Solar Trust Centre | Solar and Renewable Energy News

This Week in Solar: Solar Windows, Solar Batteries, World Record Efficient Panel

Written by Solar Trust Centre Team | Apr 27, 2020 7:00:00 AM

1. Is it worth borrowing against your mortgage to install solar?

For those who have been considering installing home solar for a long time, now might be the best time to commit as a means to cope in this period of change. Learn more on the possible solar solution for those with a mortgage at Solar Trust Centre’s blog post.

2. Solar windows a step closer as Australian researchers team with glass manufacturer

Australian researchers are teaming up with one of Australia’s largest glass manufacturers to test the use of “game-changing” semi-transparent solar cells to transform windows into active power generators.

3. State government backs big batteries and solar to drive recovery

Residents will be able to install larger solar PV systems on roofs without council approval and NSW may get its first big battery as part of planning changes.

4. Efficient Solar Panel sets a World Record

A new kind of solar technology has set a world record for the most efficient generation of energy by a solar cell. By stacking six different photoactive layers, the record-setting multi-junction cell has reached nearly 50 percent efficiency in the lab and nearly 40 percent in “single sun” real-life conditions.

5. Carrier Transicold launches new solar power system in Australia

The new Fridge-Mount Solar Charging System delivers 2.0-amp power delivery by combining ultrapure silicon cells with a high-performance charge controller

6. Power Ledger in blockchain energy trading deal with Perth property developer

Australian blockchain firm Power Ledger announced a three-year deal with property developer Nicheliving to install its energy trading platform at ten residential projects in Perth. The goal is to introduce large-scale solar energy trading in Western Australia.

7. Australia as a renewable energy exporting powerhouse

Women in Engineering Ambassador Nicky Ison is now the Energy Transition Manager at WWF-Australia and is on a mission to position Australia as a leading exporter of renewable energy.

8. Solar Victoria expands battery rebate scheme to pave way for VPPs

The Victorian government has flagged plans to expand its battery storage scheme, to pave the way for the establishment of virtual power plants made up of the state’s growing number of home solar and storage systems.