Jonathan Gifford
Why 2017’s rooftop record is set to be “smashed”
Australia’s rooftop PV market has never been stronger. After a record-setting 2017, in which over 1.08 GW of rooftop PV was installed, 2018 is set to see that score surpassed at worst and “smashed” at best. Underpinning the world-leading distributed market segment is the perfect storm of five factors, combining to drive residential and C&I solar adoption.
Oceania Zayed school winner: “We need to do this for our country to have a future”
Motufoua Secondary School from the tiny Polynesian island nation of Tubalu was awarded the Oceania Zayed Future Energy Global High School prize. After accepting the award, one of the school’s students sent a clear message about the need to address climate change.
2017: Australia installs over 1 GW of small-scale PV in record-breaking year
STC registrations reveal that 1.08 GW of residential PV and small-scale C&I solar was installed in 2017. The figure surpasses the previous record of 944 MW, which was achieved in 2012 when high feed-in tariffs drove demand.
UNSW signs offsite solar PPA for 100% of its electricity needs
The source of series of pioneering PV technologies is set to become 100% solar powered. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced the signing of a PPA that will see it procure all of its electricity from the 200 MW Sunraysia Solar Farm in rural New South Wales.
8th IRENA Assembly: Solar driving “fast moving” Asian renewable markets
All forms of renewable energy will be cost competitive with traditional generation sources by 2020. This was one of the key findings in the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). It was delivered yesterday at IRENA’s 8th annual Assembly in Abu Dhabi.
Risen Energy to start production at new 5 GW solar factory in China
Risen Energy Co. Ltd is gearing up to begin production at a new, 5 GW solar PV cell and module manufacturing facility in China. A spokesperson for the company tells pv magazine manufacturing will begin this January 17.
Rapid large scale solar segment growth potential risk to quality
The rapid build out of a large pipeline of utility scale PV projects around Australia could stretch the experienced installation labour force, threatening quality. Solar industry veteran and the Managing Director of PI Berlin Lars Podlowski made the warning as the company expands into Australia through its acquisition of quality assurance provider SolarBuyer.
Soaring solar poses quandary for Synergy in WA
AEMO has revealed that soaring rooftop solar in Western Australia is presenting state-owned gentailer Synergy with a quandary, as PV meets expanding volumes of daytime electricity demand while economic hardship is causing record numbers of non-PV households to have their electricity cut off.
Legal threat to world’s first 100% solar train
The PV-powered Byron Bay Railway is facing a legal challenge, which threatens to shut down the 3km tourist train only six months after its opening.
Grid-level battery storage in focus as summer heatwave approaches
With scorching summer temperatures set to hit major cities in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales this weekend, large scale battery storage has become a major focus of the electricity reliability debate. The Smart Energy Council’s John Grimes says that South Australia’s leadership has been key in to the shift.
