While the global economic crisis is putting pressure on every industry, even the renewable energy sector, some solar panel companies continue to perform very strongly.

The southern Australian states of Victoria and South Australia have been enduring a gruelling heatwave for over a week – and it looks set to continue for some days to come. While the sun is perceived as an enemy, solar energy could provide the solution to prevent a reoccurrence of the electricity crisis that has occurred.

The upcoming Australian Solar Credits scheme, due to replace the current Solar Homes and Communities Program $8,000 rebate in July this year has come under scrutiny by the Alternative Energy Association (ATA).

Government delegates from more than 100 countries attended the first meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency in Bonn, Germany and 75 countries signed the founding document of IRENA. Australia was not one of them

Australian students concerned about energy related carbon dioxide emissions might want to pay a visit to the site of Students For Solar Schools, a group in the USA, for a bit of inspiration that can be applied locally. 

It’s been revealed a solar gross feed in tariff scheme would have only cost households in the Australian state of Victoria in the range of an additional 2 and 4% on current electricity bills. Solar power is looking increasingly attractive compared to “clean coal” technology, which has been estimated to increase current power generation costs 50 to 75%.

After recently securing a contract for the supply of 5 megawatts of Suntech solar panels for a 10 megawatt solar farm to power Masdar City, the company has also just inked a one year deal with a US company for the supply of 5MW of solar panels during 2009.

Australia is losing out billions of dollars in overseas investment and countless local jobs through not providing solar companies incentives that are available in other countries

Energy Matters (https://www.energymatters.com.au), a leading provider of wind and solar power equipment and installation services, has launched a national petition at FeedInTariff.com.au, concerning the issue of renewable energy feed in tariffs. 

According to a recent report released by the Energy Information Administration, 2007 saw renewable energy sources, other than conventional hydroelectric capacity, accounting for the largest portion of capacity additions.