Utility batteries draw short straw in Solar Sharer scheme: Rystad analysis
Rystad Energy has released analysis of the federal government’s Solar Sharer scheme saying forecast increased demand from utility and household batteries and a slowdown of rooftop solar could boost utility renewables and coal via increased daytime demand, but impact gas and utility batteries.
Japanese companies partner to establish solar glass recycling scheme
Two Japanese companies have announced a partnership to advance the recycling of solar panel cover glass for application in architectural flat glass production.
5B signs module supply agreement for 100MW+ project in Western Australia
Australian solar innovator 5B Maverick has signed a landmark module supply agreement with JA Solary for over 100 MW of JA Solar’s DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules for a large-scale solar project in Western Australia.
Japanese utility uses Sharp PV-linked home batteries for grid balancing
Japanese utility Tohoku Electric Power is using Sharp’s residential batteries and AI-powered energy management systems to balance grid demand and optimise household solar energy use. Customers in the program can earn points redeemable for local products.
Solar cell inspection tool evolution set to slash manufacturing costs by billions
Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney are working with the institution’s spinout company BT Imaging to accelerate the commercialisation of solar cell defect detection technology, thanks to a $1.4 million commercialisation project.
Brighte bags $40 million CEFC finance to boost consumer energy resources loans
Australian green lender Brighte has secured $40 million from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation under the federal government’s household energy upgrades fund, to support the roll out of up to $150 million worth of consumer energy resources.
JinkoSolar launches next generation 48-cell module Tiger Neo 3.0
Chinese clean energy technology manufacturer JinkoSolar has launched Tiger Neo 3.0 in Australia, celebrates 1 GW delivery milestone and has signed multiple solar-plus-storage sgreements.
Electricity retailers to offer three hour window of free power from 1 July 2026
Consumers and the grid could both be winners if a Default Market Offer review recommendation is enacted, requiring electricity retailers to offer a zero-cost electricity period standing offer, potentially starting 1 July 2026.
China’s new auction system drives steep solar price declines
Wood Mackenzie says first provincial auctions under China’s new pricing rules pushed solar bids up to 32% below settlement, signaling tighter margins and a shift to slower, more sustainable growth.
Hybrid Meadow Creek solar and 1 GWh BESS project approved despite protests
The hybrid 322 MW / 1 GWh Meadow Creek Solar Farm and utility battery has secured planning and environmental approvals from the Victorian government despite community opposition from the Rural City of Wangaratta.
