Solar waste tipped to provide material supply security
Researchers from the University of New South Wales have rejected suggestions that end-of-life solar panels will create a “waste mountain” in Australia, saying instead that they could serve as valuable material reservoirs for future production.
Weekend read: Artificial opportunities
Artificial intelligence (AI) is hot right now and is finding central applications in homes and businesses as they move from simple grid connections to self-generation, energy storage, electric vehicle charging, and load-shifting revenue streams. With AI everywhere, what’s the difference between advanced control via simple algorithms, and true intelligence?
Fluence broadens storage strategy with optimisation software
Global energy storage technology company Fluence has more than 1 GW of battery projects operating or under construction in Australia and it is now broadening its strategy beyond hardware to include optimising asset performance and servicing.
Commissioning process spoils improvements in solar project timelines
Australia’s energy transition risks falling behind with a new report showing that the time required to plan, build and commission a large-scale solar farm is almost four years with the final stage of the process having blown out to six months or more.
Transgrid unveils preferred route for VNI West project
Transgrid has released details of its preferred route for the northern portion of the VNI West interconnector project that will connect the New South Wales and Victoria electricity grids.
New anti-reflective coating for silicon solar cells
Developed by an international research group, the novel anti-reflective coating is based on silicon dioxide and zirconium dioxide. It reportedly minimises a solar cell’s reflection loss, while enhancing its light absorption properties.
Sharp unveils 580 W TOPCon panel with 22.45% efficiency
Sharp’s new IEC61215- and IEC61730-certified solar panels have an operating temperature coefficient of -0.30% per C and a bifaciality factor of over 80%.
Melbourne partners with Origin Zero on city-wide battery project
The City of Melbourne has partnered with Origin Zero to deliver three battery energy storage systems as part of its plan to establish a network of co-ordinated community batteries across the city to better manage the increasing penetration of rooftop solar and periods of peak demand on the network.
FranklinWH scores ticks of approval for home energy management system
A new AC-coupled residential storage solution, which integrates the use of solar, battery storage, energy control and management technologies, will be available to consumers in South Australia and Victoria after the product secured approval for use in the two states.
AEG launches 23.3%-efficient ABC solar panel with 40-year warranty
AEG is currently offering three versions of its new ABC solar panels for rooftop applications, with power outputs of 445 W to 455 W and efficiency ratings ranging from 22.8% to 23.3%. They feature half-cut ABC cells with n-type technology.
