The peak solar industry body in the country – Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) – is looking to provide a wealth of information about solar power and renewable energy when it hosts a conference next week.
The 49th Annual AuSES Solar 2011 Conference will be held from November 30 to December 2 at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney, and will feature a range of leading government officials, scientists, developers, and solar industry experts in various in-depth forums and discussion panel.
"It is an exciting time to be involved in the renewable energy sector and although many hurdles lay before us, it is a pivotal time for our industry," AuSES president Mike Dymond said.
The event has also drawn international attention, with experts Allan Jones MBE and Jeff Lyng appearing as guest speakers.
Mr Jones is credited with leading the reduction of the City of London's carbon footprint by 70 per cent, while Mr Lyng was instrumental in developing a number of Colorado's energy policies including the 30 per cent Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Those involved with Australian politics will also be present – ACT minister for the environment and sustainable development Simon Corbell will be presenting a solar commercialisation case study on the large scale solar initiatives in the nation's capital.
In addition Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore will be discussing how the city is closing in on the most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target of any Australian government – 70 per cent by 2030 (on 2006 levels).
Australian solar pioneer Dr David Mills will also be discussing 100 per cent renewables in the US.
Other features of the event will be the presentation of more than 75 peer reviewed academic papers covering topics such as solar devices and systems, solar thermal, solar policy and economics as well as 'built-in' PV and sustainable technologies.
The Solar PV Best Practice Program will also be discussed, along with plans for its roll out over the coming year.
Solar installers will also be able to participate in a professional development day on November 30, which features industry identities such as AuSES director Lyndon Frearson discussing the implications of performance requirements in large projects, Ric Brazzale asking the question "has the solar bubble burst?" and Geoff Stapleton from Global Sustainable Energy Solutions outlining the need for compliance and approaches to achieving it.
Posted by Mike Peacock – Solar correspondent