New process to recycle Si-PV modules
A team of researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has proposed a novel cost-effective way to recycle silicon solar panels. Their process consists of module deframing, laminate shredding and material concentration using electrostatic separation, reducing their original weight by 2% to 3%.
Determining solar cells’ optical properties with conventional flatbed office scanners
Australian researchers have sought to measure solar cells’ optical properties via low cost office scanners and found they may offer results that are comparable to those of tools used in the PV industry.
Novel green lithium concept yields battery-grade product in Germany
Australian startup Vulcan Energy announced it produced high grade lithium hydroxide which ‘easily exceeds’ battery grade specification.
Australian manufacturer unveils solar tile with 19.3% efficiency
Leeson Group, a Melbourne-based renewable energy company, has developed a rooftop PV tile with an efficiency rating of up to 19.3%.
Australia’s first utility-scale solar farm marks 10th anniversary
Australia’s first utility-scale solar PV project is marking its 10th anniversary this month. The milestone highlights the pace and scale of the country’s transition to a renewables-led future.
Australian agency on track with ‘world-first’ grid connections simulator
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said it plans to launch a connections simulator this year after completing pilot tests for an online tool designed to accelerate the evaluation and approval process for new clean energy grid connections.
BlackRock wins contract for big battery in Australia
BlackRock has won a contract to deliver one of the world’s most powerful batteries – the New South Wales Waratah Super Battery in Australia, with an expected total capacity of 850 MW/1,680 MWh.
Greatcell achieves 32% efficiency for inorganic perovskite solar cell
Australian manufacturer Greatcell has built a cell with roll-to-roll coating technology. It designed it without a hole transport layer (HTL) and used carbon composite back contacts, which offer excellent electrical conductivity.
Australian state expedites development of pumped hydro project at gold mine
A plan to build a 2 GW/20 GWh pumped hydro project at an old gold mine in the Australian state of Queensland has been declared a “coordinated project,” in order to fast-track the plan.
SunDrive lands $13 million to scale copper-based solar tech
Australia’s SunDrive has completed a new AUD 21 million ($13 million) funding round to help commercialize its revolutionary solar cell tech, which replaces silver with copper to improve solar panel efficiency and reduce costs.
