The rise and rise of rooftop solar PV has established Australia as a renewable energy powerhouse with new figures from the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) revealing the nation achieved a record in renewable capacity in 2020.

The rush to deliver energy storage solutions to support Australia’s electricity grid continues apace with Meridian Energy Australia receiving approval to install a 20 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) alongside the Hume Hydroelectric Power Station in regional New South Wales.

Chinese solar inverter giant Sungrow has taken the first step towards increasing its Australian market share in 2021 with the launch of its second generation three-phase residential inverters.

Australia’s largest energy retailer, AGL Energy, has revealed a stunning $2.69 billion write-down to its asset value with plunging power prices taking a toll on its renewable energy operations.

Australia’s embrace of solar PV continues to scale new heights but industry consultancy SunWiz has issued a word of caution, suggesting “increasing headwinds in the industry” could curtail growth in 2021.

Victoria is set to welcome another large-scale solar farm to the grid with the 149 MWp DC Glenrowan West facility moving into the final phase of construction.

The Australian arm of South Korean solar technology giant Hanwha Q-Cells has extended its reach, launching into the New Zealand energy market.

Australia’s record-breaking embrace of residential and commercial solar PV continues to reduce grid demand in the nation’s electricity systems and has delivered a “world first” for South Australia with solar power matching 100% of the state’s underlying demand for the first time on record.

Shanghai-based solar module manufacturer Sunman has warned government-imposed restrictions on the manufacture of glass in China could have an enormous effect on Australia’s booming solar industry.

Australia’s largest Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is set to be energised with the New South Wales Government announcing it will soon seek registrations of interest from solar, wind and energy storage project proponents keen to be part of the massive 8 GW New England REZ.