PV in Australien - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[meinolf67]

August 02, 2008 01:00pm

GOVERNMENT figures on solar panel rebate take-up show that the industry is moving from strength to strength, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) said today.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said today that an average of 522 applications have been lodged weekly since the federal budget announcement of the $8,000 rebate.

CEC spokesman Rob Jackson said his group welcomed the government's transparency in providing the rebate information which he said would be critical in enabling the solar PV industry to plan for future demand and jobs growth.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Vote in the online poll below right.

"Today's release of the figures is especially timely as hundreds of representatives from the solar PV industry, including installers, distributors and dealers, are in Melbourne to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry nationally," Mr Jackson said in a statement.

"The rebate scheme, particularly in the last two years, has allowed the industry to build capacity and capability.

"However the industry is now ready to transition to a nationally consistent gross feed in tariff. This policy will deliver the long-term certainty needed for investment and jobs growth."

Mr Jackson said the figures demonstrated that the Australian solar photo-voltaic industry continued to move from strength to strength.

"We look forward to working with government to discuss the transitional rebate arrangements until the gross feed in tariff policy is in place," he said.

"The CEC also looks forward to participating in the upcoming roundtable discussions to deliver a framework to help households improve their energy efficiency, reduce their environmental impact and save on energy bills."

[lieberlong]

ORIGIN ENERGY LIMITED (ORG)

http://www.originenergy.com.au/



In D handelbar (WKN 931678)

[lieberlong]

Dyesol Ltd.

http://www.dyesol.com/

YE.AUS&hcmask=" />

dt. WKN: A0ETN7

***

Solco Ltd.

http://www.solco.com.au/



dt. WKN: A0DNX0

[lieberlong]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 34.636.204 von meinolf67 am 02.08.08 13:48:26

Solar Homes and Communities Plan

http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/index…

[meinolf67]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/CompanyListings/Australia.htm

[meinolf67]

Government Inquiry Supports Adoption Of Gross Solar Feed-In Tariff

ATA argues that net feed-in tariffs, adopted by some states, are ineffective and discriminate against stay-at-home parents and the elderly by only paying solar-homes for excess electricity feed back to the grid, after in-home consumption.
by Staff Writers
Canberra, Australia (SPX) Nov 12, 2008
A federal senate inquiry report, supports calls for the adoption of a national gross feed-in tariff scheme that would see electricity retailers paying solar-homes for the clean power they produce, says the Alternative Technology Association (ATA).

ATA, Australia's leading independent sustainable living organisation, is calling for government leaders to bring in a payment for domestic solar or risk falling behind the rest of the world in the transition to a low carbon economy.

"With US President-elect Obama committed to reducing America's emissions, it would be unwise for Australia to treat solar like a boutique optional extra when it could be driving a clean energy future," says Mr Brad Shone, ATA's Energy Policy Manager.

The Council of Australian Governments is scheduled to consider a unified renewable energy feed-in tariff scheme at the up coming COAG meeting (22/23 Nov), after it was swamped by the economic crisis at the October event.

Mr Shone says the adoption of a gross feed-in tariff, that pays solar homes for their climate-friendly electricity, was behind the German solar industry boom.

"20 years ago Australia was the world leader in solar technology. By adopting a gross feed-in tariff, we will be well placed to regain our competitive edge in the global solar market."

"The right incentive will drive investment in domestic solar, boost the local solar industry and help us meet our renewable energy targets, well into future."

ATA argues that net feed-in tariffs, adopted by some states, are ineffective and discriminate against stay-at-home parents and the elderly by only paying solar-homes for excess electricity feed back to the grid, after in-home consumption.

"A net feed-in tariff could see families takings 40 years to pay off their solar panel, but someone with a solar panel on their holiday home would pay it off in half the time," says Mr Shone.

"Only paying people for left overs will not drive large scale uptake of roof-top solar and retard the local industry."

Mr Shone says COAG would be well advised to follow the ACT's lead and introduced a progressive, gross feed-in tariff that pays solar-homes for all the clean power they produce.

"All roof-top solar systems reduce demand on dirty energy sources, regardless of whether the clean energy is being fed back to the grid and powering the neighbour's air conditioner, or directly supplying the solar-home."

"Under the ACT's gross tariff, all households investing in climate-friendly solar power will be able to pay back the up-front costs of their system in around 10 years."

Mr Shone says gross feed-in tariffs are the incentive of choice world-wide, because they create equity in the market by accounting for the full range of benefits roof-top solar provides.

"Solar panels do more than reduce a family's carbon emissions: they reduce demand on our already over stretched energy supply; minimise the need for costly upgrades to the grid; and dramatically reduce household power bills," Mr Shone says.

[meinolf67]

BP Solar to close PV module plant in Australia
17 November 2008 | By Mark Osborne | News > PV Modules

BP Solar to close PV module plant in Australia BP Solar’s 50MW photovoltaic cell and module manufacturing plant in Sydney Olympic Park, Australia is to close at the end of March 2009, as the company focuses production at larger scale facilities in other parts of the world. Approximately 200 jobs will be affected by the closure, but BP Solar said it would continue to market and sell its solar systems in the country.


“The challenge for solar power is to reduce its costs to the level at which it competes on an equal footing with conventional electricity delivered through the power grid. To do this we need to expand at scale and reduce costs,” noted Reyad Fezzani, CEO of BP Solar. “We’ve looked at all options in our Sydney manufacturing site and the physical location, lack of expansion potential and lease agreements just don’t make it competitive: the most modern Solar PV manufacturing plants are up to twenty times larger than our Sydney site and we are competing in this global market.”

Fezzani also said that the solar market had become increasingly competitive as well as the challenges of the current economic climate. He reiterated that BP continues to invest around $1.5 billion US dollars in alternative energy and low carbon energy businesses annually.

BP Solar has been operating in Australia for more than 20 years.

[meinolf67]

SOLAR DAILY
German Delegation Energizes Solar And Bio Energy Industry Down Under

German solar installation.
by Staff Writers
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 05, 2008
A trade delegation representing Germany's solar and bio energy industry traveled to Australia from 24 November to 2 December 2008 to discuss market opportunities with Australian business partners.

The German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce set up 72 one-on-one meetings between German and Australian companies and organised negotiation rounds with policy-makers as well as electricity producers, retailers and distributors.

After Australia signed the Kyoto Protocol last year, it became an emerging market for renewable energies. The fifth continent offers an enormous potential for solar and bio energy.

"There's an abundance of sun radiation and an untapped bio energy resource from the agricultural sector, capable of generating 20 percent of the nation's annual energy demand," says Markus Gilbert, Executive Director of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Government officials discussed the current investment climate in Australia with the trade delegation consisting of company representatives from Phoenix Solar, Schott, Sunset, IRES, Q-Cells and EckRohrKessel. The German company representatives provided valuable feedback and made recommendations on shaping a viable business environment for renewable energies.

Primarily, the German trade delegation representatives urged the adoption of a national gross feed-in tariff. According to the delegates, only a national gross feed-in tariff would drive change and guarantee investors a stable market environment for renewables in Australia.

The delegates spoke from experience; ever since the German government introduced a gross national feed-in tariff eight years ago, the renewables industry flourished: today 249,300 people work within the renewables sector which achieved an annual turnover of EUR 25 billion in 2007.

Each renewable energy company representative attended 12 one-on-one meetings with local joint-venture partners to examine bilateral collaboration opportunities. The trade delegation participants met with pre-selected Australian, creditors, consultants, buyers, suppliers, distributors and installers to discuss potential business ventures.

The German industry representatives also visited the Photovoltaics Research Centre of UNSW and renewable energy experts from Energy Australia, Eraring Energy and Country Energy.

Outdated transmission lines in rural Australia diminish the commercial viability of renewable energies. The trade delegation flew to the remote town of Orange in New South Wales to inspect its distribution network and talk to local engineers about proposed upgrades.

"The trade delegation visit was a success - The companies involved made essential first business contacts to establish operations in Australia and local business partners learned a lot about the foundations of a thriving renewable energy market," Mr Gilbert observed.

In 2009 German-Australian Chamber will organise an "Energy Efficiency in Buildings" trade delegation program.

[meinolf67]

FiT for Australian solar?


AUSTRALIA, December 1, 2008. Australia is in a strong position to develop a thriving national solar industry over the next 20 years, according to a report into the renewable energy sector released by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).

The report, undertaken by Access Economics, provides a compelling economic case for the implementation of a gross national feed-in tariff (FiT) in Australia.

“What this shows is that with the right policy and investment, there’s a strong future for sustainable and profitable growth in Australia’s renewable energy sector,” says CEO of the Clean Energy Council, Matthew Warren. “Australia’s share of the global solar market has fallen from seven per cent in 1992 to one per cent in 2007 - despite having the highest average solar radiation of any country in the world, Australia significantly lags behind other countries in its investment in the solar industry.”

The report shows a gross national FiT would drive investment in solar PV systems by the commercial and residential sectors of up to $17.9 billion over the next 20 years, assuming 3,000 MW of capacity is deployed.

The Access Economics report records the sharp increase in deployment of solar panels in Australia since 2007 when the increased federal government rebate triggered increased awareness and affordability of the technology.

The report also states Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) may be insufficient to drive significant investment in the solar sector.

“A gross feed-in tariff is entirely complimentary to a CPRS and a 20% MRET, but it’s important to note that currently, less than one per cent of the MRET comes from solar sources,” says Warren.

In early November, the Senate Environment Committee voiced support for a national system of FiTs to support development of distributed renewable energy technologies like photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

In a report the Senate Committee noted strong industry, consumer and government support for FiT schemes and recommended that the federal government work as quickly as possible towards agreement on a national FiT framework.

[meinolf67]

FRIDAY 05 DECEMBER, 2008 | RSS Feed | Add to Google

Australian Solar Power Feed In Tariff Update

by Energy Matters

Australia Feed In Tariff

It was with great anticipation that many overseas investors, home owners and local stakeholders in Australia's renewable energy industry awaited the results of the Council Of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting last weekend on the issue of feed in tariffs.

It was expected that the Government would announce the rollout of a feed in tariff program similar to the one used by Germany for many years which has been a runaway success and has made Germany one of the world leaders in solar power uptake.

Most Australian states already offer feed in tariff programs, but they vary widely in their terms and amount of payment made to owners of grid connected solar power systems for the electricity they produce.

Emerging from the COAG meeting was a set of what some described as vague principles and a seemingly very much watered down scheme. COAG's approach for a national, uniform feed in tariff scheme would be to provide payment for electricity produced by owners of grid connected solar power systems "which is at least equal to the value of that energy in the relevant electricity market".

Additionally, any payment over and above the market value for electricity produced would "be a transitional measure (noting that a national emissions trading system will provide increasing support for low emissions technologies)".

A key to the success of the program in Germany was a uniform rate per kilowatt produced much higher than market value and guaranteed for 20 years. It was this guarantee that provided strong incentive to home owners and industry to make the necessary investments into renewable energy systems.

Another important element missing from the guiding principles set down at the COAG meeting was the distinction of whether a national feed in tariff scheme would be based on a gross or net model. Under a gross feed in tariff program, such as the successful German program, payments would be made on all electricity generated. The net model only pays on surplus electricity produced. Net feed in tariff programs have been shown to provide little incentive for the uptake of solar power installations.

The results of the COAG meeting have done little to stir up interest from overseas investors. According to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald, China's second largest manufacturer of solar panels said it was poised to invest more in Australia but the COAG meeting had given it "pause for thought".

Senator Christine Milne of the Australian Greens, who introduced a Private Member's Bill earlier this year for a national feed-in tariff that would pay a premium price for gross energy generation from all renewable energy technologies, has called the COAG outcome a "failure" and a "roadblock" for the renewable energy industry in Australia.

Senator Milne has called upon the Rudd government to "embrace the range of policy settings and investments that will back up the ETS and help reduce emissions as effectively and efficiently as possible. A feed-in tariff is top of the list."

[meinolf67]

Ausgezeichnet: Australischer Vertriebspartner von SCHOTT Solar gewinnt zum dritten Mal in Folge Energieumweltpreis
Energieminister überreicht "Clean Energy Council Excellence Award 2008" an Going Solar / Erste solare Lärmschutzmauer Australiens demonstriert Vielfalt der Photovoltaik

(pressebox) Mainz, 17.12.2008, Der Energieminister des australischen Bundesstaats Victoria hat zwei Solarstromanlagen mit SCHOTT Solar Modulen für ihr hervorragendes Design und ihre vorbildliche Installationsweise honoriert. Auf der Clean Energy Council Konferenz in Melbourne wurde Going Solar, ein australischer Vertriebspartner von SCHOTT Solar, in diesem Jahr gleich mit zwei Awards für die beste netzgekoppelte Anlage über bzw. unter 5 Kilowatt (kW) Leistung ausgezeichnet.

Einen der begehrten Preise erhielt Going Solar 2008 für die erste Strom produzierende Lärmschutzmauer Australiens. Der Wall entlang des viel befahrenen Verkehrsknotenpunktes Tulla-Calder im Bundesstaat Victoria schützt die Anwohner nicht nur vor Lärm, sondern erzeugt auch noch die nötige Energie für die Straßenbeleuchtung entlang dieses Autobahnabschnitts. Den oberen Abschluss der Mauer bilden 210 Dünnschicht-Paneele von SCHOTT Solar, die auf einer Länge von 500 Metern nebeneinander angeordnet sind. Knapp 25 kW Strom produziert die Lärmschutzmauer. Zwei Aspekte haben die Jury an diesem Projekt besonders beeindruckt, wie Dr. Martin Heming, Vorstandsvorsitzender und CEO von SCHOTT Solar, erläutert: "Die solare Lärmschutzwand ist ein gutes Beispiel dafür, dass sich Solarenergie in verschiedene Arten von Bauwerken integrieren lässt. Sie zeigt, auf welche Weise Umweltaspekte auch im Straßenbau noch mehr Berücksichtigung finden können. Darüber hinaus ist die Anlage sehr clever konstruiert: Sie ist so angelegt, das kaum Schatten auf die Module fällt. Die Stromausbeute ist dadurch optimal."

Auch beim zweiten ausgezeichneten Projekt kamen PV-Module von SCHOTT Solar zum Einsatz: In Williamstown, ebenfalls im Bundesstaat Victoria gelegen, installierte Going Solar auf dem Neubau eines Wohnhauses eine Solarstromanlage mit einer Leistung von knapp 3 kW. In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Kunden und dem Architekten hat das Unternehmen dank detaillierter Vorbereitung ein hervorragendes Ergebnis erzielt: Bereits in der Planungsphase des Gebäudes haben die Verantwortlichen berücksichtigt, dass Kabel, Zähler und Wechselrichter installiert werden müssen. So konnten diese Komponenten direkt beim Bau des Wohnhauses angebracht werden und der Bauherr hat dadurch Zeit und Geld bei der Installation eingespart.

Erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit

"Wir freuen uns sehr mit Going Solar. Die Awards haben uns einmal mehr in unserer Partnerwahl bestätigt. Denn nur Partnerunternehmen mit dem gleichen Qualitätsanspruch können die optimale Leistung aus unseren Modulen herausholen," erklärt Heming. SCHOTT Solar und Going Solar arbeiten bereits seit mehreren Jahren erfolgreich zusammen.

Die Siegerehrung fand auch 2008 im Rahmen der jährlich stattfindenden Clean Energy Council Konferenz in Melbourne statt. Das Clean Energy Council ist durch den Zusammenschluss des australischen Wirtschaftsrats für nachhaltige Energie (BCSE) und der australischen Gesellschaft für Windenergie (Auswind) entstanden und vergibt jährlich vier Awards. In diesem Jahr wurden die Preise von Peter Bachelor, dem Energieminister des australischen Bundesstaats Victoria und Minister für Gemeindebauvorhaben verliehen. Die Jury sucht jedes Jahr nach innovativen, umweltverträglichen und gut dokumentierten Systemen, die hervorragende Leistungen in Design und Installation bei netzgekoppelten Stromanlagen darstellen. Der SCHOTT Solar Partner Going Solar hatte bereits im Jahr 2006 und 2007 die Awards für die besten netzgekoppelten Solarstromanlagen gewonnen.

[cmeise]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/tag/solar-energy/

[lieberlong]

Australien baut große Solarzellenfabrik

Die australische Regierung hat 60 Millionen Dollar für den Bau einer Solarzellenfabrik bereitgestellt. Bis Ende 2010 sollen 9.000 Häuser auf Solarenergie umgerüstet werden.

Australien hätte ohne Zweifel das Potential Weltmarktführer im Bereich Solarenergie zu sein. Auf dem Kontinent gibt es so viel Sonnenlicht pro Quadratmeter wie auf keinem anderen. Australien ist auch gleichzeitig am anfälligsten für den Klimawandel, wie man zuletzt an den Rekord-Hitzewellen sehen konnte. Das hat die Regierung dazu gebracht, endlich die Energie-Zukunft des Landes grundlegend zu überdenken. Die Regierung um Premier Kevin Rudd hat deshalb die Pläne für den Bau einer 60 Millionen Dollar teuren Solar-Fabrik abgesegnet.


http://www.dailygreen.de/2009/02/10/australien-baut-grose-so…

[meinolf67]

Feed-in Tariff to Help Make Canberra the Solar Capital

Released 10/02/2009

Minister for Energy, Simon Corbell, today released details of Stage 1 of the ACT's Electricity Feed-in Tariff Scheme for households and commercial buildings, confirming the scheme will start on March 1 2009.

"Last year the ACT Labor Government introduced the Electricity Feed-in (Renewable Energy Premium) Act, today I am announcing a series of amendments to the Act to clarify its operation and allow it to commence for households and commercial buildings on March 1 this year," Mr Corbell said.

Unlike other schemes in Australia, the scheme will pay people for each unit of renewable electricity produced, rather than the excess remaining after the producer's own consumption has been deducted.

"The ACT's Feed-in Tariff is the most generous in the country, the Labor Government is confident that this will lead to a major uptake in the installation of renewable energy generation on households and commercial buildings," Mr Corbell said.

"I am pleased to announce that renewable generators will be paid 50.05 cents per kilowatt hour exclusive of GST. This is 3.88 times the calculated normal cost of electricity."

The amendments will be introduced into the Legislative Assembly this Thursday, and the Government is confident they will passed to allow the scheme to commence on March 1.

The ACT Labor Government has decided to introduce the Feed-in Tariff scheme in 2 stages. Stage 1 will allow householders and commercial building owners with renewable energy generation of up to 30kw capacity to be eligible for the tariff. The average size installation for a household is around 1.5kw. At 30kw large commercial buildings such as shopping centres, office complexes and warehouses will also be eligible.

Stage 2 will allow for the introduction of the tariff for larger scale generation. There are a range of issues that will need to be considered before stage 2 can commence. The financial impact on ACT electricity consumers, the appropriate premium price percentage to apply to different scales of generation and the possible introduction of whole of scheme or annual augmentation limits all need to be considered.

"I anticipate that details of stage 2 will be announced in June this year, allowing Stage 2 to start from the original July 1 commencement date outlined in the Act," Mr Corbell said.

"With the introduction of the scheme Canberrans can become more involved in the process of reducing our greenhouse emissions and enable the ACT to become the solar energy capital of Australia.

"The ACT Government's climate change strategy, Weathering the Change, sets out our vision for responding to climate change, and this proposed feed-in tariff is a key part of that response.

"At the moment, the proposed scheme is focused on solar and wind technologies that develop renewable energy, but we have been careful to make sure it can be expanded to include new technologies as they emerge.

"The scheme has been developed following extensive consultation with a broad range of stakeholders in the ACT and I thank them for their valuable input."

For more information on the proposed Feed-in Tariff, visit http://www.act.gov.au/

Statement Ends/ 10th February 2009

[R-BgO]

Lend Lease Collaborates With First Solar to Provide Solar Energy Solutions Across Its Australian Portfolio

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 14, 2009-- Building on its leadership position in the delivery of sustainable property solutions, Lend Lease today announced a supply agreement with First Solar, Inc.,(Nasdaq:FSLR) one of the world’s leading solar technology providers. Lend Lease’s project management and construction business, Bovis Lend Lease, has signed a contract with First Solar for the supply of 10 megawatts (MW) of solar panels.

Lend Lease is looking to leverage this relationship across its Australian construction business, as well as its existing development portfolio.

Tony Costantino, Bovis Lend Lease’s Australian CEO, said this relationship is a significant step forward in the provision of solar technology not only for Lend Lease but also Australia.

“We are pleased to be working with First Solar, one of the leading solar companies, and to be entering the solar procurement market. This relationship allows us to meet the growing demands in renewable energy for our clients and ensures that solar energy is a consideration on every project. We look forward to working together on future opportunities.”

Solar energy is the most readily available form of renewable energy in Australia and First Solar’s innovative technology provides access to this abundant resource via the most cost-effective form of photovoltaic (PV) technology available in today’s market.

“First Solar’s panels are perfectly suited for Australia’s climate because they perform better than other PV technologies in high temperatures,” Costantino said.

“First Solar is proud to work with Lend Lease, a company that is clearly dedicated to sustainable solutions,” said John Carrington, First Solar executive vice president of marketing and business development. “We are pleased they have chosen our technology for these projects. Together, we are investing in Australia’s green energy future.”

First Solar will begin supplying the solar panels immediately. Once installed, the solar panels will save approximately 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from entering the atmosphere per annum—the equivalent of taking approximately 3,500 cars off of the road each year.

About Lend Lease

Lend Lease is one of the leading fully integrated property solutions providers that creates, develops and manages real estate assets around the world. Our core capabilities cover the full property spectrum from development management, investment management, project management and construction, to asset and property management. Lend Lease’s activities are focused in Asia Pacific, Europe and the US. Lend Lease is committed to partnering with like-minded organisations and government to deliver the best property outcomes. We aim to do this safely, ethically and sustainably.

About

[R-BgO]

Australian Senate delays renewable energy laws
18 June 2009 | By Rebecca Butcher | News > Power Generation, Market Watch

The Australian parliament’s upper house Senate on Thursday postponed a debate on renewable energy laws until August at the earliest, delaying the government’s plans passing the laws by the end of June.

The laws would have set a 20% target for renewable energy use by 2020 as compared to Australia’s current 6.5% levels. This breaks down to a statutory target capacity of 9,500GWh from renewable electricity sources in 2010, and increasing it to 45,000GWh in 2020. Currently, most of energy comes from coal, oil and gas, and this practice has earned Australia the infamy as one the world’s worst per capita polluters.

Independent Senator Steve Fielding, with the support of Nick Xenophon and the conservative opposition parties, moved that the laws be sent to a Senate inquiry to report back by August 12, to examine the impact on big business.

Needless to say, the government and Greens party opposed the delay, stating the move would undermine investment in Australia’s renewable energy sector and would lead to job losses while passing the laws could open up to $22 billion in investments for solar power. This trend against emissions reduction is likely to continue while the government faces a Senate roadblock with its other plans to introduce an emissions trading scheme by July 2011.

“The people who are pushing for this delay are the big emitters. I want to see this legislation through, I want to give certainty to the renewable energy industry that they have got their target,” Greens Senator Christine Milne told parliament.

This move is a definte shift from the March 2009 feed-in tariffs for Canberra.

[dicki31785]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Solar-industry-to-see-faster-a…

Rural areas to get new solar grant: Wong
Tuesday June 23, 2009, 8:56 pm

Rural people who can no longer get a grant for solar and wind power will qualify for a new grant, federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says.

The federal government on Monday scrapped its renewable energy rebate for people in remote areas not connected to the electricity grid.

The move has been slammed by Nationals Senate leader Barnaby Joyce, who said it would hurt regional Australia.

Greens climate change spokeswoman Christine Milne said it was "the latest in a trail of destruction" from the government on renewable energy.

Senator Milne called for a national, premium tariff for energy from green sources.

Senator Wong on Tuesday said the rebate was ended - two years early - because it had hit the limit.

"As I understand this was over-subscribed. This was already a capped program ..." she told reporters.

Remote area people who want to go solar can access a new rebate, she said.

The new facility will provide up to about $7,500 per household, under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) laws.

It's not yet available because the laws are bogged down in the Senate - and that was the opposition's fault, Senator Wong said.

[dicki31785]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 37.452.720 von dicki31785 am 23.06.09 20:37:22

sorry falscher link...

http://au.biz.yahoo.com/090623/2/271hz.html

[R-BgO]

Australian solar panel credits program



You can get a huge discount on a solar energy and wind power systems thanks to the Australian government's new solar panel credits program subsidy!



Solar credits in Australia - Q&A



The Solar Credits scheme was scheduled to commence on July 1, 2009, but was unexpectedly brought forward and commenced on June 10, 2009; pending relevant legislation being passed.



The new solar credits program applies to off grid and grid connect wind and solar power installations only - solar hot water rebates rebates operate under completely different schemes.



If you didn't qualify for the $8,000 SHCP rebate scheme or missed the deadline for SHCP or RRPGP; you will most likely qualify for the Solar Credits Program! Check out our new Solar Credits Maximiser deals! Contact us today toll free on 1300 727 151 or email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice.


Solar Credits Scheme FAQ



The following are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding the new solar credit program.


What is the status of the Solar Credits scheme?



The Solar Credits scheme is part of the Renewable Energy Target bill, legislation that has been deferred. This means that if you were to install a system now, while you will still be eligible for the Solar Credits program; you would have to pay the full price for a system and wouldn't be able to claim the credits until the legislation has passed. This could mean a wait of a several months before you would receive your rebate.



However, there's good news!...



The lead-up time to having a solar power system installed does take some weeks, particularly given the backlog of system orders generated by the final days of the old rebate.



By starting the process now and locking in a great price on a solar power system from Energy Matters with view to a late August/early September or later installation (depending on when the legislation is passed), you'll be placed in our Solar Credits Priority Customer Program and immediately receive the solar credits value as a point of sale discount from Energy Matters. You'll also skip the solar credits paperwork headaches and additional waiting time involved with trying to claim the credits rebate yourself!



By acting right now instead of waiting for the legislation to pass, you'll also avoid:



* The inevitable new rush on systems
* Potential prices rises, but if there's price drops, you'll get even further savings!
* Possible further delays on having your home solar power system installed; you'll join our Solar Credits Priority Customer Program!



Questions? Call our friendly team on 1300 727 151 for free, expert no-obligation advice.


Is the new Solar Credits program better than the old SHCP rebate?



In relation to grid connected systems and in financial terms, for families with annual incomes over $100k and for businesses, it certainly is as the solar credits scheme will not be means tested. Under the SHCP rebate program, these people and businesses were not eligible.



Beat the rush and take advantage of our special grid connect solar package deals! Contact us today toll free on 1300 727 151 or email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice.



Free, no-obligation instant online solar power quote


Who is the solar panel credits program open to?



Home owners, small businesses and community groups are all eligible for the Australian solar credits program! No-one will be means tested under the new solar scheme. The scheme also covers off grid installations.


How big/small a system must I buy to get the full $9000?



A solar power system with 1.5 kilowatts solar panel capacity installed in Zone 1 (explained below) will get you the full $9000 in solar credits. You can of course install a larger system, but the extra credits will only apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts. Any additional credits that would normally accompany a system above 1.5 kW will still apply.


What is "zoning" and how does it affect the rebate?



Australia is divided up into various zones based on how much renewable energy can be generated by a solar panel in a given area. You can determine your zone using this table (PDF)



As an example, under the the solar credits scheme if you buy a 1.5kW system in Victoria (Zone 4), you'll receive:



26 x 5 = 130 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
130 RECs x $50*/REC = $6500 rebate



A breakdown on different zones (1.5kW systems):



Zone 3 new subsidy = $7,750 (@ $50*/REC)
Zone 2 new subsidy = $8,500 (@ $50*/REC)
Zone 1 new subsidy = $9,000 (@ $50*/REC)



*Please note: $50 is an assumption as the value of RECs does vary according to market conditions



Need help calculating solar credits applicable to installations in your area? Contact us today toll free on 1300 727 151 or email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice.




Solar credits program special deals!


Can I install the panels myself to get the full solar credits value?



No. The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator have made it a requirement that only BCSE accredited installers can sign-off on Solar Credits

Does the solar credit program also apply to wind power?



Yes it does - the same guidelines will apply for wind turbine installations - even for micro-hydro systems!


How does the solar panel credits scheme work?



A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) credit multiplier system will be the basis of the solar credits program.



A single REC is equivalent to one megawatt hour of electricity generation. Renewable Energy Certificates are currently issued with qualifying solar hot water, solar energy, wind power systems or solar panels and can be traded for cash. The value of a REC is dependent on market conditions.



Under the new solar credits system, one REC will be initially multiplied by 5, therefore offering five times the dollar value. The 5x multiplier will be in place between the start of the program to the end of the financial year in 2012. After that, the credit multiplier rate will gradually drop according to the following timelines:



* 2012-13 - 4x
* 2013-14 - 3x
* 2014-15 - 2x
* 2015-16 onwards, no multiplier


How do I cash the REC credits?



Relax While the program may seem a little confusing, Energy Matters is here to make things super-easy for you!



While you can claim the cash value of the RECs yourself, that means you'll need to pay the full price of the solar power system up front and then have the paperwork hassles, followed by the wait.



However, we can offer you a point of sale discount if you assign the credits to Energy Matters as we're a registered REC agent ! We then take care of the rest, saving you a substantial amount in financial outlay and the bother of red tape!



Learn more about the solar credits REC system - Contact us today toll free on 1300 727 151 or email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice.


Will I be able to "double dip" by buying now and upgrading later?



The legislation is yet to be completed, however the current view of the department is that the credit multiplier Renewable Energy Certificates will only be allowed ONCE per installation and will not be able to be claimed in the event that that address has received other prior grants, including additional renewable energy certificates under the Solar Credits program.



For example, if you received the $8k rebate on a 1kW installation, you won't get the multiplier RECs on the upgrade to 1.5kW under the Solar Credits program; but you will still receive the standard number of Renewable Energy Certificates.

Need more info or ready to order a system?



Our new specials are sure to be popular, so get in quick!



To ensure you can have your system installed sooner rather than later, here's what you need to do:



1.

Check out the Solar Credits Maximiser specials

2.

Call our friendly team on 1300 727 151 as soon as possible to beat the rush with any questions you might have or to arrange a no-obligation site inspection.

or

3.

Complete a solar power site assessment form (PDF) and email/fax/mail it into us. All the instructions are on the form and our team are standing by on 1300 727 151 to assist you in completing the form if you need help.

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TRUenergy pulls plug on Solar Systems

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GREENCHIP: Giles Parkinson | September 07, 2009
Article from: The Australian

THE decision by TRUenergy to write off its entire investment in Solar Systems has placed the development of what would be Australia's first large-scale solar energy project in doubt, along with ambitious plans for overseas expansion.

Solar Systems' $420 million, 154-megawatt project near Mildura was touted as the world's largest and most efficient solar photovoltaic power station when TRUenergy came on board last year.

It signed a $285m development agreement for the Mildura project, as well as paying $40m for a 20 per cent stake in Solar Systems.

But TRUenergy's Hong Kong-based parent, CLP, has decided to write off its entire $HK346m ($53m) investment in Solar Systems, which includes R&D spending since the original purchase, because of its failure to attract another strategic or financial equity partner.

"We do not believe that it is justifiable for CLP to continue funding a technology business without an additional strategic or financial partner to share the ongoing development risk," CLP said.

It is believed Solar Systems has blamed the tight credit and project development market for its failure to attract another significant investor as part of its latest fundraising program, which sought tens of million of dollars to help ease liquidity issues and help fund its overseas expansion, in both Asia and the US.

CLP's agreement to provide $285m funding for the Mildura solar project -- destined to be a showcase of its solar dish technology -- remains in place, but it is subject to certain milestones being achieved. This will include the success of a 2MW pilot plant scheduled to be built within the next 15 months. The overall project has also attracted $129m in federal and state funding. However, CLP will not support any new projects undertaken by Solar Systems, even though it announced last year it had agreed to partner the company in developing up to 1 gigawatt (1000MW) of projects in the Asia-Pacific region. It said that while Solar Systems technology showed technical promise it was facing increased competition from established solar companies, who had reduced their margins in response to the recent demand slowdown.

"We remain confident that good solar project opportunities will be realised when appropriate government policies are in place," CLP said. "We will, however, take a very cautious approach towards future technology investment opportunities."

Last year, TRUenergy predicted $10 billion would be invested in 5GW of commercially viable solar power plants in Australia by 2030. Solar Systems has effectively moved part of its head office to Dallas following the appointment of the Dallas-based Mike Childers as CEO. It is possibly destined, like the solar thermal developer Ausra, to move its headquarters to the US in pursuit of opportunities in a market that is growing rapidly because of strong federal and state subsidies.

Apart from TRUenergy, the remaining shareholders in Solar Systems comprise a dozen private investors, including founder and director Dave Holland. A company spokesman said it was continuing to look for a strategic partner and for capital investment in the company. "We are working towards achieving a positive outcome," he said. CLP have made their own financial decision (but) that does not impact us right now."

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von "Energy Matters":

Issue 51 - September 2009 Systems

Greetings everyone,

Welcome to all our new subscribers!

For those of you in New South Wales still considering the installation a home solar power system, don't forget there's not only the Solar Credits program, which can save you thousands of dollars, but a solar feed in tariff for NSW is also just around the corner.

Starting in January 2010, NSW residents installing a grid connect solar power system will receive 60 c/KWh on a net basis for the power generated by their systems; guaranteed for 20 years!

January will creep up before you know it and there is some ramp up time in having a system installed, so make a start today and beat the rush.

For readers in other states, you can view feed in tariff availability here.

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New South Wales to gain gross feed-in tariff policy
11 November 2009 | By Emma Hughes | News > Tariff Watch


In a move towards the country's goal for a nationwide gross feed-in tariff, New South Wales has received approval for the changeover from a net FiT to a gross FiT. This means moving from a net policy that only pays for surplus electricity exported to the mains grid, to a gross model where all power generated by a home solar power system will receive a premium payment, reports Energy Matters. This is a momentous move for the state as the country battles on for a uniform policy.

The NSW premium tariff will be set at AUS$0.60/kWh (€0.371719), which is currently the most generous in Australia, and will last for an initial seven year period. This state joins the ACT, which also has a gross FiT policy.

NSW's new tariff rate will be an addition to the Solar Credits rebates program available in the state. This means that most homeowners should be able to recuperate their entire investment within the seven years. This target will be more easily reached if the provider a homeowner chooses is able to secure higher Renewable Energy Certificates values (RECs) before the recent RECs value free-fall.

Max Sylvester, co-founder of Energy Matters, a renewables energy provider in Australia said, "Finally, another state government, who has seen the light in opting for a gross feed in tariff. The revamped Solar Bonus Scheme is certain to generate a rush on systems in New South Wales." Max Sylvester, co-founder Energy Matters, Australia.

Max Sylvester, co-founder, New Energy Matters"This is wonderful news for solar supporters in New South Wales and also for the industry. The fact that the NSW government has recognized that a gross feed-in tariff is not only the best way to stimulate renewable energy uptake, but is also an economic stimulus package without the public debt is very encouraging. Let's hope other states follow the lead of the ACT and NSW, with the ultimate goal being a national gross feed in tariff program"

The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) has also applauded the revisions to the Solar Bonus Scheme. "We welcome the decision to pay households for all the clean energy they contribute to the state's electricity supply. It is a win for families who are taking action on climate change and for green jobs in NSW." said Damien Moyse, ATA's Energy Policy Manager. "We now look to the Rudd Labour Government to ensure that the emissions saved by each of these new solar installations is accounted for under his Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme."

The NSW policy is yet to be finalized, however it is expected to be passed by Parliament within the next week.

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Australia shapes up FiT policies: national gross system on the horizon? (Updated)
16 December 2009 | By Emma Hughes | Editor's Blog


As we progress further into what will soon be 2010 - 'the year solar PV will take off', more changes are being made in the world of photovoltaics in Australia. This country has seen many changes to its renewable situation during 2009, with new feed-in tariffs announced, improved and tweaked as the continent moves towards its goal of a nationwide gross feed-in tariff scheme.

Many changes are expected to come out of the climate change talks in Copenhagen over the next week. However, adding to the long list of those that already have, South Australian Premier Mike Rann has announced the mandatory ruling that all new and substantially refurbished government and government-operated residential buildings will have to utilize solar panels in some way.

Energy Matters reports that this declaration will take effect as of July 1st 2010. The scheme stipulates that each government-owned and -operated residential building will have a minimum of 1.5kW of solar panels installed, while all other new government buildings will have a minimum of 5kW. Premier Rann has also said that the South Australian government has increased its state target for renewable energy generation to 33% by 2020. This is 13% higher than the national RET (renewable energy target) of 20% to be achieved by the same date.

In order to reach this target, there needs to be a significant amount of financial stimulus. In response to this, Premier Rann announced that as of July 2010, investors would benefit from payroll tax rebates of up to AUS$5 million for large solar farms.

Throughout 2009 Australia's states have been battling it out for the best solar policy, yet they are all essentially working towards a RET and the idealized goal of a national gross feed-in tariff scheme.

The first state to announce a competitive rate was the ACT. The state's Government implemented what was at the time the nation's most generous feed-in tariff for solar power in March 2009. This rate is currently set from 50.05c/kWh up to 10kW capacity and 40.04c/kWh up to 30kW capacity. This was the first of Australia's states to announce a gross FiT system.

Soon enough however, NSW was granted its own gross FiT scheme, coupled with its Solar Bonus Scheme, which pays 60c/kWh. Other states were not long to follow with this pattern of success. Even Victoria's net feed-in tariff, which was at first written off as a disappointment, has actually gained a fair amount of momentum due to strong market forces.

While Australia is slowly modifying its state segmented solar schemes to match the ever-growing market, it is still unclear whether or not these recent announcements from Rann will push South Australia to switch to a gross FiT scheme in the move towards a nation-wide gross scheme.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Since I blogged with hope of a national gross feed-in tariff for Australia yesterday, Tasmania has come out and dashed this possibility. In a letter sent to Apollo Energy, a division of national solar solutions provider Energy Matters, Minister Llewellyn states that the low net FiT rate currently in place will remain.

In the letter, Minister Llewellyn outlines the following standpoint:

"For much of 2009 the Government has been listening to arguments for and against mandating premium feed in tariffs for any electricity fed into the grid by small, residential based renewable generators, such as rooftop photovoltaic panels.

Having listened to the arguments and taken heed of the policy principles for feed-in-tariff recently agreed by the Council of Australian Government, the Government has decided that it is not fair or sensible to force other people to pay more than a fair and reasonable price for such electricity.

We are satisfied that Aurora Energy's current policy of paying the full retail price for any electricity that is supplied back to the grid is fair and reasonable in the Tasmanian context.

The Government will therefore mandate that a feed-in tariff will be provided in a manner that is consistent with the agreed national principles for feed-in tariff schemes.

It will be a net metering scheme with the tariff to be paid at a fair and reasonable rate.

On mainland Tasmania a fair and reasonable rate will be taken to be a rate equivalent to the unit price within the relevant retail tariff. For most households, that will be tariff 31, which at present is 19.363c/kWh."

This decision will certainly put a spanner in the works for the dream of a nationalized gross tariff, as well as disappointing all the solar supporters in the state.

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Project Focus: Australia’s Alice Spring’s airport to build solar station using SolFocus arrays
21 April 2010 | By Syanne Olson | News > Power Generation


SolFocus has partnered with Ingenero Pty to install a 235KW power station at Australia’s Alice Springs airport located in the northern territory of Australia. The power station is slated to generate around 600MW hours of electricity into the airport’s internal electricity grid. The project will account for approximately 28% of the airport’s electricity demands and use 235KW of CPV arrays.

Using SolFoucus’ 1100S solar arrays, the project will receive $1.132 million from the Australian government under its $94 million Solar Cities program. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year’s third quarter.

CEO and president of SolFocus, Mark Crowley, commented, "This pioneering solar project at Alice Springs Airport is just the beginning of a solar transformation in Australia that will harness the continent's abundant sunlight to deliver low cost, renewable energy. SolFocus is optimistic about Australia's solar market and is confident that CPV technology is well-matched with Australia's territories and dynamic environment."

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SilexSolar is to expand production capacity at Sydney Olympic Park facility
08 July 2010 | By Emma Hughes | News > Fab and Facilities, PV Modules


SilexSolar will expand the production capacity at its Sydney Olympic Park (SOP) manufacturing facility, in response to reportedly increasing demand for the company's Australian-made solar photovoltaic panels for the domestic rooftop market.

The expansion will take place in two stages, the first of which is planned for the fourth quarter of 2010, with the scheduled installation of automated assembly equipment which will take the capacity from ~13MW to ~20MW per year by early 2011.

The second stage of equipment upgrades will occur in the middle of 2011, with the aim of increasing annual panel production capacity to approximately 35MW; however, the second stage will depend on continuing demand. The total capital expenditure for the two-stage upgrade will be approximately AUS$2 million.

Michael Goldsworthy, Silex CEO, said, "With the Australian residential rooftop panel market growing strongly from 80MW in 2009 to a forecast 130MW in 2010, we have seen very strong demand for our Australian-made PV panels across the country. With margins in the global PV market tight, it is important that we increase our production capacity and improve solar cell efficiency in order to remain competitive.

SilexSolar is also developing higher efficiency solar cell technology at the SOP plant in collaboration with the University of NSW and Suntech Power under a research program, which was recently awarded AUS$5 million funding from the Australian Solar Institute. This project aims to increase solar cell efficiency from around 17% to approximately 20% by 2012, which would potentially increase the panel plant's production capacity.

SilexSolar is the only Australian manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar cells and panels, and claims a strong commitment to Australian solar technology innovation.

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July 21, 2010

Melbourne, VC, Australia: Victoria to Establish Solar Feed-in Tariff

Victoria is set to become Australia’s solar state through a plan to increase Victoria’s electricity supply from large scale-solar power to five per cent by 2020, Premier John Brumby announced today.

The solar initiatives will complete a three-pronged approach to meeting the five per cent solar target through driving investment in small, medium and large scale generation, coupled with established initiatives including:

• The Brumby Labor Government’s $50 million contribution towards the $450 million large-scale solar project being delivered by Silex, as well as the Premium Feed-in Tariff for Households; and

• The Brumby Labor Government’s contribution of $100 million towards a Victorian Solar Flagships bid and the rollout of 10 projects from the $5 million Solar Hubs program announced in the Jobs For The Future Economy: Green Jobs Action Plan.

Mr Brumby visited Silex’s solar test facility in Bridgewater with Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings and said the five per cent target was Australia’s most ambitious solar commitment and would be backed by the nation’s first feed-in tariff for large-scale solar.

“This commitment to a sustainable future for Victoria should see the establishment of between five and 10 large solar plants across regional Victoria,” Mr Brumby said. “As a result of this initiative, Victoria will have up to 25 per cent of its power coming from renewable energy by 2020. This initiative will also provide new economic opportunities in regional Victoria, generating between $1.5 and $2 billion in new solar investment in Victoria.”

Mr Brumby said increasing Victoria’s use of solar power to five per cent by 2020 would require a number of investments above and beyond the Commonwealth’s Renewable Energy Target.

“This means not just clean, green energy for Victoria, but lower emissions for all of Australia – making us Australia’s solar state and further confirming Victoria as the country’s leader in tackling climate change,” Mr Brumby said. “In Victoria we have ambitious targets and we also have the right plans in place to deliver them, providing the most comprehensive program of support for small, medium and large solar technologies to turn to solar power."

“The feed-in tariff will assist in the take up of solar power by paying large-scale facilities extra money for feeding the renewable power they generate back into the grid above what they would normally get on the energy market. To show we’re serious about the 2020 goal, we have set an interim target of generating 500GWh of solar power by 2014."

“This is in addition to power generated by the Silex facility and represents a massive increase on the present level of solar generation Australia-wide and is enough to power more than 90,000 homes.”

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government continued to support an emission trading scheme but was determined to push forward now to secure new clean energy investment.

“Across the world there are huge investments to be made in clean technologies and we want Victoria to be a leader,” he said. “A price on carbon is necessary to deliver the very deep reductions in emissions we need, but we need to forge ahead and tackle climate change through measures such as these.” Mr Jennings said that the Brumby Labor Government’s comprehensive plan to make Victoria the solar state would also include action to support medium scale solar energy.

“Think of all the roof space on some of the large suburban shopping centres – we see these places as offering enormous potential for broad-scale solar power generation,” Mr Jennings said “Generating their own electricity means businesses will not only help reduce emissions but they will save money on their bottom line – a win for business and the environment.”

Rural and Regional Development Minister Jacinta Allan said Victoria had already achieved great success in establishing solar in households through the Victorian Premium Solar Feed-in Tariff.

“These initiatives will build on the good work and will be a significant source of jobs and investment in regional Victoria,” Ms Allan said. “I will be working closely with energy companies, local government, environment and industry groups to maximise the job opportunities – particularly in regional Victoria – that will flow from these initiatives.”

Mr Brumby said a Medium Scale Working Group would be established to advise on what type of actions are needed to drive medium-scale solar power.

“This working group will be chaired by Tony Wood, the Director of Clean Energy Program in Australia for the Clinton Climate Initiative.

The solar initiative released today follows the Victorian Government’s announcement to double the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target to cut Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by 5.4 million tonnes a year. Mr Brumby said these new measures and today’s nation-leading commitment to solar energy were part of the Victorian Government’s landmark Climate Change White Paper to be released later this month.

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ABC Premium News (Australia)
September 21, 2010

Funding has been secured for Australia's largest solar power station, to be built at Mildura in Victoria's north-west.

The Victorian Government will put $100 million to the Mallee Solar Park, with power company TRUenergy providing the remainder.

The facility is expected to create 200 construction jobs, and generate enough green power to run 60,000 homes each year.

The photovoltaic plant will be built on a 600 hectare site about 10 kilometres south of Mildura.

The Victorian Premier John Brumby says the Government aims to support between five and 10 large-scale solar plants in regional Victoria in the next 10 years.

"We've got a target, a goal an ambition we want to be the solar capital of Australia," he said.

"We have got a target of five percent solar generation by 2020 and we are well on the way towards achieving that."

He says new project is in addition to the photovoltaic project already planned for Mildura by the Silex company.

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By Sharon O. | September 22, 2010 6:25 AM EST
BP Solar, Verve Energy to build WA solar plant


BP Solar is partnering with Verve Energy as the lead contractor to build Australia's largest ever grid-connected solar power plant, a 10 megawatt (MW) utility scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Western Australia.


BP Solar, Verve Energy to build WA solar plant

"With funding support from the WA Government, Royalties for Regions Scheme and the Office of Energy, this project will deliver a long term supply of clean energy to the communities in and around Geraldton and contribute to the WA Government's 20 per cent renewable energy target by 2020," said Tony Stocken, Director of BP Solar Australia.

Energy Minister Peter Collier said the $58 million solar photovoltaic energy project to built in Geraldton would generate up to 10 megawatt hours of electricity each year.

"It will facilitate the development of larger projects in the future and is likely to reduce renewable energy costs in the medium to long term," he said at the annual Energy in WA Conference.

The project is valued at over $A50 million with BP Solar carrying out the engineering and construction (EPC) activity and the operation and maintenance of the plant once constructed.

More than 40,000 panels will be installed and mounted on around 4,300 tables to track the movement of the sun and thus maximise output, BP Solar said.

Work will commence in early 2011 supporting about 50 jobs during the construction period. Commissioning is planned for late 2011. The plant will support three full-time jobs when operational.

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http://www.pv-tech.org/news/_a/australian_capital_territory_…

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Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 40.187.225 von R-BgO am 21.09.10 19:10:45

Australia's largest solar power station

The state of Victoria has announced plans to build power station in Mildura

Victoria is set to have the largest solar power station in Australia with the Victorian Government committing $100 million to a new large-scale solar development in the State's north-west. In Mildura, the Premier of Vicoria, John Brumby announced that the Victorian Government would back a bid by energy company TRUenergy to develop a major new solar plant south of Mildura with $100 million for renewable energy generated.

Mr Brumby said TRUenergy's proposal to build the Mallee Solar Park would create 200 new jobs in construction and 20 ongoing jobs, deliver 345 gigawatt hours of clean electricity each year and generate enough power to run 60,000 homes each year.
"Together with Victorians, we are rising to the challenge of climate change by driving new initiatives to cut emissions and create a cleaner, greener future for Victorian families," Mr Brumby said.

"Our Government's disciplined economic management means Victoria is in a position to tackle climate change by backing new investments in renewable energy to lock-in a sustainable future. This investment is about capitalising on Victoria's potential to generate renewable energy and forms a key part of our commitment to increase Victoria's electricity supply from large-scale solar power to five per cent by 2020. The TRUenergy proposal will utilise world's best-practice to create jobs in regional Victoria, cement the northern part of our State as a key solar energy region in Australia and will make a valuable and lasting contribution to our clean, green energy supply."

The Government set aside $100 million in funding to support a large-scale solar development last year and it forms a part of its Climate Change White Paper Action Plan, released in July. Under the TRUenergy's proposal a photovoltaic plant will be built on a 600 hectare site about 10 kilometres south of Mildura with construction to be undertaken by Bovis Lend Lease in four stages between 2012 and 2015.

"TRUenergy's project is a great example of the significant jobs and investment expected across regional Victoria as a result of our White Paper which will drive new investment of between $6 and $10 billion," Mr Brumby said.

"Through our Climate Change White Paper Action Plan we have committed to making Victoria Australia's solar state and aim to support the development of five to 10 large scale solar plants in regional Victoria by 2020.

"Under the Action Plan our Government has also committed to cut emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020 and increase the state's power generated by solar to five per cent."

Minister for Energy and Resources Peter Batchelor said TRUenergy's proposal was selected through an independent tender from a strong field of five applicants after it submitted an outstanding proposal under the Victorian Large Scale Solar Project.

"This project will use the latest in solar photovoltaic technology, utilising flat-plate, thin film photovoltaic panels which will be made by First Solar, a US based company," Mr Batchelor said. "It will build on Silex's large-scale demonstration photovoltaic solar project planned for near Mildura which is being supported by a $50 million Brumby Labor Government grant."

Mr Batchelor said with $100 million from the Victorian Government, the project proponents would become a stand-out applicant for Solar Flagships funding from the Gillard Government.

"We have backed this proposal because it has all the right characteristics to deliver major benefits to for communities, for the environment and for a cleaner, greener economy," he said.

"We believe it is now a stand-out for funding from the Commonwealth's Solar Flagship Program."

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Middle Class Free Electricity Scheme Over

"The hard truth for the solar industry, the Greens and NSW Unions is that the only argument for having a gross feed in tariff above the retail price is to encourage energy savings in the home by giving the homeowner skin in the game and therefore a financial reason to bother turning off modern low-watt lights."


by Simon Mansfield
Publisher SolarDaily.com
Gerroa, Australia (SPX) Oct 28, 2010

It was inevitable. The NSW solar gold rush is over with the NSW Government suspending the current gross feed-in tariff scheme after it was sold out five years earlier than originally planned.

What needs to happen now is pressure on the government to come from the other end of the buying spectrum and uncap the feed-in tariff to cover any amount of energy production and not a limit of 10KW as is the current limit.

This will set commercial farm development on fire and drive solar installation off the roof and onto farms across the state.

The NSW Government is very sensitive on this issue, and if the solar industry calls for reform of the wholesale power market whereby the utilities have to buy all green power at the 15-20 cent KWh level - then that would be the best outcome possible.

The other reform is to allow energy co-ops to be formed via pooled investments that would fund the development of solar farms all over the state in sizes from 50KW-1MW and above. With a timeshare style investment
over the Internet used to scoop up all that guilt money in the inner cities.

NSW Labor is extremely keen for a Green preference deal and this is the sort of move that could bed that down. As such, the NSW Government has a lot of self interest to be leveraged by the industry.

The NSW Libs will say anything to avoid the issue and will simply spend the next four years selling off the power stations and energy retailers. And the last thing they will do is load them up with low-margin compulsory green power purchasing at the 15-20 cent per KWh level.

The hard truth for the solar industry, the Greens and NSW Unions is that the only argument for having a gross feed in tariff above the retail price is to encourage energy savings in the home by giving the homeowner skin in the game and therefore a financial reason to bother turning off modern low-watt lights.

30 cents a KWh is a compromise level for a feed in tariff that could be sold to the government if there is any real heat generated over the issue. Which I doubt there will be beyond the industry and Greens.

The hard reality of rising electricity prices is too hard for any government to ignore and the cost of this scheme was never sustainable above a certain point, and directly highlights the cost of so called direct action. Take note Mr Abbott.

With that all said, I was only saying to my wife this week we should get some more solar...before the scheme is killed. I guess we'll just have to make do with our current 1.5KW system and the zero bill it generates for us and not actually a credit (profit) on our electricity bill.

But seriously, there is a silver lining in this move if the local industry can articulate to government a bigger vision that goes to the heart of the problem for the renewable energy industry - namely wholesale power purchase agreements that pay real money for the power produced and not the pennies they are currently paying - if you can get an agreement.

A situation that only favours the big power producers and does nothing for fostering a jobs-rich renewable energy industry - based on real numbers and not the tiny amounts home-based systems can supply.

And despite what some would have you believe it does not take a carbon price for this to occur. We can clean up the renewable power purchasing market separately from the carbon price issue - if the industry would look beyond the easy money that comes from home owners feeding at another middle-class welfare bucket.

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ET Solar Announced a 12MW Module Supply Agreement with Zen Technologies


NANJING, China, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- ET Solar Group Corp. ("ET Solar"), a leading China-based photovoltaic ("PV") system turnkey solution provider and integrated manufacturer of PV products, announced a 12MW module supply agreement with ZEN Technologies (Power and Energy) Pty Ltd ("ZEN").

Under the agreement, ET Solar will ship 12MW of black mono-crystalline modules to ZEN in the first half of 2011. Recently designed to meet Zen's specification requirement, these high efficiency modules will produce a more aesthetic appearance suitable for Australia's premium market.

Awarded "Australian Entrepreneur of the Year 2010" from Ernst & Young for its contribution in the clean-tech space in the past year, ZEN has built a leading renewable energy "system" brand in Australia and become a market leader in both residential home energy and commercial PV systems segments. The company is currently launching premium retail stores in all states of Australia.

Mr. Dennis She, Chief Executive Officer of ET Solar, commented, "ZEN has demonstrated to be an excellent partner of ET Solar in the Australian market in the past two years when both of the firms achieved very significant growth. The agreement opens a great start for 2011 and will certainly strengthen our market position and brand name recognition in conjunction with ZEN."

Mr. Richard Turner, Chief Executive Officer of ZEN, added, "Our strategic collaboration with ET Solar is very important to our business development in Australia. Given the strong relationship we had in the past two years with ET Solar, we are very confident that we will achieve greater successes going forward."

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http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/australia-starts…

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Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 41.679.306 von R-BgO am 21.06.11 19:30:33

379 MW für 2010...

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11.08.2011
Geraldton, WA, Australia
First Solar has commenced contruction on the 10-megawatt AC Greenough River Solar Farm, located 50km south of Geraldton. Once completed, the solar farm will be the first utility-scale photovoltaic project in Australia and will bring significant investment to the local community through a partnership with local civil contractor WBHO Civil - the company awarded the Phase 1 construction contract for the project.

The construction program is scheduled to take place over a period of approximately nine months. Following civil work, which commenced last Friday, the project will progress to on-site construction of structural supports and the completion of above ground electrical works. The installation of First Solar PV modules is anticipated to begin in March 2012, with the solar farm expected to be fully operational by mid-2012.

Western Australian state-owned power utility Verve Energy and GE Energy Financial Services each own 50 percent of the Greenough River Solar Farm, with the WA Government providing A$20 million including A$10 million from the WA Royalties for Regions program.

First Solar will supply the project with over 150,000 of its advanced thin film PV modules and provide engineering, procurement and construction services. Through the partnership with local contractor WBHO Civil, and in the sourcing of local products, the project is expected to generate millions of dollars for the City of Greater Geraldton's economy. Up to 150 people will be onsite at any one time throughout the construction phase, with jobs lasting for up to nine months.

"First Solar aims to maximise local hiring and enable the project to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to regional communities," said Jack Curtis, Vice President, Business Development & Sales for First Solar. "We are also building our in-country supply chain network by procuring as many materials as possible from local suppliers at all stages of the construction process.

"Increased localisation is critical to the development of a sustainable large-scale solar industry in Australia. Developing a local capability to install utility-scale solar projects, together with stable government policy, will greatly improve the industry's long-term outlook," Curtis added.

WBHO Civil will play a pivotal role in providing site preparation services, underground electrical services and civil works. The company's local expertise and extensive network across WA will ensure that the Greenough River Solar Farm is built to the highest possible standards.

"This is an exciting project for the Midwest and we are very proud to be working with First Solar, who has a reputation for the delivery of world class renewable energy projects internationally," said Michael Librizzi, General Manager - Midwest for WBHO Civil. "The project mitigates harm to the environment and is a sustainable energy resource, and this fits perfectly with our internal mantra of being an environmentally-friendly corporate citizen."