Increasing efficiency of thin film solar
04 June, 2012In a boon for the local solar industry, a team of researchers from Swinburne University of Technology and Suntech Power Holdings has developed what is claimed to be the world’s most efficient broadband nanoplasmonic solar cells.
Sustaining a clean energy future
01 June, 2012 by Sylvia Tulloch, Director and Joint Founder, Dyesol Limited*Solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity continues to grow rapidly across the world and is now, after hydro and wind power, the third most important renewable energy source in terms of globally installed capacity. PV represented about 0.5% of global electricity demand and 1% of peak power demand at the end of 2011^.
Australian solar technology breaks the 20% barrier
30 May, 2012Australian solar research has produced photovoltaic solar cells that recently broke the 20% barrier for conversion efficiency in capturing the sun’s energy, the highest-ever efficiency for a low-cost, commercial silicon solar cell.
Sunways solar inverters
28 May, 2012Solar Energy Australia (SEA) is now the distributor of Sunways Solar Inverters in Australia and will also provide the customer service for these devices. Comprising the AT, NT and PT device series, the agreement with SEA covers the entire Sunways product range for solar inverters.
Solar-powered systems for Tongan schools
23 May, 2012Installing solar power systems into Tongan high schools, allowing computers to be used in classrooms, is an initiative about to be launched by the University of Canterbury’s Russell Taylor.
Sports centre to be powered by solar heat and electricity
21 May, 2012Hunter-based invention Granex will soon be powering and heating The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, thanks to a $770,000 grant from the Australian Solar Institute.
Solar cell efficiency breakthrough
24 April, 2012The early-stage breakthrough of a University of Sydney researcher and his German collaborators could see the realisation of 40% efficiency for low-cost solar cells suitable for rooftop panels.
Cutting our carbon footprint
23 April, 2012Roofing materials that double as solar panels and can also moderate the temperature of buildings are among the next-generation building products being developed at UNSW.
Solar to play big role in New Zealand’s electricity future
22 April, 2012Small-scale renewables could play a big part in New Zealand’s electricity future, says Brendan Winitana, Chair of the Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand.
Australia’s largest solar PV project reaches major construction milestone
13 April, 2012Australia’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) power project reached a major construction milestone yesterday as contractor and technology provider First Solar joined owners Verve Energy and GE unit GE Energy Financial Services to mark the commencement of panel installation at the Greenough River Solar Farm.
Thermo-breaking - beyond keeping the weather out
02 April, 2012Canberra’s ‘Compass House’ is showcasing Europe’s thermally broken aluminium curtain-wall system THERM+ by RAICO. This externally glazed aluminium system does much more than simply keeping the weather out.
University researchers and BlueScope partner to pioneer new solar technology
30 March, 2012The University of Wollongong and BlueScope Steel have joined forces with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, one of the world’s leading renewable energy and sustainable building research organisations, in a new solar technology research and demonstration project with the support of $477,000 from the Australian Solar Institute.
Harnessing nature’s solar cells
29 March, 2012Photovoltaic panels made from plant material could become a cheap, easy alternative to traditional solar cells. David L Chandler, MIT News Office
SMA Sunny Central solar inverters
28 March, 2012Extreme environments make extreme demands on solar technologies. SMA’s range of Sunny Central inverters has been developed to withstand the negative effects of weathering.
REC solar modules rated as global best performers in 2011
20 March, 2012Photon Laboratory, which conducts the most recognised field performance test in the world, has announced that REC solar modules ranked first in the module field performance test during 2011.
