roadshow.
Choosing a solar module
23 August, 2011Thin-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.
Noark circuit breaker, surge protection devices, fuses and isolators
02 August, 2011 byNoark 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.
1 MW solar power station for Alice Springs
02 August, 2011Alice 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
02 August, 2011The federal government has awarded $25m in grants for schools under the National Solar Schools Program.
How to choose a solar provider
02 August, 2011Conergy has provided consumers with five essential questions to ask when looking for a solar provider and installer.
Solar farm installed at hotel
27 July, 2011The 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.
