5 things to watch in Australian solar sector in 2020
Despite a massive drop in renewable energy investment seen last year, 2020 promises to bring both good and bad news for the Australian solar sector. While network conditions will continue to deteriorate, the low-carbon policy will become more supportive but also more chaotic.
Government extends electricity price control to solar households
The federal government has extended the default market offer coverage to more than a million households with rooftop solar across three states.
Wagga Wagga goes solar solar
As part of its $1.7 million investment in a greener future, the City of Wagga Wagga is set to install a series of solar PV arrays across its sites. Meanwhile, construction continues on the nearby 120 MW Bomen Solar Farm.
Developer, EPC agree standstill in Kennedy solar-wind-battery park dispute
In a bid to seek resolution of all disputed claims, Windlab has reached a standstill agreement with the EPC contractor on the Kennedy Energy Park, Australia’s first project on a major grid to combine wind, solar and battery technologies.
Northern Territory schools set for solar savings
Northern Territory Labor’s $5 million Rooftop Solar Program to Reduce School Electricity Costs has finalised the schools chosen for the three-year program. The program forms part of the Territory’s Roadmap to Renewables Plan.
Downer exits Australian solar sector as risks pile up
As the survival of the fittest continues in Australia’s notoriously competitive EPC market, the Sydney-based diversified infrastructure company has signaled that it will no longer bid fixed prices to build solar.
Solar and wind set new output record even as curtailment continues to bite
Grid-scale wind and solar output reached new highs in Q4 last year pushing power prices to a three-year low despite a number of coal-fired generator outages. As Australia’s big PV fleet continues to expand, the National Electricity Market saw the highest output of big PV on record, but also record curtailment.
Federal funds flow to test feasibility of Queensland HELE coal and pumped-hydro projects
Angus Taylor has announced major recipients of government funding intended to “ensure affordable and reliable energy for commercial and industrial customers” in Central and Far North Queensland.
Enphase Energy partners with Australian solar industry players to advocate rooftop PV safety
The California-based microinverter maker has partnered with installer Solaray and wholesaler AC Solar Warehouse in Australia to intensify the calls against rooftop DC isolators, stressing they should be replaced with safer equipment now available in the market.
Adjudication: Windlab to bear costs of delays at Kennedy solar-wind-battery park
The developers of the Kennedy Energy Park will have to pay more than $7.5 million in variation claims and delay costs pursuant to an adjudication decision which is likely to raise concerns in the Australian renewable energy sector.
