China’s solar PV demand could ‘effortlessly’ surpass 100 GW in 2022 as production overcapacity predicted
According to Asia Europe Clean Energy (Solar) Advisory Co. Ltd, demand for solar PV in China could “effortlessly” surpass 100 GW in 2022, following a year of “flat” demand in 2021. It adds that a “massive overcapacity” situation in the production sector is looming. Meanwhile, the distributed solar PV market is on track for huge growth, with potential for annual demand to reach upwards of 20 GW+ from next year.
Huawei enters Australia’s thriving off-grid segment with modular iPowercube series
Chinese technology giant Huawei has introduced its series of modular off-grid systems primarily targeting Australia’s agricultural sector, Huawei’s Solution Director, Kenneth Loh, told pv magazine Australia.
Victorian government funds Indigenous groups $1.1 million to determine communities’ renewable projects
The Victorian government has allocated $1.1 million in funding to Indigenous groups to determine how they want to be part of Victoria’s renewable energy boom. Fortescue has likewise awarded $350 million to a majority-owned Aboriginal business in Western Australia, its single largest contract under its Billion Opportunities program.
Transparent solar panels for agrivoltaics
Romande Energie and Swiss research institute Agroscope are testing startup Insolight’s transparent PV panels in an agrivoltaic project. The modules are replacing the plastic covers used to grow strawberries and raspberries.
China set to mandate solar on at least 20% of residential roofs in pilot counties
State body the NEA has given its provincial offices until July 15th to suggest counties where a solar mandate – which rises to at least half of all government roof space – can be rolled out. Selected companies will be awarded whole-county contracts.
Australia’s ‘unsafe’ solar installation standards under fire
Australia is a world leader in the uptake of rooftop solar but the head of Queensland-based renewable energy company REA Global has labelled the nation’s solar installation standards out of date and unsafe.
Solar water pumps: cheaper, easier but routinely underestimated
Victorian company Commodore Australia has evaluated how much customers save by using solar water pumps compared to diesel or mains-connected pumps. Based on its calculations, the smallest solar water pumps save customers between $480 to $610 per year, with that figure growing to a staggering $35,117 to $44,837 for the largest pumps.
Solar broking startup with unconventional growth strategy targets regional Australia
Australia’s second ‘solar broker’ has entered the market, essentially aiming to link customers with reputable solar installers. With a keen focus on regional Australia, the Solar Saviour startup is looking to grow by engaging country communities and building after-care based referrals schemes, a method its Head of Partnerships, David Cobb, told pv magazine Australia Australia’s solar industry has under-utilised.
Nanoparticles enable completely clear, industry-sized solar windows (yes, they’re finally here and targeting 5% efficiency)
The promise of solar windows have captivated scientists and engineers for decades. Now, West Australian company ClearVue says it not only has a fully transparent, scalable, industry-ready solar window in production, but it’s just 18 months away from cracking 5% efficiency, thanks to a research partnership.
Energy retailer AGL reveals rooftop solar rollout in Victoria
Australian energy retailer AGL will roll out almost 100 rooftop solar PV systems at St Vincent de Paul Society sites throughout Victoria in a move expected to slash more than $1 million off the not-for-profit group’s annual electricity bill.
