The Minister for Environment and Climate Change in Victoria, Australia, has announced a AUS$3 million investment in solar cell R&D technology development in Melbourne. The venture is a direct result of collaboration between Swinburne University of Technology and China’s Suntech Power Holdings. The Victoria-Suntech Advanced Solar Facility at Swinburne has been established through a grant of $3 million from Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to develop clean technologies and renewable energy options that are accessible to all Victorians,” environment, climate change and innovation minister Gavin Jennings said.
“Solar cell technology can play an important role in the switch to renewable energy. Yet to date, take-up has been limited due to cost and relative efficiency factors. This innovative project has the potential to develop solar cells that are significantly more efficient while lowering manufacturing costs. This will make them more accessible to households and communities and increase their contribution to renewable energy generation,” continued Jennings.
