PV windows reduce energy consumption in greenhouses by 57%
Developed by a research team including experts from West Australia-based specialist Clearvue, the new PV windows were also able to reduce water usage in a greenhouse by 29%. The group believes that a fully glazed solar greenhouse could offset up to 100% of the energy consumption in worldwide locations by using adaptable and efficient temperature control techniques.
South Australia leads international rooftop solar cost rankings
A new study of residential solar installation costs reveals South Australia has the lowest costs nationally while even Australia’s most expensive states are about three times cheaper than those in the United States and Canada.
NSW solar farms lead way for large-scale generation
Solar farms in New South Wales led the way for Australia’s utility scale PV energy output in January, generating 929 GWh of renewable electricity to drive all Australian large-scale PV and wind generation up 12% on the same time last year.
Thermal storage beats hydrogen, electrification on industrial costs
A new study in Germany shows the advantages of thermal energy storage in the decarbonisation of industrial processes, including in Australia. The researchers noted clear cost advantages and high potential for flexibility in the power grid.
Testing shows BIPV using patterned glass performs better than expected
Scientists have compared conventional PV modules to self-made BIPV panels with thicker, patterned glass. They tested them both under standard conditions and outdoors under Korean summer conditions. Yield was found to be only 0.5% lower in the textured BIPV module.
Solar pioneer Andrew Blakers AO named on Australia Day honours list
A co-inventor of the passivated emitter and rear cell silicon solar cell technology, Professor Andrew Blakers, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia on the 2025 Australia Day Honours list.
Scientists build 23.2%-efficient lead-tin perovskite solar cell with improved lifetime
The researchers built the cell with a hole transport layer (HTL) based on PEDOT:PSS and were reportedly able to reduce the losses caused by this compound with the utilisation of a thiocyanate additive. The champion lab-sized device achieved an open circuit voltage of 0.875 V, a short circuit current density of 31.84 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 83.23%.
UNSW team scores world record with kesterite solar cell
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have broken the energy efficiency world record for a kesterite solar cell, a technology that is being explored as a potential long-term improvement for silicon-based PV technology.
ARENA directed to consider suburb-wide solar and storage projects
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has been directed to consider more funding for residential solar and battery energy storage systems as the federal government examines how best to expand household electrification projects around the country.
Reducing TOPCon solar cell degradation via copper plating
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have used a 1 µm copper plating layer on the front silver grid of a TOPCon solar cell to create a protective barrier that reportedly reduces corrosion susceptibility. The cell showed significantly lower contaminant-induced degradation that unprotected reference devices.
