How long do residential solar panels last?
Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar panel. In the first part of this series, we look at the solar panels themselves.
REC launches 470 W heterojunction solar panel with 22.6% efficiency
REC has developed a new series of heterojunction solar panels with efficiencies up to 22.6% and an operating temperature coefficient of -0.24% per degree Celsius.
How to build, finance product stewardship scheme for solar panels
Researchers in Australia have provided a series of recommendations to set up regulatory frameworks for PV module recycling and reuse. They said that, as a rule of thumb, landfill bans, tracking of the panels’ serial numbers, and a clear definition of ownership should always be included in the legislation for end-of-life solar products.
Thermal storage company approved to build renewable and agriculture precinct in central NSW
Australian thermal storage company, Graphite Energy, has received development approval for a $29 million (USD 18.6 million) sustainable energy precinct in Lake Cargelligo, in the mid-west of New South Wales.
NASA pictures hydrogen-emitting ‘fairy circles’ in WA
NASA has released an image of “fairy circle” clusters in the North Perth Basin of Western Australia, noting the formations have been discovered to naturally seep hydrogen gas from their perimeters.
Engineer report finds investment, not technology, is hamstringing Australia’s decarbonisation
A short report explaining upcoming challenges and solutions to electricity security has been published by the Australian Academy of Technology Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). The report calls for more investment to meet government targets and to keep consumer prices down.
Australian Vanadium secures new land agreement, plugs towards delayed vision
Western Australian company Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) seems to be fairly delayed in realising its vanadium mine and processing plant vision in Western Australia. Nonetheless, the company has signed a new option agreement to purchase land for its processing plant near Geraldton.
ACEN to triple its investment in Australian renewables to $6 billion
Philippines-based AC Energy Corporation (ACEN) has confirmed plans to up its investment in Australia over the next three years to $6 billion (USD 3.86 billion). The company has been highly active in the Australian market this year, and with its increased investment is seeking to bring a further 3 GW of new renewable capacity online.
Shell looking to sell Sonnen
Shell, which acquired Sonnen four years ago, is now actively seeking a majority shareholder for the Germany storage system specialist.
Photon approaches FID with RayGen plant in South Australia
Dutch company Photon Energy is developing a project with 200 MW of solar coupled with 115 MW and up to 24 hours of thermal storage in Yadnarie using RayGen technology. Photon Energy hopes to reach a final investment decision (FID) on the Yadnarie project on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula by about the middle of next year.
