Solar Panel Validation initiative rolls out
Developed in partnership between the Clean Energy Regulator and the solar industry, the initiative is looking to ensure genuine solar panels are mounted across Australia, against the backdrop of booming rooftop installation rates and mounting pressure on installers. Michelle Crosbie, Managing Director, Clean Energy Regulator, will be at pv magazine’s Quality Roundtable at the All Energy Australia show tomorrow in Melbourne to deliver further details on the scheme.
The least wrong – rapid change in the energy station difficult to predict
While much has been made of the ‘trilemma’ facing the Australia electricity network, Ray Wills from Future Smart Strategies argues that rapid change of energy technology, business models and social changes is resulting in rapid and difficult-to-predict changes.
EU PVSEC: “Multicrystalline silicon will not die”
At first glance, the European PV conference last week has confirmed the widespread view that the upswing of monocrystalline technology will accelerate. But a closer look reveals that multicrystalline solar cells are still in the game.
SMA to launch Sunny Tripower inverter in Australia
Despite lowering its 2018 sales and earning guidance, the German solar PV inverter manufacturer is moving forward with solutions, and is now looking to introduce a new three-phase string inverter to the Australian market. SMA says Australia has become one of its key PV markets.
AGL indicates no strategic shift despite CEO change
Despite the change in its leadership, AGL Energy has restated its commitment to moving away from coal, describing it as a decision driven by economics and safety, rather than ideology.
Renewables 2.0: Preparing for the new complexity of renewable energy in a post-subsidy world
As the deployment of renewable energy continues to expand around the world, driven by various inputs, such as capital allocation and investment, falling capital costs, competitive LCOE and various policy mechanisms, we are now moving towards a new era for renewable energy. ‘Renewables 2.0’ will have significant, wide-ranging consequences for all market players, as regulators reduce their support and power producers seek new revenue models. In this article, Duncan Ritchie, partner at Apricum – The Cleantech Advisory, will look at the key market developments for renewables, explode the myth of grid parity, highlight the need for flexibility and explain the importance of new financing solutions that are capable of meeting the new complexities brought about by ‘Renewables 2.0’.
Banks turn their back on coal amid emissions concerns
While global coal mining companies are enjoying the highest prices in years on the back of strong Asian demand, banks and financiers are increasingly ending their support for coal power. London-based Standard Chartered the latest to stop financing new coal-fired stations.
WA’s community owned VPP in the making
The Dunsborough Community Energy Project is announced as Australia’s first privately funded virtual power plant.
AGL fined $3 million over energy efficiency failure
With its license to sell electricity in Victoria still at risk after failing to provide performance data to the state energy regulator, AGL Energy has been hit with a record penalty for breaching its obligations under Victoria’s energy efficiency scheme.
Synergy posts profit despite revenue loss from solar PV uptake
Despite economic hardship caused by record numbers of solar PV installs that have led to a fall in residential demand, Western Australian state-owned retailer Synergy has posted an after-tax profit of $24.3 million for 2017-18.
