Clean Energy Regulator: small-scale solar+storage installation rate doubled in 2017
The number of battery storage systems being installed alongside PV doubled in 2017. The latest data from the Clean Energy Regulator shows that 3,763 battery storage systems were installed alongside a small-scale PV array, up from 1,566 in 2016.
Battery storage challenges: Materials, longevity and project management
An academic event held last week in the U.K. presenting the results of two major research projects on energy storage provided an update on the current and future directions of battery storage technology and development.
JinkoSolar confirms plans to invest $410 million in the US
The Chinese manufacturer confirms that it has authorized its U.S. subsidiary to finalize plans for the investment.
Canadian Solar acquires 51% stake in five Photon Energy projects
Chinese module maker and project developer Canadian Solar has acquired a 51% stake in project pipeline of five utility scale solar farms in New South Wales. The projects, which are at an early stage, were initiated by Netherlands-based Photon Energy NV.
China’s Longi Solar confirms 1 GW Indian manufacturing facility
Longi Solar will set up a 1 GW solar PV manufacturing facility in India’s Andhra Pradesh. It will manufacture 500 MW of cells and 500 MW of modules, a spokesperson tells pv magazine. The facility is expected to be commissioned by Q1 2019 at the latest, and will seek to take advantage of India’s exemption from the recent U.S. solar tariffs, imposed by President Trump last week.
Vic blackouts intensify energy debate
It is the blackout, and fallout, that many were anticipating. The heatwave and power outages yesterday and today in Melbourne has brought with it politicking over the cause.
Coal smoke stacks fall as solar blooms in SA
Last week, the chimney from one of the last coal fired power plants in South Australia was felled. The demolition, captured in the footage below, came only days after Jay Weatherill attended the opening of the state’s first utility scale solar array in the region.
Jinergy steps forward as 6 MW Whyalla Solar Farm supplier
Chinese PV manufacturer Jinergy announced last week that it was the supplier of South Australia’s first utility scale PV array, the 6 MW Whyalla Solar Power Plant. The manufacturer shipped monocrystalline PERC modules for the project.
Rapid solar PV growth translating into jobs
Australia’s fast-growing renewable sector is driving job creation. The latest analysis from Green Energy Markets reveals that almost 15,700 people were employed in large scale renewable development in Australia in December 2017, with a further 5,477 full-time jobs in rooftop solar.
US solar tariffs to have little impact on Australian module prices
Australian PV project developers and rooftop installers are unlikely to benefit from module price declines as a result of U.S. solar tariffs. GTM Research analysis reveals that while the tariffs will likely cause an American solar market decline of 11% in 2018, it will not leave Chinese suppliers scrambling to find buyers.
