Energy Matters Video News – Episode 43 – August 24, 2011
In this episode, Virginia covers looming changes to South Australia’s solar feed in tariff, Watarrka National Park’s solar diesel hybrid power system, a survey reveals the depth of NSW’s solar industry crisis and Australia’s only solar panel factory to stop producing solar cells.
Churches Get Creative With Solar Power
Church buildings often provide a huge expanse of roof space perfect for generating solar electricity. Caloundra Uniting Church utilised their rooftop real estate in a unique way; using solar panels to make a religious as well as an environmental statement – a solar array in the shape of a cross.
Australian Solar Manufacturing Support – Lessons From The USA
Australian policy makers – faced with choices on how to spend billions in carbon tax cash – should perhaps look overseas, where successful renewable energy policies are helping business invigorate stagnant manufacturing industries.
U.S. Coast Guard’s Solar Rooftop Project
Schneider Electric recently announced it had secured a contract with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in Puerto Rico to install 2.89 megawatts of solar panels on renovated Coast Guard rooftops over a 13-month period.
Thar’s Gold In Them Thar Solar Cells
Researchers from the University of California (UCLA) say that by incorporating gold nanoparticles into the structure of organic solar cells they can capture more light from the solar spectrum, maximising power conversion by up to 20 percent.
Watarrka National Park’s Solar Diesel Hybrid Power System
Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Minister Karl Hampton recently announced the completed installation of a new hybrid solar power system at the Watarrka National Park ranger station.
Solar PV Challenging Solar Thermal
In what is being described by some as a ‘dark day’ for solar thermal power in the USA, Solar Trust Of America has announced it will switch the first 500 megawatts of its construction work at the Blythe facility from Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) to PV technology, conceding that CSP technology is simply not viable in current market conditions.
Sungevity Inks $50 Million Home Solar Power Deal
Solar power investment in America continues to defy stock market trends, with US solar power company Sungevity announcing a funding deal with Citigroup Inc. to provide for $50 million in residential solar leases that will allow the company to expand into new territory on the East Coast.
ASU To Lead New U.S. Solar Power Research Center
Faculty from Arizona State University (ASU) will spearhead a new Engineering Research Center (ERC) aimed at creating high-efficiency solar technologies and manufacturing methods to increase solar energy uptake.
UPDATE – Australia’s Only Solar Panel Factory NOT Closing
In another blow to New South Wales’ already troubled solar industry, the ABC is reporting Australia’s only solar panel manufacturing facility, operated by Silex Solar, will be closing its doors after less than 2 years in operation.
