Utility Scale PV

Remote power specialist Pacific Energy has delivered a 3.8 MW solar array and two battery energy storage systems to mining company Mineral Resources Ken’s Bore mine site in the Pilbara region, 1,300 kilometres north of Perth.

The International Energy Agency’s latest report, which maps out the future evolution of clean energy manufacturing, says the combined global market for PV, wind turbines, electric cars, batteries, electrolysers, and heat pumps will rise from $1 trillion in 2023 to more than $3 trillion by 2035.

Rooftop solar has outshone other renewables in Q3 2024, contributing 38.5% of generation ahead of grid-scale solar, 18.3% and wind,13.4%, while new capacity progressing through the connection phase grew 36% and battery projects, by 87%, compared to Q3 2023.

The Spanish company said that its new tracker “is designed for maximum adaptability to any terrain” and is compatible with all PV modules.

Labelled the “most difficult” in the world, Australia’s regulatory environment and grid connection process for new large-scale renewable energy generation and storage has also been lauded as the standard bearer for the global market.

Mechanically simple technology designed to maximise utility-scale solar module yield with the removal of soiling will underly SunBrush mobil Germany’s build of a robotic solution for commercial rooftop systems, destined for the Australian market once complete.

With hailstorms in Australia and the United States severely damaging solar arrays – including “golf-ball sized” hail at the 350 MW Fighting Jays project in Texas in March 2024 – insurers are raising premiums and reducing or canceling hail coverage. Everoze Partner Simon Mason discusses the challenges the industry faces in minimising its hail risk exposure.

While Australia continues to be a revelatory solar market internationally, it lost its place in the top 10 solar installers globally in 2023, the IEA PVPS team reports. According to Renate Egan, Executive Director for the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, it is the first time in 30 years Australia has dropped off that list. “What’s sad is that the rest of the world is now taking off and investing in solar and we’re falling behind,” she said at Melbourne’s All Energy on Thursday.

Engie has broken ground on its 250 MW Goorambat East solar farm, with Victorian minister for climate action, energy and resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, attending the event. The solar farm, Victoria’s largest under construction, is expected to be operational by 2026.

Chinese manufacturer JinkoSolar has used the All Energy Australia 2024 exhibition and conference being staged in Melbourne to launch its next generation Tiger Neo 3.0 modules that are available in two series with power outputs of 495 W and 670 W.