Why 2017’s rooftop record is set to be “smashed”
Australia’s rooftop PV market has never been stronger. After a record-setting 2017, in which over 1.08 GW of rooftop PV was installed, 2018 is set to see that score surpassed at worst and “smashed” at best. Underpinning the world-leading distributed market segment is the perfect storm of five factors, combining to drive residential and C&I solar adoption.
Monash University to develop 4 MW PV microgrid
Monash University has announced plans to develop a PV powered microgrid at its Clayton Campus in Melbourne. The microgrid will meet the energy demands of the campus, provide ancillary services to Victoria’s grid, and provide an example for further research and industry engagement with renewable-centered energy systems.
ACT offers $3 million to support residential storage
The territory government announced on Friday that it has paid more than $3 million in grants to six companies. The money will support the roll out of storage installations in homes and businesses across the capital territory, in the form of rebates for customers buying energy storage systems.
China drags global clean energy investment to $333.5bn in 2017, finds BNEF
Despite approximate 25% fall in solar costs per MWh against 2015, last year saw more than $333 billion invested in clean energy, with global solar deployment figures topping 53 GW, finds new Bloomberg New Energy Finance report.
Oceania Zayed school winner: “We need to do this for our country to have a future”
Motufoua Secondary School from the tiny Polynesian island nation of Tubalu was awarded the Oceania Zayed Future Energy Global High School prize. After accepting the award, one of the school’s students sent a clear message about the need to address climate change.
Northern Territory poised to host up to 45 MW battery storage
As part of an ambitious plan to replace its gas power fleet with large-scale battery storage, the Northern Territory government has invited expressions of interest for a 25 to 45 MW energy storage system intended to support the grid in Darwin and Katherine.
2017: Australia installs over 1 GW of small-scale PV in record-breaking year
STC registrations reveal that 1.08 GW of residential PV and small-scale C&I solar was installed in 2017. The figure surpasses the previous record of 944 MW, which was achieved in 2012 when high feed-in tariffs drove demand.
UNSW signs offsite solar PPA for 100% of its electricity needs
The source of series of pioneering PV technologies is set to become 100% solar powered. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced the signing of a PPA that will see it procure all of its electricity from the 200 MW Sunraysia Solar Farm in rural New South Wales.
8th IRENA Assembly: Solar driving “fast moving” Asian renewable markets
All forms of renewable energy will be cost competitive with traditional generation sources by 2020. This was one of the key findings in the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). It was delivered yesterday at IRENA’s 8th annual Assembly in Abu Dhabi.
Risen Energy to start production at new 5 GW solar factory in China
Risen Energy Co. Ltd is gearing up to begin production at a new, 5 GW solar PV cell and module manufacturing facility in China. A spokesperson for the company tells pv magazine manufacturing will begin this January 17.
