SMA networks its most influential dealers
Last night, 25 rooftop-solar dealers from around Australia gathered on the edge of Sydney Harbour to celebrate their initiation into the SMA PowerUP Program. A new supported-network approach to serving the booming residential and commercial rooftop markets, PowerUP has been devised by the Australian arm of longstanding German inverter manufacturer SMA. It recognises the importance of developing deep expertise, and of knowledge and kudos sharing in a competitive environment.
Australia’s first solar-panel recycler plans to help green the full life cycle of components
South Australian-based company Reclaim PV estimates it will open Australia’s first commercial solar-panel recycling plant in mid 2019. Its high-energy founders also have a broader mission — to inform better environmental practices throughout the solar value chain.
CER confirms 2018 smashed records
With more than 360 power stations accredited with a cumulative capacity of 3,376 MW, the Clean Energy Regulator says 2018 was a record year for Australia’s large-scale renewable capacity additions.
South Australia welcomes 30 MW/8 MWh battery
Another big battery has gone live in South Australia with the goal to contribute to energy security and reliability as a heatwave puts grid under pressure. The $30 million energy storage system is developed and owned by ElectraNet, as the first battery in the NEM to provide regulated network services and competitive market services.
Sunseap acquires minority stake in Todae Solar
Singapore-based solar developer Sunseap has taken a minority stake in Todae Solar, one of Australia’s largest solar commercial and industrial EPC companies.
Canadian Solar acquires 30 MW SA solar project
The Chinese-Canadian solar manufacturer has bought a South Australian large-scale solar farm from renewables developer Tetris Energy. A PPA has been inked with electricity retailer Flow Power to power some of the local agricultural business.
Two solar farms to increase Northern Territory’s renewables share to 10%
Two 10 MW solar farms at Batchelor and Manton Dam developed by Tetris Energy will soon enter the construction phase and boost the NT share of renewable energy from the current 3% to 10%. The $43 million solar projects have signed PPAs with Jacana Energy and NT Solar Investments.
Octopus, Edify Energy provide finance for 333 MW Darlington Point solar farm
In the UK investor’s first deal since entering the Australian marketplace, Octopus Investments and Australian renewables developer Edify Energy have arranged more than $450 million to finance one of Australia’s major PV projects – a 333MW DC (275MW AC) solar farm, which has an approval to be collocated with a 100 MWh energy storage facility at Darlington Point, NSW.
MagniX powers forward with electric light commercial aircraft plans
Solar PV is boosting regional economies by providing cheaper electricity to off-grid or edge-of-grid communities and industries; soon it could power cheaper electric aviation services. In three years, Gold Coast company magniX expects to be selling a commercially available certified electric aircraft engine that will reduce the cost of flying light commercial aircraft by between 50% and 80% per operating hour.
Genex Power releases new details on Kidston project
After releasing the December quarter update for the 50 MW Kidston Solar Project Stage 1, which showed strong revenues and a big boost in generated power, Sydney-based Genex Power has shared a research paper on the term sheet signed with electricity provider EnergyAustralia for the 250 MW Kidston Stage 2 Pumped Hydro Storage development.
