Queensland to offer no-interest loans for solar systems
As part of the $2 billion affordable energy plan, the Queensland Government has announced it will invest $40 million in schemes to improve access to both solar energy and storage systems.
RES reaches financial close on 68 MW PV plant in Queensland
RES Australia has announced financial close on the Emerald Solar Park, a 68 MW PV project to be located in the Central Highlands region of Queensland. The project is the first in Australia to be supported by a PPA with a corporate off-taker.
Solar costs will fall 60% over next decade to fuel PV adoption, says IRENA head
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasts as much as 90 GW of new solar additions annually across the globe over the next few years, driving a 60% reduction in costs.
VRET passed into law
The Victorian Andrews Labor Government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) has passed into law. The move mandates 25% of the state’s electricity is to be sourced from renewables by 2020 and 40% by 2025.
Uncertainty reigns for WA under NEG
The future of solar deployment in Western Australia remains uncertain under the Federal Government’s National Energy Guarantee policy. Excluded from the program, WA solar proponents report that market conditions “may get even harder” for PV in the state.
U.S. utilities step up attempts to increase fixed charges, minimum bills
The latest report by North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center shows that American utilities are trying the same tactics to gain more revenue from and/or stop their customers from going solar. But their success rate has not changed.
All Energy attendance surges 40% in 2017
The buoyancy of the Australia PV market is evident in the attendance figures from the All Energy Australia conference and trade show in Melbourne last week. Event organizers have reported that while the numbers are still being finalized, it appears that attendance has increased 40% YoY.
AECEA: 50 GW within reach for 2017 installations in China
According to the latest briefing from Asia Europe Clean Energy Consultants (AECEA), China is likely to install more than 50 GW of PV in 2017, a second consecutive record breaking year for the world’s leading market.
Energy intensity, security in with the NEG as the CET fades away
Australia’s Turnbull government has finally plotted a course in terms of a post-2020 energy policy, announcing its National Energy Guarantee mechanism. The move means it is ignoring the recommendations of its own electricity market review conducted by its Chief Scientist, which had advocated for a Clean Energy Target.
Dutch team Nuon Solar wins Australia solar car race
Since October 8 some 42 cars powered by solar energy raced their way across Australia from Darwin to Adelaide in the 30th World Solar Challenge. Delft University’s Nuon Solar grabbed its seventh win.
