Rooftop solar system average size climbs above 9 kW
The average size of rooftop solar systems installed in Australia has climbed to a new high with data analysis from the Australian Energy Council showing the typical unit size is now averaging more than 9 kW.
Weekend read: Building to last in the global south
Paul Wormser, vice president for technology at Clean Energy Associates, says PV initiatives should be designed to last, as several well-meaning off-grid solar projects for the developing world have floundered over the years.
WoodMac predicts 270 GW of new global PV capacity in 2023
Wood Mackenzie expects 270 GW of new global PV capacity in 2023, up 33% year on year. However, the annual growth rate is anticipated to fall to 1% in 2024 and to increase again by 5% in 2025.
Origin teams with Coles on 20 MW solar and battery rollout
Origin Energy and supermarket giant Coles have partnered to deploy 20 MW of solar at up to 100 supermarkets and liquor stores throughout Australia in a deal that will allow the energy gentailer to use excess electricity generated by the installs to ease pressure on the grid during peak demand periods.
DAS Solar establishes Australian subsidiary
Chinese module manufacturer DAS Solar has launched an Australian subsidiary, an investment the company says reflects its confidence in the region’s solar market.
Vertical bifacial solar seeking greenhouse albedo and deployment space
A farmer in the United States has installed vertical bifacial solar, leveraging greenhouse albedo to increase output. The installation demonstrates promising generation during winter months, while maximising limited land space.
PV meets miner expectations to power Mineral Resources’ WA site
Mineral Resources has become the latest Australian miner to incorporate solar into its energy strategy after installing a solar-plus-storage system at its Wonmunna iron ore mine in Western Australia. The clean energy system will provide about one-third of the mine’s energy.
Solar generation climbs to new highs in NEM
Solar generation in Australia’s main electricity grid has surged to record highs with the latest data from the Australian Energy Market Operator revealing that rooftop solar generation increased 30% in the second quarter of 2023 while grid-scale solar output rose by 37%.
To achieve net zero energy status, solar-powered buildings should not exceed 10 floors
Researchers in Canada have found that nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) with on-site solar energy generation should not exceed an energy use intensity (EUI) of 50 kWh/m2a, which they said corresponds to a maximum of 10 floors. They also ascertained that the maximum permitted EUI by net-zero energy status is 17–28 kWh/m2a.
Barossa wine giant switches on 2.6 MW solar system
One of Australia’s major winemakers has taken a big step forward in its transition to 100% renewable energy, switching on what it claims is the largest winery solar installation in the country. The 2.6 MW rooftop and carport array is the continuation of a wider trend of winemakers adopting solar to bring down energy costs and strengthen their brands.
