News

The pandemic and accidents at polysilicon labs in China’s Xinjiang region put PV manufacturers under pressure to maintain production this year, while slowing cell and module R&D. After half-cut and multi-busbar becomes commonplace, manufacturers will continue to explore the high-density assembly methods that emerged last year, as well as n-type cells. But the market is also shifting to large formats, and the share of bifacial products is growing this year. As sizing up modules can bring immediate returns, PV InfoLink’s Amy Fang expects the PV industry to prioritise the development of large formats and bifacial products next year.

Australian engineering firm UGL ends the week on a high having landed a series of renewable energy sector contracts with a combined value of more than $112 million.

The push by the New South Wales Government towards renewable energy continues to gather momentum with the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approving a multimillion-dollar solar farm with a capacity of up to 500 MW in the state’s far north.

The multi-functionality of building-integrated PV (BIPV) shapes as a key driver to increased PV penetration in the Australian energy market as rooftop installations continue to dominate.

Spanish solar companies are passing business to each other in Australia like a football between Xavi and Iniesta. X-Elio has announced fellow Spanish company GRS as the EPC for its big entry into the Australian market, the 200 MW Blue Grass Solar Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.

New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, has announced an accelerated 2030 target for the transition of the NSW Government’s 8,000 strong bus fleet. With buses moving that quick Sandra Bullock must be behind the wheel.

German standards body TÜV Rheinland is introducing a new testing and certification program for pv modules. The program incorporates component specific tests and ongoing, random testing of running production lines. Hanwha Q Cells assisted in the development of the program, and this week announced it is the first manufacturer to receive the new Quality Control PV Certification.

Batteries are coming to a grid near you, if they’re not there already. Little ones in households and big ones like in Hornsdale, South Australia are being deployed in support of the clean energy revolution. But what are they doing there? What can batteries do?

The Queensland Government will invest $500 million in the development of publicly owned solar and wind farms over the next four years but the Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) has warned the state “risks being left behind” the rest of Australia in its transition to renewable energy.

The proposed 65 MW Tamworth Solar Farm and integrated battery storage system is a step closer to fruition after the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment gave the project its tick of approval.