Solar Australia

August 2011

Solar superstars

by Sally Commins

BP Solar, alongside consortium partners Pacific Hydro and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), were announced as the successful recipients of the Solar Flagships photovoltaic (PV) funding allocation. The funding will now enable the construction of the consortium’s proposed Moree Solar Farm, which is slated to commence in mid-2012.

Solar’s new power: PV in 2010 and beyond

The Australian Photovoltaic Association’s annual industry report for 2010 paints a picture of a photovoltaic installation high, followed by a relative slump after many government photovoltaic incentives were scaled back. Solar Australia draws out the key findings of the Australian Photovoltaic Association’s PV in Australia 2010 report, with the help of report co-author Muriel Watt.

Rooftop research in the sunshine state

Melanie Ryan

Research facilities at the University of Queensland now double as solar power generators – providing new ways to study solar technology, as well as a clean source of energy for the campus at St Lucia.

Solar best practice program underway

A national best practice program for solar installation has recently been launched and is already helping stellar installers to shine.

Solar PV hitting a new high

By Ric Brazzale, Managing Director, Green Energy Trading

Green Energy Trading Managing Director Ric Brazzale analyses the current market and regulatory conditions for Australia’s solar photovoltaic industry, and clears up confusion over the true cost of solar systems.

Changing solar economics

by Warwick Johnston, Manager, SunWiz Consulting

In the past 2 years, Australia has witnessed a remarkable solar power price transformation. Driven by a combination of factors including international pricing trends, the favourable exchange rate and the increased deployment of government programs (whose significance should not be understated), solar system prices have halved in this time.

Safety in small-scale solar

By Melanie Ryan

Australia’s solar sector is reiterating its commitment to the highest standards of safety while it awaits the outcomes of two state-based home solar system audits.

Solar industry set to shine at EcoGen 2011

Solar power is set to be a major focus at the EcoGen 2011 Conference and Exhibition, with the program featuring presentations from well-known solar experts, and proponents of some of the nation’s largest solar projects.

Solar Legends: Gary Davy, founding member of the Solar Energy Industries Association of Australia

25 years ago, when next to nobody was interested in renewable energy, Gary Davy ventured into the solar energy industry through his business, Davy Industries, and then went on to help form the Solar Energy Industries Association of Australia and played an integral role in the emergence of solar energy in Victoria. Officially formed in 2007 in response to industry demand, SEIA is the organisational body and collective that brings together the interests of all involved in the Australian solar industries. SEIA’s members include manufacturers, suppliers, installers, investors, researchers, inventors and the general public.

The new solar inventors

In May 2011, the ABC’s The New Inventors program named Dr Kylie Catchpole as the winner of an episode for her research on plasmonic solar cells, putting her in the running to be Inventor of the Year.

Solar ventilation devices: compared and contrasted

Solar ventilation is the environment and wallet friendly way to keep a building warm and its air fresh. Solar Australia takes a look at three solar ventilation devices currently available on the Australian market, from Solar Whiz, SolarVent and Sola Tube.

Clay brick use in passive solar design

by Isabella Andres

Passive solar design is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. Using clay bricks, just one of the many materials available for passive solar design, both energy usage costs and greenhouse gas emissions can be greatly reduced.

Solar system creating a healthier Echuca

A solar-powered system is helping to keep a regional Victorian hospital cool with energy efficient air conditioning.

Sustainability in the home: passive solar integration

In recent years, passive solar design in residential buildings has become an increasingly common practice. Solar Australia takes a look at an Australian passive solar design company and one of its recent passive solar integration projects.

Australia’s first passive solar estate

By Russell Burnett, senior project manager, Benchmark Projects Australasia

Benchmark Projects Australasia Senior Project Manager Russell Burnett tells the story of Kingsley Estate in Western Australia – the first passive solar estate in the country.

The new power in solar hot water systems

Neopower’s Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System uses high-efficiency technology to deliver a modern and reliable service.

Solar cooling at the CSIRO

The CSIRO has developed a wide range of solar cooling research programs, all of which look to have a commercial future in residential Australia. Dr Glenn Platt, lead solar cooling researcher at the CSIRO, gives his views on these new technologies and their role in improving energy efficiency in the home.

Life savers store up the sun

The South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club has received a 1.5 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system from Autonomous Energy, which will enable the club to generate 2,571 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and save 2,751 kg in carbon dioxide emissions per year. Autonomous Energy donated equipment, labour and experience to the project, and arranged gross feed-in tariff metering and connection.