New rules rolled out for Victoria’s solar industry
All new solar systems and home batteries installed under Victoria’s solar and battery rebate schemes will need to be fitted with an active internet connection to support emergency backup and flexible exports under new rules to come into play later this year.
Victorian solar farm starts commissioning process
Italian energy giant Enel Green Power says the commissioning of the 93 MW Girgarre Solar Farm in central Victoria is now underway with the power plant expected to be fully operational early next year.
AGL delivers solar-powered microgrid for farming operation
AGL Energy has completed the installation of a solar-powered microgrid featuring a 5.4 MWh battery energy storage system that is to support the transition of a New South Wales commercial orchard’s operations from diesel to renewables.
Redback Technologies exits voluntary administration
Australian battery and inverter manufacturer Redback Technologies has exited voluntary administration and is now under the control of new owners Australia Ebon Group.
Sunrise briefs: Italy bans solar from agricultural land
Also on the rise: Global solar cell and module manufacturing capacity grew by about 550 GW in 2023; Malaysia launches incentive scheme for residential solar; new solar module recycling process; and more.
Queensland boosts Stanwell battery capacity to 1.2 GWh
The capacity of a battery energy storage system to be built alongside the coal-fired Stanwell power plant in central Queensland has received a “mega boost,” increasing to 1.2 GWh as the state government looks to ramp up energy storage capacity to support the transition to renewables.
Aggreko backs modular tech for offgrid solar and storage solution
United Kingdom-headquartered mobile power solutions specialist Aggreko has commissioned a new 4.4 MW solar system and 2 MW battery energy storage system to supply renewable power to Northern Star Resources’ Porphyry gold mining operation near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
Longi announces 27.30% efficiency for heterojunction back contact solar cell
The Chinese module manufacturer said the new efficiency record was confirmed by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH).
Former PM to chair fund planning 15 GW clean energy portfolio
Former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard has been named chair of a multi-billion renewable energy fund that is aiming to build a 15 GW portfolio of assets including wind, solar, and battery storage over the medium term.
Governments pump millions in to build ‘new energy’ workforce
The federal and state governments are stepping up their investments as they seek to deliver the army of skilled workers required to build the solar and wind farms, rooftop solar, battery storage and transmission infrastructure needed to achieve Australia’s renewable energy and emissions targets.
