Snapshot of solar energy's future

12th Mar 2013

Australia's recent solar photovoltaic (PV) panel boom, especially notable in states like Queensland, is reflective of a wider global trend.

Solar and research analysis group, Solarbuzz, forecast that the Asia Pacific region is going to experience a lot of growth in its solar industry and demand in the coming years.

According to Bloomberg, China – the world's biggest carbon dioxide emitting nation – will become the biggest market in the solar energy industry.

Currently Germany holds the title for the biggest solar power industry.  This year, Bloomberg forecasts the global industry is forecast to expand the most since 2011.

They estimate that global new generation capacity will rise throughout 2013 to 34.1 GW (a 14 per cent increase). 2012's growth rate was 4.4 per cent.

John Grimes, chief executive of the Australian Solar council told Peter Hannam of the Canberra Times that Australia added approximately 1 GW of solar PV capacity last year, increasing the whole country's capacity to 2.4 GW.

Grimes also noted that the wholesale price of solar PV is now as low as 55 cents per watt of power, a huge decrease from an average of $7 in 2008.

However policy ups and down in Australia do encourage a certain level of uncertainty in Australia's industry.

On the good news side, there have been a number of state-government led initiatives for individual states, and the current federal government has been supportive of the industry.

One example of this is its recent announcement that it is investing in developing more competitive and cost effective solar photovoltaic panels.

On the other hand, Tony Abbott – leader of the opposition who are ahead in the polls for the upcoming September election – vowed to cut the carbon tax in a March 4 interview with Nine's Today television show. The tax currently encourages businesses to adopt renewable power sources to lower their emissions.

As well as this, the opposition has hinted at lowering or removing Australia's Renewable Energy Target, which would be another blow for the solar industry.

Posted by Mike Peacock

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: