Super-Hydrophobic Coating Developed At ANU
Scientists at the Australian National University have developed a super-hydrophobic coating that has the potential to enhance the self-cleaning attributes of solar panels. The waterproofing coating is made up of nanoparticle structures likened to two interwoven fishing nets and consists of two types of plastics – one quite rigid and another very flexible. The technology […]
Australia Reaches 5GW+ Of Small Scale Solar
The latest data from Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator (CER) shows Australia now has more than 2.58 million small scale solar power systems installed, representing 5GW+ of generating capacity. 7,599 small-scale systems were installed across the country in August, representing a total generation capacity of 33,898kW. In terms of numbers of systems, Queensland led the way […]
U.S Adds 2GW+ Of Solar PV In 2nd Quarter
The second quarter of 2016 has been another big one for the USA’s solar industry, with 2,051 megawatts of solar panels installed – a 43 percent increase over Q2 2015. Data from the latest GTM Research and SEIA U.S. Solar Market Insight report indicates the end of the period marked the twelfth consecutive quarter where […]
Solar panel pollen interaction and effect on efficiency
Spring is in the air – and with it, pollen. How much of an impact can pollen have on the electricity output of solar panels? A buildup of gunk and grime in the form of solar panel pollen can certainly decrease its efficiency. Professor Simon Haberle from the Australian National University (ANU) operates the airborne […]
Sion – The Crowdfunded Solar Car
Will the Sion be the solar powered car for everyone? Germany’s Sono Motors believes its electric vehicles, which will also act as mobile energy storage, will be. Sono Motors GmbH is developing two models of solar assisted electric vehicles – the Sion Urban (~AUD $18,000), which has a range of 120 km, and the Sion […]
Canberra Named Renewable Energy Capital Of Australia
It’s not just the nation’s capital – Canberra’s efforts in renewables and energy storage have earned it the title of renewable energy capital of Australia as well. A new report from the Climate Council details how the Australian Capital Territory came to punch well above its weight. The ACT is the only state or territory […]
15 Signals Of The Unstoppable Energy Transition
A new report highlights 15 signals of an energy transition occurring across the world, indicating a sustainable and equitable global energy system has irrevocably begun. The signs, detailed in a report by WWF-France and WWF-China, provide encouragement that the transition can be found just about everywhere; from the growth in renewable energy to companies committing […]
$400 Million Lithium Processing Plant For Western Australia
The EV and home battery revolution will require lots of lithium – and new facility to be constructed in Western Australia will help to meet demand. Tianqi Lithium Australia has announced it will build a lithium processing plant at Kwinana, an industrial precinct at Western Trade Coast – not far from Perth’s CBD. Lithium has […]
Australian Solar Panel Dumping Investigation To End (Again)
The Australian Anti-Dumping Commission has signaled its intention to again end an investigation into the dumping of solar panels made in China. “Dumping” is a predatory pricing practice whereby manufacturers export items to another nation at a price either below that charged in the manufacturer’s local market or below its cost of production. The lengthy […]
Legacy Solar Feed In Tariff Closures Loom
The year is zipping by and the end of several older Australia solar feed in tariff programs looms large – in one state, a program ends in just a few weeks. When solar feed in tariffs were first established in Australia, they tended to be very generous in order to promote uptake. As time went […]
