The Australian solar power industry is being helped dramatically by the country's positive ongoing relationship with China.
Or so says Sophie Trevitt, a keen environmentalist and finalist in this year's Young People's Human Rights Medal awards, who said it is an "exciting" time for Australia's rooftop PV sector.
She said: "PV was not even expected to rank in the energy mix of 2020, let alone become a commercially viable player."
Sophie, who was highlighted as one of the Sydney Morning Herald's People to Watch last year, claimed in an ABC article that small scale solar energy has seen a rapid surge in interest.
And she was quick to give specific examples of how China is teaming up with Australia to boost the renewables sector.
For example, the $200 million Southern Cross Renewable Energy Fund was cited as a great help, with the joint venture responsible for various funding initiatives to promote sustainable technology.
A number of universities across Australia have already received financing for projects that aim to boost the country's prowess in the renewables realm.
"Australia cannot underestimate how invaluable this research will be when transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to a low-carbon future," Ms Trevitt went on to say.
Posted by Mike Peacock