Newcastle leading the way with solar technology

31st Jan 2012

Renewable energy – including solar – is an important part of building a clean energy future, especially in Australia, where we have no shortage of sunshine.

And now, solar energy systems are set to get even more efficient thanks to a new study in Newcastle that is helping to evaluate solar panels over the long-term.

The Newcastle Herald reports that a new project spearheaded by researchers at Mayfield's CSIRO energy centre will evaluate the efficiency of solar panels over the course of their entire lifespan, which can average between 20 and 30 years.

Newcastle, explained Australian Solar Institute investment director Olivia Coldrey to the publication, is a hotbed of renewable energy research.

She said: "There's a real hub forming between the energy centre at Mayfield and the University of Newcastle. We are really pleased to be supporting that.’’

The new project is funded by the institute and will receive a total of $2.6 million as part of the US-Australia Solar Energy Collaboration.

Researchers in Newcastle will design the new system to measure the efficiency of solar cells – and in the spirit of international co-operation, they will then send their prototypes to Germany or the United States, where they will be tested further.

The new year is a great opportunity to think about the changes you would like to make in the next 12 months – and with the government's recently-announced carbon tax at the front of many people's minds, it might be a good time to start thinking about your impact on the environment.

If you are keen to go green in 2012, reducing your carbon footprint might be one great way to get started.

By taking simple steps to improve your household's energy efficiency, you may not only be able to save money on electricity bills over the long term, but also significantly cut down on your carbon emissions at the same time.

The government's Living Greener program recommends that anyone considering a solar panel installation should speak to an accredited installer, who can advise on costs – as well as potential funding options, such as feed-in tariffs.

An installer can also give you information on whether or not you require roof reinforcement and explain which systems are likely to work best on your property based on your current electricity bill and the size of your home.

Posted by Mike Peacock – Solar Correspondent

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: