Concentrated solar plant turns to plastic mirrors to power clean heat
South Australia researchers will team with industry partners to build a concentrated solar thermal plant in New South Wales featuring lightweight plastic mirrors that incorporate an aluminium-silica reflective coating to produce industrial heat or electricity.
Researchers warn of ‘hidden contaminants’ that could increase TOPCon, HJT solar module degradation
Australian researchers have identified five contaminants that could increase damp heat-induced degradation in TOPCon and heterojunction cells and modules. Their analysis has shown these contaminants could originate from improper handling during cell or module processing.
Australian state preps up to 20 GWh of battery and pumped hydro capacity
The government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is granting grid access to 10 renewable energy and energy storage sites in the new Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), while utility AGL has acquired pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) projects at the Glenbawn and Glennies Creek reservoirs.
Silver-lean screen-printing can reduce silver use in TOPCon solar cells by 40%
An international research team has developed a metallization technique for TOPCon solar cells that can reportedly reduce silver usage in the devices’ rear side by 85%. The scientists replaced the commonly used Ag fingers with intermittent Ag dashes for contact formation and Ag-free fingers and busbars for electrical conduction.
Australian rooftop solar installations down 10% in April to 225 MW
Australia’s rooftop solar market suffered a downturn in April, with about 225 MW of new capacity registered across the country for the month, down 10% compared to March.
Australian clean energy leaders urge Albanese to speed up renewables push
Clean energy leaders are calling on the Australian Labor Party to accelerate the transition, invest in what works, and seize the opportunity to secure the country’s position as a renewable energy and green industrial superpower.
5 MWh pilot plant showcases long-duration thermal storage tech
MGA Thermal has its sights fixed on the commercialization of its long-duration electro-thermal energy storage solution after the successful commissioning of a 5 MWh pilot plant on the New South Wales Central Coast.
Jolywood’s laser-assisted firing process increases TOPCon solar cell efficiency by 0.6%, says UNSW research
New research from the University of New South Wales have found that the Special Injected Metallization (JSIM) technique developed by Chinese manufacturer Jolywood can considerably increase TOPCon solar cell efficiency. The scientists described precisely how laser-assisted firing enhances cell performance, reportedly filling critical gaps in industrial TOPCon cell optimization.
AI-driven robotic piling tech supports 250 MW solar project in Australia
Bouygues Construction Australia (BCA) is trialing an autonomous piling system (APS) to build Engie’s 250 MW Goorambat East Solar Farm (GESF) in Victoria, Australia.
PowerPlus presents residential hybrid inverter, battery solution
Australian battery designer and manufacturer PowerPlus Energy has unveiled a new all-in-one energy storage solution featuring a single-phase 7 kW inverter and a 13.4 KWh stackable battery.
