Europe on track for decade-topping 16.7 GW of new solar this year
Trade body SolarPower Europe’s preliminary statistics suggest this could be the continent’s best year for PV since 2010, with capacity additions set to soar 104% year on year. Spain is leading the way with an expected 4.7 GW of new solar, followed by Germany, with 4 GW.
160 MW solar farm approved in the Dubbo region
Labelled as a state significant development, the Maryvale Solar Farm has received a regulatory nod, opening the way for construction work to begin. The project is owned by Photon Energy, Canadian Solar and Polpo Investments.
AEMO chief says 25% of Australia’s electricity will come from rooftop solar PV by 2040
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) CEO Audrey Zibelman has turned heads at the Smart Energy Council’s National Smart Energy Summit in Sydney, saying that by 2040, 25% of Australia’s electricity will be produced by rooftop solar PV.
Coalition eyes 50% renewables target despite everything it has said and done to the contrary
Despite lambasting Labour’s 50% renewable ambition by 2030 as fanciful, the Government’s 2019 Emissions Projects Report shows that the country will reach that mark of its own accord, with very little help from the Coalition government.
New battery brand enters Australian market with plans for local recycling
The first commercial shipment of China-made Soluna batteries has reached the Australian shores. The new battery brand will be sold locally by a joint venture between Lithium Australia and China’s DLG Group.
Sterling & Wilson begins construction of 200 MW solar project in NSW
Two years after announcing its market entry, the India-based EPC heavyweight has commenced construction of its first Australian project.
Ambitious 1 GW agrivoltaic livestock farming project announced in Malaysia
The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute is planning a huge solar power project which will integrate agriculture and livestock farming in the Sabah region. The research institute claims to have already secured $50 million for the project’s first, 200 MW phase. The 25,000ha required for the projects will host up to 150,000 cattle as well as cultivation of forage crops such as kenaf, corn, wheat and hay.
Australia lacks interest in EVs, global study finds
A global study has found that Australia lacks interest in EVs, a finding due largely to the impedimental admixture of cost, range anxiety and lack of charging options.
Electricity prices to drop, thanks largely to influx of new renewables
The AEMC’s annual report on electricity price trends predicts the continued fall in electricity prices around Australia. The trend, says the AEMC, is driven in some large part by the influx of renewable energy generation.
SolarEdge smart panel: “Quick installations give me time for more quotes in the afternoon”
With all the benefits of its power optimization and smart monitoring system, SolarEdge’s new Smart Panels allows for quick installation, with the array’s key components all covered “under the same umbrella.” For installer Joe Harvey from SEA Solutions on the NSW Central Coast, the new integrated module offering has reduced costs for both him and his customers: “We’ve found that everyone wins.”
