SolarEdge has formed a partnership with Greek-based Enolia Solar Systems in a bid to expand its operations in the country. This follows the news in June that the Israel-based solar power harvesting solution provider will begin distributing in Australia, highlighting the company's increasing global network.
According to a report published by Frost & Sullivan, the solar PV markets in both urban and rural areas in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) are steadily expanding due to volatile oil prices and strong governmental commitments.
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.
For the duration of a three-year collaborative research project, Suntech Power, Silex Solar and the University of New South Wales will research advanced technology for the enhancement of power conversion efficiencies in crystalline silicon solar cells. AU$5 million was granted to the project from the Australian Solar Institute, making this the largest grant for any grant applicant in the ASI funding call.
After nearly being indefinitely closed down, Sydney’s Olympic Park plant has re-opened with an estimated 10,000 rooftop solar panel systems ready to be produced per year. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that 100 people will be newly employed with the plant by the end of the year.
The Australian marine biologist Lloyd Godson has began his attempt to set a new world record by generating the largest amount of electricity ever produced by under water cycling, at the Bavarian Legoland theme park in Germany. For a fortnight, beginning March 30, Godson will stay in a 4m² underwater home, his only light provided by solar lamps.
Recent research into the feed-in tariff system in Victoria, Australia has found that the once criticized net scheme is actually proving to be financially beneficial.
The New South Wales legislation for a gross solar feed in tariff has now been officially passed. This move means that the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme's feed-in tariff is now one of the most generous in Australia.
Continuing its trend for this year to expand its European administration, Suntech Power has added to its management board with the appointment of four new senior executives. David Hogg is head of Suntech Europe, Vedat Gurgeli is VP of Sales Europe, Frank Weber is Marketing Director of Europe and Carl von Braun is Director of Project Finance Europe.
Arthur Rudin and Robert Muhn have joined SoloPower as the new VP of product development and general manager of sales, respectively. Combined the two solar veterans bring 60 years of experience in the solar industry to the company.
