UNSW scientists surpass 10% efficiency with CZTS PV cell
Researchers at UNSW have surpassed 10% efficiency for a cell based on copper zinc tin sulfide – sulfide kesterite. It is the fourth time in two years the group has set a new record for the efficiency of cells based on such materials.
US fund New Energy Solar acquires 87 MW Beryl
The Beryl Solar Farm, under development in New South Wales, has been purchased by PV asset fund New Energy Solar. 87 MW Beryl is the second Australian First Solar project to be purchased by New, with its 15-year PPA in place attractive to the asset owner.
Natural Solar, sonnen deploy blockchain in 12-home project
Installer Natural Solar is equipping 12 homes in Sydney with rooftop PV and sonnen batteries, and will utilize blockchain technology to facilitate P2P trading of electricity between households. The mini virtual power plant (VPP) project will allow the homes to reduce their electricity demand from the grid by 90%.
Big storage goes metro: Tesla supplies 500 kWh to City of Sydney
The City of Sydney has installed the first large scale battery storage system to be located within the Sydney metropolitan are. Transgrid and the City collaborated on the project, which sees 500 kWh of batteries coupled with around 450 kWp of rooftop PV.
Downer to construct 87 MW Beryl Solar Farm
The 87 MW Beryl Solar Farm is set to become one of the first in the world to deploy First Solar’s Series 6 modules. The U.S. module manufacturer is the project developer, with Downer selected to commence construction in July.
University of Wollongong researchers unveil new sodium-ion battery design
Scientists from the University of Wollongong have developed prototype battery cells based on sodium-ion technology, which the university says can achieve excellent cycling stability and easily be scaled up to mass production.
Infinergy sells 120 MW Metz Solar Farm to Clenergy
UK-Dutch renewables developer Infinergy has sold the Metz Solar Farm, currently under development. While developer Infinergy Pacifc, a subsidiary of UK-based Infinergy, has not disclosed the buyer, the project’s website now lists it as a Clenergy project.
Verdia: 10 MW Stockland deal a sign of bigger things to come
Commercial and industrial (C&I) PV and energy efficiency provider Verdia says that its deal to supply Stockland shopping centres with rooftop PV is just the beginning of a major wave of new installations in the fast-growing market segment. Verdia reports it is working on 130 MW of projects across 350 sites.
Newcastle Council to build 5 MW array after power bill doubles in two years
The Newcastle City Council will construct a 5 MW PV array at its Summerhill Waste Management Centre. The $8 million PV system is part of an attempt by the council to reduce its $4 million annual electricity bills, after they doubled over the past two years.
47 MW solar farm proposed for Wagga Wagga
Prospective PV power plant developer Green Switch Australia has proposed a 47 MW solar farm for the outskirts of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.
