A new solar plant and manufacturing facility is in the works at an industrial park at Thurla, south of Mildura.
Mildura is proving itself a hot-spot for solar with two solar power stations already in works in the area. BELECTRIC is planning a 5 MW facility and Solar Systems is in the midst of construction on their 1.5 MW facility. Now, Sil Global Limited (SILG) has joined the mix.
SILG has bought a section of land and has been commissioned by American technology developer V3 Solar Corporation to manufacture new solar technology. Construction will begin this year.
This solar plant will make use of V3 Solar's new technology, 'spin cells.' Spin cells feature a larger surface area than solar PV and have the potential to increase energy efficiency.
Thurla's new solar plant will be accompanied by a manufacturing facility, which itself will be no small undertaking, says V3 Solar president Michael Neistat.
"The facility will enable production of spin cells for the second stage of the SILG solar power generation plant. The plant will allow us to implement our plan to build a solar generation plant comprising 800,000 spin cell units – the largest power station of its type in the world."
These spin cells will be able to harvest up to 20 times more energy than more traditional solar panels.
Meanwhile, the region of Mildura is more than happy to provide the location for all of this solar activity.
"The announcement of a solar manufacturing plant to be based at Thurla, producing cutting edge solar technology is very exciting news," said Chris Ellis, Mildura development corporation chairman.
"We are delighted that SIL Global and V3 Solar have chosen the Mildura region for this exciting development."
Mildura seems to have what it takes when it comes to implementing solar power. With no shortage of sun, it's only natural that companies from around the world are taking notice.
Posted by Mike Peacock