australia

An Australian utility has increased its solar feed-in tariff (FiT) rates to ensure the benefits are not eroded by increasing wholesale electricity prices.

The rapid uptake of rooftop solar in southwest Australia is shifting peak demand periods to later in the day as the sun sets, according to analysis from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

UK alternative investment firm Ingenious has teamed with Australian developer Stellata Energy for a landmark joint venture to develop large-scale solar energy in Australia, including a flagship 120MW ground-mounted project.

Australia’s chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel has delivered his major energy review to the Australian government recommending various changes that will impact the solar PV sector.

A 100MW AC (125MW DC) solar farm project in Australia will be sold by global utility-scale solar developer FRV (Fotowatio Renewable Ventures), to two investment groups.

Australian telecommunications company Telstra announced has signed off on a contract with energy company RES to buy all of the power generated by a 70MW PV project set to be built near Emerald, Queensland.

News in Brief: SunPower collaborates with Michigan's largest utility for a residential pilot programme, UOSSM's Syria Solar Initiative completes a 127kWp solar system to provide electricity to hospitals, an Australian aboriginal community starts construction on a solar-diesel hybrid project backed by ARENA and Utah's Legend Solar acquires Aspire Energy.

Austrian O&M provider ENcome has reached the gigawatt threshold for the amount of PV power plants it services worldwide. It also recently entered the Australian market for both O&M and engineering and advisory services.

Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is backing the trialing of a new blockchain technology that could enable households and businesses to trade or share power with each other.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is to provide AU$20 million (US$15 million) for its third competitive funding round for PV research and development (R&D).