PV Best Practice Lifting industry standards Hip to be solar Major developments driven by ASI Roaring down the highway of the PV roadmap The fast-moving solar industry needs to mature
ISSN: 0729-6436
The Official Journal of the Australian Solar Energy Society
07/11 Winter
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ever-changing environment
THE FUTURE OF SOLAR TECHNOLOGY
Bill Parker
Greg Combet
If you are a newcomer to Solar Progress, welcome! The magazine you are holding was first published in 1980 and has been reporting on the research and the development of solar energy technologies and the way our society can use solar energy.
For over 30 years Solar Progress has informed its growing readership on the evolving research, development and application of solar technologies. I congratulate the Australian Solar Energy Society on relaunching print editions of Solar Progress, with interest and development in the solar energy sector continuing to grow strongly.
Now we are witnessing the development of an industry that many thought was long years away. Not so. We have seen the beginning of a satisfaction of a strong public demand to make a contribution to electricity generation. The use of photovoltaic cells to generate electrical power is certainly not new to Australia but until quite recently it was a niche application in telecommunications and navigation. Now it’s a suburban rooftop phenomenon. This issue is devoted to PV in its various forms and is dedicated to an industry that, five years ago, was not a major player in our economy. Now it is. But that said, there is always room for innovation and here you will find the innovators and the changers. Of course PV is not the only solar technology, nor is it standing in isolation, and in subsequent issues we will be taking an in-depth look at not only other technologies and ways we can passively use the sun’s heat and light but also the way this will transform the way we live. In our next edition which will be circulated in October, we feature the world of big solar thermal projects, dishes, troughs, and energy storage. If you are not a member of the society, I urge you to become one, page 4 gives all the details. And better still, if you have something of substance to tell our readers, let me know and I will be happy to guide you. Happy reading
Bill Parker Editor
As the Australian Government engages with the community on the best ways for Australia to make the transition to a clean energy future, informed publications like Solar Progress will have an important role in education and analysis of developments across the industry. The Australian Government is committed to putting into place key reforms to tackle the threat climate change poses to our way of life, our economy and to our future generations. The most economically efficient way of cutting pollution and driving investment in new, cleaner energy sources like solar power is to implement a market mechanism. Under a carbon price, demand for clean energy technology will grow because it will become cheaper relative to the current cost of burning fossil fuel for electricity. It will also provide greater certainty for investors in cleaner energy options and complement the Renewable Energy Target. Current technologies are helping Australia move towards a clean energy future but by putting the right incentives in place we can unleash further innovation, create new jobs and encourage more investment. Clean, renewable energy is fundamental to the de-carbonisation of the Australian and global economies. It is not only vital to reducing our pollution but must be an important factor in the long term sustainability and security of our energy supply. The Australian Government has a long history of support for research, development, commercialisation and deployment of solar energy technology and we will continue to do so.
Greg Combet AM MP Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Printed using FSCÂŽ mixed source certified fibre by Printgraphics Pty Ltd under ISO 14001 Environmental Certification.
2 | WINTER 2011
Contents
16
8 Solar society
12
32
24
Welcome: Solar Progress Editor Bill Parker and Climate Change Minister Greg Combet ...2 AuSES CEO John Grimes ...4 AuSES State Branch reports ...28
Technical talk PV Best Practice: John Grimes announces the next big step forward ...12 Building integrated PVs: By Warwick Johnson ...16 DC circuit breakers: Glen Morris ...38
Special features
34
Hip to be solar: ASI’s Mark Twidell lends insight into industry research ...8 Magnetic force: First in a series: Magnetic Island ...32 SilexSolar’s success: Rod Seares takes us on a whirlwind tour of SilexSolar ...34 Focus on concentrators: A top level ANU research team is shaping the future of domestic energy supplies ...42
Industry comment PVs & FiTs: Nigel Morris reviews the landscape Stirring support: Wayne Smith on THAT rally Solahart: Brian Callaghan on what matters
...22 ...24 ...26
News Milestone solar developments
...6
Resources & links Key solar events AuSES corporate membership list Solar associations
SOLAR PROGRESS Published by CommStrat for Australian Solar Energy Society Ltd. EDITOR Dr Bill Parker, AuSES Phone: 0403 583 676 editor@auses.org.au CONTRIBUTORS: Brian Callaghan, John Grimes, Warwick Johnston, Glen Morris, Nigel Morris and Wayne Smith. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nicola Card
GENERAL MANAGER, COMMSTRAT ASSOCIATION SERVICES Simon Davis simon.davis@commstrat.com.au ART DIRECTOR Tim Hartridge GRAPHIC DESIGNER Monica Lawrie PRODUCTION MANAGER Russell Montgomery
EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE Simon Sharwood
COMMSTRAT MELBOURNE Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd MELBOURNE Vic 3004 Phone: 03 8534 5000
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Brian Rault Phone: 03 8534 5014 brian.rault@commstrat.com.au
COMMSTRAT SYDNEY Level 12, 99 Walker St NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060 Phone: 02 8923 8000
...47 ...48 ...48
AUSTRALIAN SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY LTD CEO John Grimes PO Box 148, Frenchs Forest NSW 1640 www.auses.org.au ABN 32 006 824 148
Solar Progress was first published in 1980. The magazine aims to provide readers with an in–depth review of technologies, policies and progress towards a society which sources energy from the sun rather than fossil fuels.
The Australian Solar Energy Society is a not–for–profit association that traces its history back to 1954. ISSN: 0729-6436
Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or AuSES. While every effort is made to check the authenticity and accuracy of articles, neither AuSES nor the editors are responsible for any inaccuracy.
It is the Australian branch of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) based in Freiburg, Germany www.ises.org CommStrat ABN 31 008 434 802 www.commstrat.com.au
Solar Progress is published in July, October, January and April.
SolarProgress | 3
Bring back the magazine When I first took up the position of AuSES CEO and was introduced at our annual conference in Sydney 2008, the thing I heard most often as I spoke to members was ‘bring back Solar Progress in hard copy!’ Well it has taken a bit longer than I had hoped, but we finally got there! I am sure you will agree that the new look magazine, developed in partnership with CommStrat publishing, reflects the vibrancy and activity of our fast paced industry, and the diverse interests of our members. As you may have seen over the past month there has been a lot more going on than just the relaunching the magazine. Most significantly AuSES took on the lead role of protecting the reputation of the solar industry and the rights of solar customers in NSW. I am pleased to say we had a big win, and we were able to effectively block legislation what would have stripped $470m from solar customers in that state. We were also able to secure an additional 40,000 solar installations, which have been vital in keeping the industry ticking over while a replacement scheme is designed. Among all that I am really pleased with how the magazine has turned out, in large part due to the commitment of our Editor Bill Parker. Whether you are a solar researcher at one of our universities, selling solar components, a solar installer, a solar owner or just a supporter of this marvellous technology and industry, I hope you find Solar Progress an invaluable resource going forward. Regards,
John Grimes CEO, AuSES
Membership of the Australian Solar Energy Society The Australian Solar Energy Society has existed in Australia since the early 1960s. Since those days it has attracted engineers and scientists with an interest in solar energy in its broadest applications. Whilst the emphasis of research and development has changed, the society can still claim to be the place where the minds meet. The society has amongst it members some of the world’s significant figures in the development of solar energy. Every year, at the society’s annual conference there is the opportunity to meet these people and network with like minds. At branch level in all capital cities , there are regular events, newsletters and activities, including a new mentoring
Two things happen when you become member: one, you support the society’s work and two; you join a network of experts and enthusiasts in solar energy. That network is the oldest one in Australia and stands for an authoritative position on the history and future of solar. Whatever your interest in solar is, the society welcomes you, wherever you live.
program for young men and
Visit www.auses.org.au/membership
women starting a career in solar.
for more details.
Free inverter! DO YOU KNOW OF A SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY BASED INSTITUTION WORTHY OF AN INVERTER VALUED AT $2000? New Zealand based EnaSolar – the only inverter manufacturer in NZ – is kindly donating a 2kW inverter to a worthy recipient. Send in 120 words* explaining why a certain school or community group should receive an inverter and be in the running to have one delivered to them at no cost. *Contact your Australian based EnaSolar distributor or alternatively Alan Booth, Business Development Manager EnaSolar Ltd, 66 Treffers Road, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand DDI +64-3-364-9328 | Mobile +64-27-663-2368 alan.booth@enasolar.net | www.enasolar.net
COVER IMAGE: The concentrating dish system at Hermannsburg (Ntaria) in the Northern Territory, west of Alice Springs concentrating dish system was built in 2005 by Solar Systems (now a subsidiary of Silex Ltd). The total capacity of the system is 192kW, which provides about 35% of the community’s daytime peak electricity requirements. The CS500 system uses Sun Power PV cells and each of the eight dishes has 112 curved mirrors that focus the sunlight on to a central receiver. Five hundred times sun concentration is energy-intense enough to melt steel, therefore the PV cells in the solar receiver are mounted in a way that allows efficient dissipation of thermal energy as well as extraction of electricity. A closed-loop cooling system across each plant enables the PV cells to operate at optimum temperatures and rejects heat into nearby wastewater ponds. This arrangement provides additional evaporation from the ponds to reduce the need for overflow pumping. The dishes track the sun from sunrise to sunset. 4 | WINTER 2011
News
Solar MILESTONES The series of far-reaching solar announcements in recent weeks have gained significant political and media attention. Here we review developments of interest and importance to those in the wider solar community.
Kogan Creek Australian Solar thermal plant approved AREVA Solar has been awarded a major contract to install a 44MW solar thermal augmentation project at a 750MW coal-fired power station in Queensland, representing the world’s largest solar/coal-fired power augmentation project. AREVA Solar’s Australian-pioneered Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR) technology will be installed at CS Energy’s Kogan Creek Power Station. Construction of the solar boost project is scheduled to begin soon, with commercial operation planned for 2013. The AU$104.7 million Solar Boost Project represents the largest deployment of AREVA’s solar thermal technology in the world and will generate an additional 44,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year. AREVA Solar CEO Bill Gallo commended CS Energy on its commitment to low carbon energy production and adopting renewable energy options to produce cleaner electricity from an existing coal-fired power station. “The application of AREVA Solar’s Australianpioneered technology to this utility scale project affirms its far-reaching potential to provide cost-effective, turnkey solutions,” Gallo said. CS Energy Chief Executive David Brown said the Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project was an exciting development for CS Energy. “The Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project will generate additional electricity to help meet Queensland’s growing energy demand,” Mr. Brown said. “By using energy from the sun with AREVA’s solar booster application, we will make the coal-fired plant more fuel-efficient and reduce its greenhouse intensity – avoiding the emission of 35,600 tonnes of CO2 annually.” The innovative solar project will use AREVA’s CLFR superheated solar steam technology to 6 | WINTER 2011
boost the power station’s steam generation system, reliably increasing its electrical output and fuel efficiency. This will be achieved by supplying additional steam to the power station’s turbine, supplementing the conventional coal-fired steam generation process. The Kogan Creek Power Station is located in Queensland’s south west corner, a site ideally suited for a solar thermal system due to its good solar insolation. AREVA Solar’s CLFR technology is waterconservative and the most land efficient renewable energy technology available. The solar steam generators and accompanying system are expected to occupy approximately 30 hectares of land within the current boundaries of the CS Energy site. Up to 120 jobs will be created during the project’s peak construction period. AREVA will build and operate a manufacturing facility to support the Kogan Creek Power Station Solar Boost Project. The new manufacturing facility will serve as a gateway to support future solar thermal project developments in Queensland, a key global solar market. Note: The Kogan Creek plant builds on the work done by Solar Heat and Power Pty Ltd (subsequently AUSRA) which originally developed the Compact Linear Fresnel technology at the Liddell Power station in NSW with a 6.5MW pilot unit in 2004. A larger CLFR complementary plant at Liddell was announced in 2010. www.kogansolarboost.com.au
Australia joins the big solar league Two of the largest solar power stations in the world – at Chinchilla in Queensland and Moree
in New South Wales – will receive more than three quarters of a billion dollars in Federal funding. Solar Dawn and Moree Solar Farm have been selected as the two successful consortiums to build the power plants under Round 1 of the government’s $1.5 billion Solar Flagships program. The Federal Government will contribute $464 million to the project in Chinchilla – valued at an estimated $1.2 billion – and $306.5 million towards the project in Moree, worth an estimated $923 million. Together, the projects are expected to generate enough power to support the electricity demand of more than 115,000 Australian homes per year. SOLAR DAWN The Solar Dawn consortium will build a 250MWe solar thermal gas hybrid power plant near Chinchilla in south-west Queensland. It will be one of the largest power plants of its kind in the world as well as one of the most environmentally responsible. At least 85% of Solar Dawn’s power generation will be emissions free. The consortium is a synergy of different enterprises, led by Areva Solar, and including Wind Prospect CWP (a UK based, employee owned company), and CS Energy (also involved in the Kogan Creek project). The consortium is also partnering with the University of Queensland. www.solardawn.com.au MOREE SOLAR FARM The Moree Solar Farm consortium, led by BP Solar, will build a utility scale 150MW photovoltaic power plant near Moree. This is nearly twice the size of any photovoltaic power plant operating in the world today. Independent power producer FRV is the majority equity holder in the consortium. BP Solar will be acting as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor for the project, and will retain a minority
“Solar users will help prevent blackouts and energy cost spikes... Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and The Greens understand this, now we need leadership from Prime Minister Gillard.”
Image © Mark Graham
equity stake in the project. Pacific Hydro, one of Australia’s leading renewable energy businesses, will also be holding a minority shareholding in the project. Work will commence in 2012 and the plants are expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of 2015. When completed, the Moree Solar Farm will comprise around 650,000 PV panels and produce enough power for around 45,000 households (or roughly a town the size of Darwin), leading to an annual displacement of around 400,000 tonnes of CO2. www.moreesolarfarm.com.au
Rob Oakeshott and The Greens understand this, now we need leadership from Prime Minister Gillard.”
In Canberra in June key Independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott together with
using first-grade mathematics which assumes every solar power system in Australia is 1.5kW in size,” said Ged McCarthy, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “They then overstate the subsidy provided to solar power by guesstimating that 50% of generated solar power attracts a feed-in tariff, whereas a 1.5kW system typically only receives a premium on 17%-28% of their generation.” John Grimes who is CEO of the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) added “The solar costs used by Productivity Commission are nearly twice what they currently stand at, and are still falling rapidly. These costs are then compared to the wholesale electricity price, ignoring the electricity transportation losses that are avoided with distributed power.” McCarthy points out that today almost half a million Australian homes have a solar ‘power station’ on their roof, protecting themselves from rising energy prices, and says “Every Australian family that invests in solar must be guaranteed that energy retailers will pay them a
Deputy Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne publicly confirmed they were listening to the solar industry in light of their concerns regarding the Productivity Commission Research Report: Carbon Emission Policies in Key Countries, May 2011. “The Productivity Commission understates the emissions abatement from solar power by
fair price for the clean energy they produce.” The benefit of roof-top solar will again be realised during summer when air-conditioner use creates peak demand, Grimes says. “Solar users will help prevent blackouts and energy cost spikes but they must be paid for what they provide. Tony Windsor,
Why not tune in to www.thefuturemakers. com.au and view some leading Australian solar success stories, including the PV dept at UNSW and their role in Dr Shi and Suntech’s success, David Mills, solar thermal and AREVA and Keith Lovegrove at ANU with his solar thermal ammonia separation technology.
Key Independents and Greens listen to solar industry’s concerns on Carbon Report
New Consumer Guide to solar PV published Long time AuSES member and renewable energy consultant Trevor Berrill has produced a long awaited consumer guide to domestic PV. With Which Energy, Trevor covers all of the commonly asked questions and more. If you are spending some thousands of dollars on a roof top system it will pay to better inform yourself before you sign up. www.whichenergy.com.au
The future makers: short movie
SolarProgress | 7
Solar insights
Hip to be solar The Australian Solar Institute’s R&D portfolios might just make solar a cool new career for hot young talent, if Director Mark Twidell has his way.
Image © Chris Samundsett/ANU
He tells us why he is optimistic.
‘Plasmonics for high efficiency
“Australian research teams need to grow in a sustainable manner ... so it comes back to funding, supporting early stage PhDs and post doctoral fellows, fostering industry collaboration and creating a pipeline of people that can add to the growth.”
8 | WINTER 2011
Photovoltaic Solar Cells’ may not sound like the most fascinating topic for the youth of today. But Mark Twidell, Director of the Australian Solar Institute (ASI), thinks this kind of innovation can be a lure for young people embarking on their careers. Twidell is familiar with the Plasmonics project thanks to the ASI’s oversight of a $150 million fund to support a series of research projects in photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal technologies. The Plasmonics project, which is being driven by young researcher Dr Kylie Catchpole at the Australian National University, was recently featured on ABC TV’s New Inventors, Twidell told Solar Progress. The invention was greeted with considerable enthusiasm on the program and Twidell feels that kind of reception awaits other entrants to the industry. “People enter the solar industry and tend not to leave because it is exciting and thrilling and provides the opportunity to do something rewarding, enjoyable and meaningful,” he says. ASI wants to help those entrants along. Half of its funds have already been committed and, given the pivotal role performed by the Institute, the ASI often sees some of the most exciting break-throughs in solar research. The Plasmonics project is one such effort and has received $1,610,000 in ASI funds, with the cash helping to fund a dozen post graduates joining forces with several
leading European research institutions in a concerted effort to increase the light captured by thinner (thus cheaper) layers of silicon through the use of plasmonics, thus reduce the cost of PV electricity. “If we can add thirty percent efficiency to the existing conventional photovoltaic technologies without adding to the cost it will be a huge breakthrough,” Twidell said. Meantime, stay tuned for news of the official opening in Newcastle of one of the world’s largest solar air turbine facilities... In another significant undertaking, the ASI has committed just over $3 million to support a Round 2 research project at CSIRO in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Japan which boasts a century’s experience in gas turbine technology. The project mission: to reduce the cost of concentrated solar thermal (CST) electricity by increasing the efficiency of CST systems through higher temperatures at the receiver while at the same time reducing capital and operating costs. “The CSIRO is developing a new way to drive the electricity generation process by using the sun’s energy to feed hot compressed air into turbines,” Twidell explained. “Such a system could be used in remote desert locations where water is not freely available, that is we could generate electricity directly from the sun heating the air that goes into a conventional gas turbine generation cycle.”
Image left: Dr Kylie Catchpole and Dr Fiona Beck at the Australian National University
Given CST’s ability to store heat and generate electricity after sundown, a sister project supported by the ASI is underway at the CSIRO that focuses on the development of storage technologies, ‘Development of Advanced Solar Thermal Energy Storage Technologies for Integration with Energy-Intensive Industrial Processes and Electricity Generation’. In more recent developments, $3.3 million of the Round 2 grants program has been channelled into a $10.7 million project involving researchers at the ANU working with Trina Solar, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar cells, to develop low cost and high efficiency Negative (N)-type solar cells in a bid to increase the efficiency of solar cells by a further 10 per cent.
“Fundamentally the sun is part of the Australian culture and that flows through to people’s support and intuitive belief we should be doing more with it, generating clean energy
Speed and delivery of Big Solar With Round One of the Solar Flagships program now complete, in mid June there was an announcement confirming two large-scale solar plants to be commissioned before the end of 2015: A CSP consortium providing 250MW capacity and a PV plant delivering 150MW. These high-output plants propel Australia’s renewable energy sector into new territory. Seven proposals were shortlisted and the successful projects at Chinchilla and Moree are being funded by a range of mechanisms in addition to the Commonwealth capital grant, including private debt and equity, with some form of purchase agreement within the Australian electricity market for lifetime of project. But whether the investment frameworks and the government legislation are capable of attracting significant and long-term local and overseas interest is “an area of debate and opinion”. “It’s fair to say the renewable energy target in Australia creates a legislative framework to deliver twenty per cent renewable energy by 2020 [but] the trouble with large-scale solar today is it still costs more than wind which sets the market price for renewable energy so to finance a project and find someone to buy the electricity that delivers a rate of return that makes economic sense is a challenge,” Twidell explained. “It is difficult to attract investment for any product in a marketplace if it costs you more to deliver that product than you can sell it for. “The big challenge for large-scale solar is to get the costs down by lowering material costs and increasing efficiency so the cost of the product is more in line with what the market will pay.”
of the future.” The road to solar “On top of the obvious benefit of reduced solar energy costs, we are getting our expertise on the world map and we are securing our spot in the world’s fastest growing energy sector,” Twidell says. “I am confident if we can continue to fund excellent research then Australia will continue to play a major role in solar energy developments.” In many instances project development involves an opportune mix and match of global talent, aptly demonstrated by last year’s announcement of a collaborative venture with the US Department of Energy which the Australian Government, through the ASI, is funding to the tune of $50 million that aims to address the big challenges to reduce material cost and increase efficiency. It is one of ASI’s many major objectives to get that program up and running this year, and with the recent
One question on the minds of many is the ability of Australia’s ageing electricity infrastructure to take large inputs of solar electricity. With population clusters around the east coast, our grid differs widely from those traversing Europe or North America. “It is well recognised that if solar energy is to meet up to a quarter of the country’s energy needs in the next forty to fifty years then significant investments in grid structures are necessary. “Upgrades are required just to meet peak demand, over the next couple of decades billions of dollars have been forecast to upgrade the electrical infrastructure,” Twidell said. “The proposition that distributed solar (generating solar electricity locally) avoids the need for infrastructure and investment is still to play out as smart grid technology and distributed storage become more prevalent. It’s still a very attractive hypothesis at this stage, which programs such as Smart Grid and Solar Cities are looking to investigate.”
SolarProgress | 9
Solar insights
Aerial shot of the Solar Brayton Cycle demonstration field at the CSIRO National Solar Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW
cut-off date for EOIs, proposals are being evaluated with a view to awarding contracts later in the year. Synergies are clearly defined, as Twidell demonstrated: “Organisations in the USA such as NREL (National Research Energy Laboratories) have facilities that are not available in Australia, while we have world leading researchers who are not necessarily available in their specific fields in the US so this collaboration combines excellent facilities and excellent researchers.” Another of the ASI’s major objectives is to execute Round 3 R&D funding with a focus on CSP technologies.
Risk and reward “It is difficult to attract investment for any product in a marketplace if it costs you more to deliver that product than you can sell it for ... The big challenge for largescale solar is to get the costs down by lowering material costs and increasing efficiency so the cost of the product is more in line with what the market will pay.”
With a portfolio of over two dozen projects under its belt, what key lessons have been learnt by ASI? “Having a culture of supporting high risk which may or may not deliver the goods is critical. If we try and eliminate the risk at the beginning, by definition we will not be supporting the types of projects that are necessary for innovation and ultimately increased use of renewable energy,” Twidell explained. “To deliver the sort of breakthroughs required to enable large-scale solar to compete with energies like wind we need a bold approach where we look at the success of the portfolio without being too critical.” Harnessing talent is another linchpin.
Human resources “Australian research teams need to grow in a sustainable manner and you cannot automatically do ten times more than you did in the past without first developing the people and the succession plan and the capability. So it comes back to funding, supporting early stage PhDs and post doctoral fellows, fostering industry collaboration and creating a pipeline of people that can add to the growth. “Last year we announced funding for eight people completing PhDs and post doctoral study and we are planning to do more this year. “A key part of our proposition is to bring together researchers and industry. There are many examples of projects where as a result of ASI funding we are bringing together Australian researchers and industry and in some cases those researchers are potentially being offered small amounts of equity and incentives if commercial opportunities eventuate.”
10 | WINTER 2011
Nevertheless he identifies a “huge challenge” in ensuring the necessary skills and abilities exist to deliver clean technologies to the world within four decades to power its economies.
Manufacturing It is estimated one fifth of all jobs in the solar industry are in the manufacturing sector, and despite the increasingly competitive cost of solar PV panels (benefitting Australian consumers more so than manufacturers) Twidell says there is significant value to be captured in manufacturing. “We are trying to capture the value in technology by investing in research and development that can be demonstrated and licensed to global supply chains. “Regardless of whether products are manufactured in Australia or overseas there is a high value component for Australia through development and licensing,” says Twidell who expresses guarded optimism over the future.
Future landscape “It’s fair to say solar energy is politically benign, it’s got a huge level of support, fundamentally the sun is part of the Australian culture and that flows through to people’s support and intuitive belief we should be doing more with it, generating clean energy of the future.” A key element of the ASI’s forward strategy is knowledge management and dissemination of project learnings and the success of Australian researchers. An activity that will heighten awareness of and processes for managing high risk projects; presenting a track record of fostering research and collaboration creates the reputation required to attract future partners – financiers included. “One of the learnings we can already take from the Solar Flagships program is the need to provide information that enables banks to more quickly get comfortable about financing a project. “We are looking to fund research into understanding how you can accurately gauge satellite solar radiation material so banks can rely on it,” Twidell said. “We want a knowledge management portal and strategy for this and other vital information ... it needs to be fresh and vibrant and, most importantly, readily available.” For more information www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au
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Special Technical Feature
Growing Pains With an industry backdrop of “growing pains” AuSES CEO John Grimes says it is time to move forward and deliver continuous best practice. Peace of mind for all. The wheels are now in motion.
The Australian residential solar industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with more than 170,000 photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in 2010 alone, a tenfold increase on 2008. This exponential increase has been fuelled by generous State and Federal support measures, falling module costs and the rising Australian dollar. Consumers have been major beneficiaries of cheaper solar panels as they have sought to hedge against rising power prices and take personal action to tackle climate change. But any industry that grows as quickly as we have is going to experience some growing pains. Our growing pains have been felt most in the areas of accreditation, enforcement, on-going professional development support to installers, and standards development, which have failed to kept pace with rapid technology change and growth. A growing number of people inside the industry are concerned about 12 | WINTER 2011
BY JOHN GRIMES
quality and safety standards in the solar industry. On an almost daily basis now, the media are reporting on some element of concern. What happens next is vital to the long-term success of our industry. We as an industry must collectively get on the front foot, to maintain public trust and confidence.
Step change needed While AuSES is active in pressing for stronger standards, and we participate actively on several Australian Standards committees, we know it takes a long time to get change adopted through this process alone. What we need now is a ‘step change’ in how we train, support and regulate the industry. After all, consumers should expect that their solar systems meet the required quality and performance standards. It is now clear that previous compliance regimes did not inspect
enough solar systems nor with sufficient rigor. When faults were found,
initiative. Last year we presented our plan to 600 solar industry attendees
not enough was done to weed out poorly performing installers. Most importantly, lessons learnt from the field were not adequately fed back into the training process, and installers seeking ongoing advice were not properly supported, in fact many installers report that they could not get any support and emails and telephone calls went unanswered. The Australian Federal Government is now justifiably implementing a strengthened compliance regime, and AuSES is rolling out its industry Best Practice Program. This program will detail what best practice looks like, measure against it, test and inspect the participants regularly, and provide ongoing professional development and training.
in four cities. More than 95% of attendees reported that they were ‘likely or very likely’ to join the program.
How does the Best Practice program work? The program will establish a rigorous certification process for companies that wish to be recognised for their commitment to best practice. The process will be voluntary and additional to existing mandatory accreditation and compliance standards. With base line accreditation already in place this program will require sales people and installers to undertake formal training and ongoing
“One of the biggest lessons to date has been that in this rapidly advancing field, ongoing advice and professional development are vital to the success of the industry.”
Restoring respect for solar installers Almost every day members of the industry contact us frustrated that while they are doing the right thing, and delivering quality work at a fair price, others in the industry are not. AuSES wants Australians to again recognize the professionalism of the quality PV installers. We will do this by allowing quality component suppliers, and quality installers to differentiate themselves, and provide a strong value proposition that their customers understand. In turn this will lead to an increased demand for a premium product and service that will lead to high levels of performance over the long term. By creating a “trust mark”, and by educating the public about the advantages of solar best practice, we will create market pull for this approach. We want to create a virtuous cycle, where increased demand for high standards drives more and more installers to operate at a best practice level. What is more, we have the strong support of the industry for this
professional development. We are including sales people in the scheme because the benefits of the right system need to be sold in the first instance, when the installer arrives on site it may already be too late.
The Best Practice Standards will cover issues such as: • Meeting all applicable Australian Standards; • Use of quality materials; • A star rating system for solar PV components; • Quality workmanship; • Roof orientation and suitability; • Communicating with customers and meeting their expectations, including written guarantees of performance; and • Design and quotation. The program will give confidence that a certified best practice installer SolarProgress | 13
Special Technical Feature
Solar industry participants will also be able to access a moderated blog on the secure website, to seek peer to peer support, and to enable continuing learning. Once industry participants have completed certification, they will be issued with an ID card displaying a photo, logos and a signature.
Ongoing professional development One of the biggest lessons to date has been that in this rapidly advancing field, ongoing advice and professional development are vital to the success of the industry. Once participants have been certified they will be required to undergo ongoing professional development, via workshops, webinars and on-line learning modules. Each component of post certification training will be awarded professional development points, and participants will be required to engage in a minimum amount of ongoing training in order to remain certified.
“AuSES is rolling out its industry Best Practice Program … [it] will establish a rigorous certification process for companies that wish to be recognised for their commitment to best practice.” is on-site for all installations and only certified best practice installers sign off on paperwork under this program. The first training module, covering the correct installation of DC breakers has been completed, and is freely available on the AuSES website.
On-line training for maximum convenience Complete the program wherever you are whenever you like. Modules will include: For Solar PV sales consultants • Solar system training on-line • Access solar PV sales support documents on-line • Complete a formal test on-line, under test conditions held in partnership nationally with TAFEs, and • Access a suite of tools for ongoing reference on-line. For solar installers • Solar system installation training on-line • Access solar sales support documents on-line • Complete a formal test on-line, under test conditions held in partnership nationally with TAFEs, and • Access a suite of tools for ongoing reference on-line.
14 | WINTER 2011
Inspection and testing If this scheme is about confidence, then the integrity of the scheme is vital. We need to make sure that every install is done to best practice standards, and there is no sense of ‘green wash’ in this scheme. To do that participants will be subject to an on-going quality control and the program will be periodically subject to an inspection and validation process, designed to periodically test the real world application of the program by its members.
Educating the public A major part of this program is to educate the public on Solar PV Best Practice. AuSES wants companies to be rewarded for offering quality services by using a well-known trust mark. This trust mark is like the heart foundation’s ‘tick’, except for the solar industry. We are committed to develop and promote the trust mark extensively through mainstream media, social media and industry publications, as well as a dedicated website. The public website will provide easy to understand and real-time information for consumers on what to look for in a quality system, and how to choose an installer, all designed to promote safe, reliable and value-for-money solar.
Choosing your solar components How does a non-expert know what are quality components and which are not? It is not easy, even for industry insiders. Ultimately a large part of the program will be a star rating for solar components based on actual use in Australian conditions. AuSES will work with qualified experts and companies to develop a program in the medium term.
Next steps The next step is to check out the website. Try out the interactive web based training. Then express your interest in being certified (at a cost of $175). Once we have the first batch of participants together we will run the group through the process. Today is the day to commit to a stronger, highly respected solar industry. For more information: http://solarbestpractice.org.au/solarbestpractice
Will be held in Sydney, Australia Wednesday 30th November to Friday 2nd December 2011
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Industry Technology
Integrating Australian PV – Solar on every surface
Warwick Johnson reviews the nature of BIPV projects which, he says, are more commonly incorporated into new buildings rather than installed as a retrofit.
PICTURE IF YOU WILL, an antipodean solar engineer’s dream world. Every roof faces north with a pitch roughly equal to the local latitude angle; building-block homes all in a row. Unfortunately, centuries of homebuilders and decades of town planners did not consult solar engineers before scattering homes without regard to optimal solar access. The resulting urban environment is more aesthetically pleasing and arguably more liveable, but constantly faces solar designers with suboptimal outcomes. Fortunately, while many retired engineers insist on their own solar power system being optimally oriented, most roof-owners are prepared to accept that the cost of optimal azimuth rarely justifies the gains in solar yield. In most Australian locations, losses are kept to 10-15% for roofs oriented 90° either side of north, and the cost of side-pitch mounting typically adds more than 10% to the project cost. Panels mounted parallel with the roof pitch have the key benefit of achieving maximum power density, with what is lost in sub-optimal orientation is typically far exceeded by gains in total energy yield. Regardless, sensible solar array placement can be quite a sophisticated artform, and Australia has many highly capable designers to choose from. By way of comparison, integrating solar power into the building fabric adds volumes of complexities. The solar designer must integrate with the design and construction team to be able to successfully integrate solar panels into a buildings walls or roof. Installations are invariably sub-optimal, and shading is often unavoidable. This makes Building Integrated PV (BIPV) a specialist design area with highly stimulating, innovative projects, unique challenges, and thoroughly satisfying outcomes. 16 | WINTER 2011
“Centuries of homebuilders and decades of town planners did not consult solar engineers before scattering homes without regard to optimal solar access.”
Application and product selection BIPV is not a typical retrofit solution, and consequently BIPV projects are invariably new buildings. The detailed façade engineering that is required typically means that the project must be a minimum 10kW to be practically viable, which requires vast areas of glazing that instantly excludes most of the residential market. Commercial projects aiming for Green Star accreditation can benefit from the demand reduction and emissions-reduction benefits of solar power, with façade integration necessary once the rooftop is filled with a standard solar array.
The BIPV technology choice depends upon the application. When visibility isn’t critical or glazing is distant from bystanders, as occurs in the Metricon Stadium1 and Varsity Lakes train station2, it is acceptable to use crystalline silicon cells sandwiched between glass panes. Such product is available from a growing number of manufacturers, though the invariable need for high-strength glass in custom sizes typically dictates sourcing from BIPV specialists. Some degree of transparency is key for functional windows, with Schott Solar’s ASI-Thru3 providing 10-20% transparency in single or double glazing and taking on the appearance of a fly-wire screen (see picture). Pythagoras Solar also recently launched its high-transparency, high-efficiency PV window4. Both products can significantly reduce glare and thermal gain, thereby reducing air conditioner size and running costs. In some applications, opaque appearance is preferred – such as that of the TullamarineCalder Interchage Solar Noise Wall5 – while innovative Building Integrated Solar Thermal and Building Integrated Hybrid PV-Thermal applications are also possible with Heliopan6. An alternative to façade integration is roof integration, in which the solar panels form part of the roof membrane. Australian designed PV Solar Tiles7 are one noteworthy product, and Solon has recently introduced a roof-integrated module into Australia8.
Azimuth Involve an architect in a building design and expect a fantastic appearance, to come at the expense of ideal solar orientation. Windows are invariably vertical for good reason, and a 30° sloped façade can add extraordinary amounts to standard building costs. For example while a vertical façade may
The Metricon Stadium
suffer 40% performance loss, its financial outcome may be superior to that of a 30°sloped array that costs at least twice as much for the same architectural function – this was part of the reason for a vertical solar noise wall in Victoria. The Metricon Stadium is visually magnificent, though its 270 different azimuths presented significant challenges, especially as solar performance in every moment is limited by the least illuminated panel. The BIPV engineer has to be able to gently influence an architect towards a practically achievable outcome, but ultimately be able to work with the situation that is architecturally-driven.
“Involve an architect in a building design and expect a fantastic appearance, to come at the expense of ideal solar orientation.”
Shading Shade is the nemesis of solar performance. Whereas one usually has the luxury of placing retrofit roof-mount solar arrays in the least shaded location, BIPV invariably encounters
unavoidable shade. BIPV facades are more affected by nearby shading obstacles from the built and natural environment. Although a lot of energy can be spent articulating the need to avoid shade, for functional reasons projects will encounter shade from trees, light poles, entrance canopies, and flashing (waterproofing) – all of which were overcome at Ballarat University9. Inevitably a BIPV design will take account of known shading obstacles, but must be robust enough to handle surprise shade. In an ironic example, the Solar Noise Wall design specifically ensured that the shading effects from overhead wayfinding signs were contained to a small section of the array, but fortunately shade-tolerant amorphous silicon panels coped well with a last minute unavoidable surprise placement of an emergency phone (complete with its own solar panel) in front of the array.
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Industry Technology
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Technical Issues To achieve a sophisticated BIPV design, one of two approaches can be taken. The easiest, optimal-performing solution is to use a microinverter or power optimiser. However, power optimisers’ reliability is not yet fully proven, and the customised BIPV panels often have electrical characteristics that preclude the use of off-the-shelf devices. The second approach is to group onto the same string panels with similar performance – clustering by same orientation and by similar proximity to shade. By similarly grouping together poorerperforming parts of the solar array, the system yield is less compromised. The use of multiple smaller inverters, multiple maximum powerpoint trackers, and multiple strings of fewer panels can also produce a robust design. Even considering the internal wiring configuration of the panels can improve yield – the characteristic of the shading pattern can determine whether one cell is curtailed or whether the entire panel is bypassed. The system design is only one part of the overall project, and much more could be said about the construction phase. A successfully implemented project requires that attention be given to facilitating
ease of connections and integrating wiring runs into the building structure, and that the system can be easily erected and maintained, particularly as working at heights on a platform is often involved. Metricon stadium was able to be quickly erected by performing panel inter-wiring on the ground, and lifting full bays of 14-18 panels into place by crane. Each BIPV project has its unique challenges, and the design typically involves considering the relationship of each individual panel to its surroundings, in the context of the string, input, and inverter to which it is connected. Design becomes part science and part art form, though project success requires excellent teamwork between the various disciplines involved. However, through each exciting, innovative project the vision of covering every surface with a solar panel grows one step closer. Then we’d truly have a solar engineer’s dream world.
Warwick Johnson is the manager of SunWiz providing innovative solar consulting services www.sunwiz.com.au
References 1. http://sunwiz.com.au/index.php/capabilities/bipv-projects/128-australias-most-sophisticated-solar-design.html 2. www.brightthing.energy.qld.gov.au/bright-projects/solar-at-qr/ 3. www.schott.com/australia/english/applications/architecture/function/solar.html 4. www.pythagoras-solar.com/technology-and-products/ 5. www.goingsolar.com.au/pdf/casestudies/Tullamarine_Calder_Interchange-PV.pdf 6. http://heliopan.com.au/heliopan.html 7. www.pvsolartiles.com/ 8. www.cbdenergy.com.au/newproducts.html 9. www.goingsolar.com.au/pdf/casestudies/Ballarat_University_BIPV.pdf 18 | WINTER 2011
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Industry Technology
Aussie inventiveness at its very best With more than a touch of ingenuity agricultural machinery specialist Allan Yeomans has developed a floating solar thermal power system that can deliver more than one megawatt of energy.
“A standard pond containing 6600 square metres of primary mirrors and costing less than $1 million … supplying steam to efficient steam turbines would generate approximately 1.2MW for six hours a day.”
Yeomans Plow Co of Gold Coast City, Queensland is an agricultural machinery manufacturer. Allan is happy to talk ideas with potential end-users. Contact him at: www.yeomansplow.com.au Editor’s note: We at Solar Progress are rather captivated by Allan’s inspirational and – let’s face it – futuristic floating solar system. So much so that you will be reading and seeing more on this in an upcoming issue of this magazine.
AUSTRALIA CAN BE PROUD of its inventors. One such was PA Yeomans, a mining engineer who in 1954 described a system of farming that used amplified contour ripping to control rainfall run off and enable fast flood irrigation of undulating land without the need for terracing. Known as the Keyline system, this form of ploughing is now in use worldwide. Following in his father’s tradition, Allan Yeomans looked skyward for his inventiveness. Based on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Yeomans has spent two decades developing a floating solar thermal power system. It looks like it’s mission accomplished. For a concentrated solar thermal system to be viable capital cost must kept to an absolute minimum and steam must be produced at around 500°C and 7500kPa. In the Yeomans system light passes over two sets of concentrating mirrors. Combined, they produce a maximum concentration in excess of 200 suns. Steam temperatures have reached over 680°C and steam pressures exceed 10MPa. The primary mirrors form part of a floating platform sitting on a 110 metre diameter, water-filled area the size of a football field boxed in with a waist high brick fence. The floating array is made up of 330 square concrete pads flexibly pinned together. The pads are hollow on the underside and hold flotation air. Each pad forms a module 4.8 metres square. On the top surface are set 75 mm wide glass mirror strips. The mirrors form a series of 21 Fresnel parabolic troughs, with focal lines five metres above the primary mirrors. If hail threatens, the floating platform is flooded and sinks. In tests, a house brick dropped from high above the pond onto the
water didn’t break anything making the mirrors effectively invulnerable. For azimuth alignment the 6600 square metres of concrete and mirrors are encircled with a length of hoist chain. A simple computer controls a 3kW electric motor that pulls the chain in either direction and thus accurately aligns the Fresnel parabolic troughs. Patents have been granted on various facets of the system and in most significant countries throughout the world’s sunshine belt.
Delivery In summary a standard pond containing 6600 square metres of primary mirrors and costing less than $1 million is an effective steam generating unit. Supplying steam to efficient steam turbines it would generate approximately 1.2MW for six hours a day. The cost per kilowatt hour of the electricity generated depends on the cost of the solar collecting system and also, to a considerable degree, on the utilization factor of the generating equipment. Yeomans Floating Solar operates at temperatures and pressures that ideally suit phase change heat storage systems. Thus 10 to 12 hours per day, all year round operation seems eminently practical, especially in the tropics and lower sub-tropics. A town of 10,000 people, if equipped with ten standard ponds and reliable access to the grid, could easily buy and sell power in equal quantities to give average self sufficiency. For off grid locations set up with low capital cost standby power and at remote mine sites simple cost analysis shows it to be the most inexpensive power source available currently available. In fact the cost is about 50% of conventional parabolic systems.
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Industry Comment
Roaring down the highway of the PV roadmap
Over the past eight years Australia’s PV industry has grown by a staggering 7000 per cent, but endured a few bumps along the way. The burgeoning industry now needs to mature in order to deliver a brighter and more stable future, says Nigel Morris.
Growth spurt In early 2003, I was involved in helping to develop the Australian PV industry roadmap. Much like today, we described the industry as being “at a cross roads”; on the cusp of huge potential but in a precarious state. Eight years later, we have roared down the highway at lightning speed and arrived at yet another crossroads. Under our “business as usual” scenario, we boldly predicted that 120MW could be cumulatively installed in Australia by 2010. Instead, we arrived at our destination like a teenager in a V8 with almost 550MW installed; almost 40% more than the roadmap’s most optimistic “Sunrise 350 scenario”. This growth spurt is a huge success story for our industry and critically, has put Australia back in the top 10 of key global markets after dropping out for so many years and being highlighted in the 2003 report. The statistics on our industry (above) are quite staggering but arguably the one primary statistic that demonstrates our growing significance is our impact on total energy generation. Our industry has grown from 0.01% of total generation capacity in 2003 to an estimated 2% by the end of 2011. While our penetration remains small this represents growth of almost 7000% in just eight short years. Although it was funded to varying degrees by policy mechanisms, there is no escaping the fact that a large part of this new generation asset was funded by “the Jones’s” digging into their savings to put PV on their own roof. Welcome to the people’s power station. Our $2.5 billion industry now includes thousands of companies, tens of thousands of employees and hundreds of thousands of homes. By the end of 2011 we estimate that as many as 10% of all residential homes will have PV installed.
Novice drivers Although this has created many stories of success, growth and maturity, being handed the keys to a V8 through Government policy is not without its risks or downsides. At a State and Federal level we have seen policy mechanisms wax and wane; over and over again. Without a shadow of doubt and despite declining costs, PV needs and deserves policy support; we aren’t a fully
22 | WINTER 2011
mature industry yet. The pros and cons of both the type and scale of any industry support mechanisms are worthy of debate but at a high level one thing is clear: non-renewable generation has and continues to receive billions of dollars in support. In terms of support the PV industry has received a comparative drop in the ocean, but it has a role to play in the future energy mix of every country including Australia. It therefore deserves equitable, transparent and appropriate support. Like any industry, the security of investment is critical and this needs a guarantee of certainty that comes from appropriate, well thought out legislation right across the country. The recent New South Wales PV policy debate is a case in point. I was privileged to be involved in modelling and presentation to the former NSW state government when it was considering its options for a Feed-in Tariff in January 2009. The PV industry was aligned in its views that a rate of around 45 cents per kilowatthour was required based on system pricing at that time and that adjustments and monitoring would be required. We were focused on trying to drive well modelled, appropriate policy. As history now shows, politics took precedence over good policy and an overly generous 60 cent tariff was introduced. Industry warned of the likely result but our calls went unheeded, the program was mismanaged and it took off. With the best of intentions, the government simply threw us the keys to the car like a Mum who is too soft and said “go for it” while Dad was out. Although the industry largely behaved responsibly, the appeal of such a scheme did not go unnoticed. Suddenly we had a bunch of new friends alongside us and it became a street race to take advantage of the opportunity while it lasted. Those with a sense of maturity eased off the throttle a little, seeing the potential consequences looming ever larger but the excitement was too much to bear for some and they got reckless. When we finally hit the wall with a new government in NSW, “Dad” was furious to say the least, accusing us of reckless behaviour, taking the car and our allowance – retrospectively for the past two years. Growing up is never easy and sometimes painful. We are all now left to clean up the mess. Bankruptcies, unscrupulous
Key Australian PV industry metrics 100000
2003 2010
10000
2011e 1000
100
10
1 MW p/a
Total Retail value cumulative $M p/a installed MW
Direct jobs
Number of Average net accredited price per Watt, installers residential
greed, dangerous practices and scams have been uncovered as a result of this over-generosity. Although they are a minority they have tarnished us all and we have a lot of hard work ahead to absolve ourselves. Fortunately, the industry dug deep, cleaned itself up and tackled the issue head on convincing the Government we were serious and surprising them with our maturity, prowess and strength. Being a reasonable man, Premier O’Farrell admitted that he might have overreacted a little in the heat of the moment and gave us our allowance back which is just as well because we had promised to share it with all our good friends.
considered manner. Maybe Dad needs to stop taking advice from his mates and see someone who understands our issues better; or he could even sit down and listen to us. And thirdly, we need to be recognised as a maturing, thoughtful and generally well behaved industry. It’s time we were listened to and consulted far more, and we’re even prepared to take responsibility for these decisions as a trade-off for the authority. We have a wealth of knowledge, a growing group of intelligent and highly informed peers and
“The crossroads we are now at is highly significant … it is time the Government and the head-in-the-sand lobby started to see PV as a huge opportunity rather than a threat.” Planning to buy our own car Our industry is now at a new crossroads having learnt some valuable lessons over the past few years. We can’t stop growing; it’s inevitable, appropriate and increasingly necessary, but to really mature we are going to have to make some tough decisions. First, we probably need to develop a better filter to choose our ‘friends’. Our industry accreditation program is world class but needs a complete overhaul to minimise installation risks, increase compliance audit requirements and react faster. We also need a whole new way of managing responsibility; at the moment the installer cops all the heat when in the majority of cases poor behaviour is driven by undue pressure and cost cutting from owners and managers. Maybe Mum needs to see a counsellor. Secondly, we need to get some independence into our policy arena. As long as politicians with short life cycles are in control we will continue to get short-term politically driven policy outcomes designed to primarily win votes rather than guide us down the road in a sensible, well
we represent the future. We know you’d prefer a ’67 Chevy but it is 2011 after all; we want a late model Prius with some technological wizardry at a great price. I’m sorry you don’t quite get it, but you need to learn to engage and trust us. The crossroads we are now at is highly significant. The steam-aged infrastructure that we rely on won’t and can’t vanish overnight but we do have an opportunity to take the stress off it and embrace a new future. It is time the Government and the head-in-the-sand lobby started to see PV as a huge opportunity rather than a threat. Hundreds of thousands of Australians have proven that they “intrinsically love the thought of generating their own clean, green energy” and all it takes is an economic proposition in the right ball-park.
Nigel Morris is owner manager of solar energy consultancy SolarBusinessServices based in Manly, NSW. www.solarbusiness.com.au
SolarProgress | 23
Political perspectives
Stirring SUPPORT Strength in numbers, powerful emotions and potent messages produce the desired result: status quo of NSW FiTs. Solar consultant Wayne Smith reports on the rally. IT WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY SIGHT. Up to 2000 people packed into the square in front of Sydney’s historic Customs House calling on the O’Farrell Government to stop its plan to retrospectively slash payments to householders who had already installed solar panels. The Australian Solar Energy Society thought 400 people might turn up. That number was exceeded half an hour before the Solar Rally kick-off. And still they came. The hall was quickly filled, the balcony packed, no room to move in the spill-over room and the foyer overflowing. The decision was quickly made to abandon the original room and to take the people out into the people’s square. And it was there that the voices were truly heard. A deal’s a deal. There can be no retrospective changes to government guaranteed contracts. The backlash against the NSW Government’s retrospective changes has been strong and constant. Where once the solar industry would meekly accept the solar policy rollercoaster, it was clear this was a threshold issue. This was an issue that not only threatened the solar industry; it also hurt more than 100,000 families. And in the thousands those families made phone calls and wrote e-mails to MPs. They called talkback radio and wrote letters to editors. It is hard to imagine any legislator of good conscience supporting a measure that so fundamentally undermined the rule of law and which so clearly breached the Government’s election commitment.
The right outcome The people spoke and the New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell responded. His words of June 7 2011: “The NSW Government will not proceed with planned changes to the Solar Bonus Scheme. I have listened to community and backbench concerns about the retrospective nature of the changes. “It had also become clear that the crossbenchers in the Upper House would not support the planned changes and they will not proceed. “I wanted to do everything possible to reduce the cost to taxpayers of the Solar Bonus Scheme and keep a lid on electricity prices. However, I am a realist and there is no point putting up legislation to the Upper House which is going to be rejected. “I have listened to the concerns of those who entered the scheme in good faith and this decision should give them the certainty they need.”
Turning point The words of the Law Society of South Australia from August 2010 should ring in legislators’ ears: ‘Retrospective legislation is inimical to our system of law and democracy.’ The backlash against the NSW Government’s proposed retrospective changes was a turning point for Australia’s solar industry because it showed what the industry can achieve when it works in a coordinated, strategic manner. It sent a message to other Governments to reject any suggestions of retrospective changes to their own feed-in tariffs and it showed what could be achieved by actively promoting a positive vision of a clean energy future. The challenge for the solar industry is to continue to work in a coordinated and strategic manner, delivering professional advocacy and communications. The challenge is to take the harsh response to an unacceptable policy decision and shape that into a positive movement supporting a consistent national feed-in tariff and the challenge is to tap into the very strong levels of public support for solar to build a strong and sustainable residential, commercial and large-scale solar industry. Wayne Smith is the Director of Clean Economy Services, a renewable energy consulting firm. His clients include the Australian Solar Energy Society, which believes that certainty and consistency in policy should extend across all sectors of the solar energy industry.
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Comment corner
Some like it HOTTER Solahart’s Brian Callaghan expects the solar hot water industry to be buoyant over the next 12 months, but beyond that the landscape looks uncertain. While the road for solar hot water has not been quite as rocky as it has been of late for our PV cousins we have certainly faced our fair share of ups and downs in recent times. In fact the recent PV boom directly impacted on the growth of solar water heating as market conditions made it too attractive to resist solar power even when a household had an aging electric water heater. Having said that, we have probably had more ups than downs and, with a Government plan to phase out electric water heaters on the horizon, we see a potentially positive future for our industry so long as the there is still a level of Government support.
Boom times The 2009 calendar year was an extraordinary one for the solar water heating industry in Australia. We were presented with a perfect storm of high REC prices, a very strong federal government rebate and some strong state based incentives (particularly in NSW) which combined with historically low interest rates put Australian consumers in the mood to buy – and more than 200,000 took the plunge. Since those heady days a combination of falling REC prices, a reduction in the federal and some state rebates, rising interest rates and the growth of PV has seen the industry drop back by about 30%. Considering the number of factors against solar hot water in 2010 and so far in 2011 the industry is holding steady at around 150,000 units per annum.
If their property is connected to natural gas many will probably choose an efficient natural gas water heater with an upfront cost of about half that of a solar alternative. This may seem a good option however with the rise of LNG many are predicting some very steep natural gas price rises in the coming years as Australian producers look to export more of the liquefied form of the gas into more lucrative off shore markets. This will push up the annual cost of a gas water heater and mean that over the life of the appliance it may end up costing a lot more than a solar water heater which has considerably lower running costs. Those without natural gas will be even worse off if they choose an LPG fed gas water heater instead of solar as the annual running cost is already extremely high.
“We are calling on all levels of Government to maintain support for solar water heating to keep it affordable for the average family.”
The current market
… the best solution
Electric water heating is the biggest user of power in Australian homes (around 25% of total) so with rising electricity prices being such a concern for households there is still a demand for solar hot water. Building codes also ensure a certain number of virtually guaranteed sales. The other factor driving the business is the ever increasing consumer knowledge that electric water heaters are planned to be phased out in 2012 (no definite date as yet), so many households are choosing to make the switch to solar hot water now while rebates are in play even though their existing water heater is still working. The overwhelming majority of our customers have a working water heater when they call us meaning that it is a conscious decision to buy a solar water heater to either save money or help the environment (or both) and get in before the $1000 Federal Government rebate runs out next June.
Decisions, decisions …
The best outcome for households will clearly be solar water heating. Our fear however is that the higher upfront cost will put off many, as a water heater is already normally a “grudge purchase”. This is why we are calling on all levels of Government to maintain support for solar water heating to keep it affordable for the average family. We are particularly concerned about rental properties where landlords could conceivably take the easy (cheaper) option of a gas water heater leaving the future burden of high bills to tenants – and the least likely members of the community to be able to afford them. The next 12 months should be solid for solar hot water as households buy in before the rebate goes. From there it will be very interesting – solar will either become the mainstream of water heating or continue to be what everyone agrees is a great idea but only a relatively few take up. Time will tell…
Assuming that the phase out of electric water heaters does go ahead, it will leave householders with an interesting decision to make when their electric water heater breaks down. They will have to replace it with either a solar water heater or some type of gas water heater.
Brian Callaghan is National Business Development Manager Solahart Industries Pty Ltd. www.solahart.com.au
26 | WINTER 2011
Accuracy at all times The Trade Practices Act (now known as the Competition and Consumer Act) promotes competition and fair-trading and provides consumer protection. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is keen to ensure that small businesses understand their responsibilities in advertising and promotion, and offers help at www.accc.gov.au Solar retailers and suppliers must substantiate performance claims and ensure statements about related financial assistance programs are accurate. In a joint warning to the industry, Australian consumer protection agencies have called on solar power retailers to comply with the Australian Consumer Law and ensure their claims are true. ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said when advertising solar power systems retailers must be vigilant and take all
reasonable steps to ensure consumers are not misled. “It’s easy for consumers to be dazzled by energy and money saving claims or new technology and equations presented by socalled experts. Retailers are on notice that they must be able to support and back-up these types of performance and savings claims,” he said. “Claims should be clear and unambiguous and should not include technical or scientific jargon that suggests certain capabilities or effects that cannot be substantiated.” In response to consumer demand for ‘clean and green’ energy, governments across Australia offer financial assistance to help consumers offset the set-up costs of installing solar power systems in their homes. “Recent advertising by solar retailers about these financial assistance schemes coming to
an end can give consumers the false impression they will miss out on savings if they don’t act now,” Mr Samuel said. “The initial investment in a solar power system can be very expensive, so it is important that retailers don’t pressure householders into rash decisions.” He advised that the timing of changes to the available financial assistance can vary so consumers should check the Office of the Renewable Regulator website (www.orer.gov. au) for more information. Information about the Australian Government’s small scale renewable energy scheme is freely available at www.orer.gov.au and www.solaraccreditation.com.au See also the article about the AuSES Solar Best Practice Program on pages 12-14 of this magazine and visit http:// solarbestpractice.org.au/solarbestpractice
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Around the nation
State
tas AuSES Tasmania – Matthew Pettit, President Branch email: matthew.pettit@bigpond.com
nt AuSES Northern Territory – Jai Singh, Chair Branch email: NTbranch@auses.org.au Since 1996, AuSES (NT Branch) has been offering two student awards: one for the best student in the second year physics quantum mechanics unit, and another for best Ph.D. project at the Charles Darwin University. Each of these awards comprises one-year student membership to AuSES, a certificate and a cheque for $250. The best student award takes place every year and has now evolved into “For the best student in ENG426: Renewable Energy unit” offered as a fourth year engineering unit at CDU. The other award is only presented when there is a suitable applicant in any year. We have also been sponsoring each year the Sustainability Award offered by the Engineer’s Australia (NT) for several years and it is equivalent to $500. The objective of these activities is to promote AuSES awareness.
Solar Panel Bulk-buy program AuSES (NT) initiated a bulk-buy solar panel program in 2009 and invited tenders from the Australian companies for the installation of solar panels. EcoKinetics Brisbane won the tender and in collaboration with CoolMob, the project attracted a huge interest from the local Darwin Community. It has been a very successful activity and resulted in installation of 1kW – 5kW systems on more than 300 houses to date in the Darwin. 28 | WINTER 2011
nsw AuSES NSW – Graham Hunt, President Branch email: gehunt@netspace.net.au Thanks to the Institute of Sustainable Futures at University of Technology Sydney, which provides our meeting venue, the NSW branch of AuSES meets regularly on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Broadway Campus of UTS. Speakers at our meetings so far this year have included: Dr. Iain McGill on ‘Integrating renewable energy sources and electric vehicles into the electricity grid; Dr. Justin Blows on Intellectual Property; and Dr Ian Plumb on ‘Hydrogen: generation, storage, transport, use and safety’. In June Paul Petersen from Aerogenesis presented ‘The ins and outs of small scale wind turbines’. The July meeting will feature a presentation on building heating systems. A regular segment called Future Directions showcases a young person working in the renewable/clean tech sector. Some of these short presentations have been very inspirational, with the presenter highlighting the current and future challenges within the industry. We collaborate closely with the Sydney Central branch of the ATA on a variety of activities including outdoor events. On July 10 we will be at the North Sydney Coal Loader Sustainability Centre. There has been much activity during the past few months with the campaign to overturn the negative retrospective legislation for the NSW Feed-in-Tariff. AuSES CEO John Grimes spearheaded the successful campaign by interested parties to get the new NSW Liberal government to back down. We thank all for their support but now we need to work hard to get a fair and equitable, nationally consistent FiT adopted.
AuSES Tasmania pamphlet in the making The Tasmanian branch has developed a great education program for builders in conjunction with the Tasmanian Building & Construction Industry Training Board (TBCITB) and Workplace Standards Tasmania. To date we have conducted three ‘sell-out’ seminars in Hobart, with another scheduled for Launceston. The course content covers: A Carbon Neutral Tasmania, Insulation, Energy Rating Systems, Building Design & Materials, Solar Hot Water and Solar Buildings. Also delivered are two tutorial sessions: Arithmetic – calculating R-values, U-values, conductivity, resistivity; Measurement – Home Auditing; Steady State – Calculating thermal performance of a house; Chaos Theory – The economy & global warming. Another project occupying the branch is a pamphlet on design principals of solar houses in cool temperate climates, designed as an educational tool for builders, designers and the general public. This pamphlet is being handed out at expos that the group attends and at the seminars. If anyone is interested in the pamphlet please contact the email below and we will forward you a copy. In August the Tasmanian branch is staging a bus tour of five solar efficient houses in the Hobart region. Contact Matthew if interested.
wa AuSES Western Australia - Garry Baverstock AM, President Branch email: editor@auses.org.au G.Baverstock@solar-e.com The cornerstone of our rejuvenation of AuSES in WA is the mentor program. A key element of developing this program is the engagement of our members with the universities. Building on the relationship that AuSES has developed with universities, it has been unanimously decided to host our winter/summer solstices and autumn/spring equinox meetings at one of our universities. Our ‘Mentor’ subcommittee comprising Dr Mary Dale, Dr Bill Parker and myself plan to continue on with this approach and implement appropriate strategies that in time will definitive AuSES activity at state branch level. Our branch meetings will incorporate what we term a ‘solar beers’ networking event to attract younger members and gain traction of our emerging mentor scheme. Apart from university students we are focusing on young professionals in the science, engineering and architecture
advisory committee member, our inaugural meeting was held at SEA in Northbridge, Perth in March. It was a positive start to rebuilding the society. An outstanding talk was given by Mr Andrew Hall of Bright Generation P/L on innovation and venture capital. Many young professionals attended this event and have since joined AuSES. More recently we had Prof. David Harries talking about the impacts of electric vehicles. As this year develops, we are looking forward to collaborating more with SEA especially at their International Convention in Perth, dovetailing our mentor scheme into their program hopefully, to help develop future movers and shakers. We are currently planning a prize system for our WA students who are selected delivering the best papers each in the categories of the National Conference. We are considering setting up a session at the SEA convention where these winners can be showcased.
professions to bring this lifeblood activity back to life in WA. The 1970s and 1980s were very successful mentoring periods in this state as many solar water heating engineers and business proprietors were regular attendees at the ISES branch meetings and attracted many young professionals. The Society’s history goes into more detail and is available on the AuSES website With valued assistance from Ray Wills, CEO of SEA and now an
There will be three more seasonal meetings for AuSES in Perth. We are putting much effort into creating a basic platform that other state branches may like to follow in due course, should the mentor strategy deliver the outcomes we are expecting. We are interested in having a PR consultant to join our committee to expand our exposure for our meetings and events from hereon. Please contact us via email if you are interested.
SolarProgress | 29
Around the nation
vic sa
AuSES Victoria – David Ferrari, Chair Branch email: VICBranch@auses.org.au
qld
AuSES South Australia – Stewart Martin, Chair
AuSES Queensland – Antony Sachs, President
Branch email: stewart.martin@unisa.edu.au
Branch email: qldbranch@auses.org.au
One of the major solar initiatives undertaken in SA is the Shaw Method of Air Conditioning (SMAC). The SMAC TM system is a patented technology developed by Dr Alan Shaw of the University of Adelaide and marketed by SMAC Technologies, which has the ability to reduce HVAC loads in buildings worldwide by 30- 50%. This is achieved through the use of twin coil technology which permits independent control of the sensible and latent loads of the air-conditioned space (not traditionally available in conventional systems). This allows the chilled water temperature to be up to 15°C, prevents ‘over cooling’ in humid climates and reduces or eliminates reheat requirements. Outside air is pre-treated through a dehumidification coil and cooled with chilled water before contacting the inside air. The supply air is treated by the second coil which belongs to the original system. The SMAC Process decouples latent loads (humidity) and sensible loads (temperature) and via copyright protected integrated control algorithms continuously optimises air conditioning energy consumption. The technology can be installed as new into a building or retrofitted with minimum disruption to existing systems. Examples of the use of the system include the West Wing of the Art Gallery of South Australia where it has been operating for over five years with savings of 50% on cooling, 60% on heating and improved temperature and humidity control. It was also installed in 2010 in the Local Government Super Building in Sussex St, Sydney which along with an upgrade of the lighting system has resulted in a 51% reduction in the energy consumption of the 10 storey building and the lowest energy intensity (274 MJ/m2/yr) of any commercial office in the Sydney CBD. For more information and images: www. smactec.com/index.html 30 | WINTER 2011
Keeping Echuca Hospital cool and comfortable One notable development in Victoria is the Echuca Hospital Solar Cooling project. Solar cooling uses heat from the sun to drive a thermal cooling process. Solar cooling systems typically consists of a solar collector system (collector field and storage tank) and a sorption chiller which produces cooled water that is supplied to any type of air-conditioning equipment (eg air handling units, fan-coils, chilled ceilings). There is also the potential to combine this technology with solar domestic hot water supply and solar space heating. Sustainability Victoria partly funded the replacement of two electric air-conditioning systems with a solar cooling installation at Echuca Regional Health hospital through the Renewable Energy Support Fund. The project reduces peak electricity demand, fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The solar field has 102 evacuated tube collectors (442m2) that feed 95°C hot water to an absorption chiller (500kW cooling capacity) reducing its natural gas consumption. When the absorption chiller is not in use the hot water from the collector field is used for the domestic hot water demand or stored in hot water tanks for later use. The solar collector field is backed up by a gas burner that secures the hot water supply to the absorption chiller and the comfort levels in the airconditioned buildings. The cooling system was installed in early 2011. It is expected that the solar cooling system saves annually 1,400 tonnes CO2-eq and $60,000 in energy bills. The project also saves investment costs in upgrading the hospital’s electricity grid which was under stress due to increased electricity demand caused by rising air-conditioning demand.
AuSES Queensland has lined up a series of interesting speakers to address branch meetings and in mid-June members were privileged to hear a presentation by AuSES member Dr. Nur Demirbilek on the topic of climate-responsive building design. For many years Nur has been a leading researcher and lecturer in sustainable building design. Throughout her career, spanning seven universities and three countries, Nur has undertaken research and taught building design that is appropriate for an enormous range of climates and applications, from housing in sub-tropical Brisbane to an astronomical observatory on a mountain top in her native Turkey. Her research interests included use and control of solar energy, thermal performance analysis of buildings, colour and light. Nur has over 34 research publications, and is also well-recognised as an artist. Providing another perspective on this topic was Nur’s former student Britney Marsden, who last year shared second prize in an international climate responsive dwellings design competition. Britney discussed her entry in the competition and her experience in participating in such an international event. In August Craig Froome of the Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland will deliver a presentation on his trip to the US where he’s speaking with some of the leading solar energy research groups on solar energy and visiting solar installations and facilities in Arizona and elsewhere. One of Nur’s climate-responsive buildings in Turkey.
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Solar Cities
Magnetic power In this first of a seven-part series Solar Progress gains insight into developments at Magnetic Island which is one of Australia’s seven Solar Cities.
Bird’s eye view of beach March 19 2007 before cyclone Larry ripped through.
Free multi-crystalline solar panels – tick. Smart meters – installed at no cost. Energy saving CFL light globes - on the freebie list. Water saving showerheads – supplied. Just some of the benefits of living on Magnetic Island which was earmarked as a Solar City back in 2004 in the trial aimed at reducing peak energy demand and electricity usage. Residents of Magnetic Island are also supplied with a hose gun; these and showerheads are supplied for more than one good reason: the island lacks potable water so all supplies are pumped over from mainland. The less water used, the less power used in pumping across the hilly island. With a multi-million dollar stake in the project Ergon Energy does its best to ensure the CFL and LED globes lighting that is supplied do not gather dust. “If you present people with a box of energy saving globes the chances are they will sit in the box unused till an old one blows, so a Solar City Energy Assessor switches them over on installation,” said Julie Heath who is the project’s Community Engagement Manager. “In the changeover we have removed close to 360kW of energy demand.” Reduced power use has also stemmed from heightened awareness – again with thanks to technology.
Get smart Since February 2008 1634 of the target 1700 smart meters have been installed. But what’s so clever about them? Measuring electricity in 30-minute intervals produces a real-time record of how much electricity is being used at any stage, and this is communicated via an in-house display that enables residents to better understand and control their electricity use. Landis and Gyr – previously Ampy – is the name behind those meters. “Equipped with a communications module they are able to talk to each other as well as the local data centre,” Heath said. “They have an ability to send messages that could be useful in upcoming tariff trials.” “EcoMeter in–house displays provide feedback on their use in real 32 | WINTER 2011
time, in a bid to help householders modify behavior to limit use,” she explained. “Reducing energy use during the peak hours of six and nine pm when people arrive home from work, flick on the TV or PC, cook dinner and turn on the air conditioner is part and parcel of initiatives.”
PVs a plenty Island dwellers have the opportunity to host Ergon Energy solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that collectively will amount to 800 kilowatts of solar PV on homes, businesses and community buildings across Magnetic Island. Residential installations rated at 1.5 to 4.5kW of energy, and commercial 8 to 23kW, will eventually generate close to one megawatthour a day of renewable energy on average every year, with updated and more efficient new technology installed when it becomes available To date 182 PVsystems have been installed - a bit less than half originally planned – adding up to 514 kW of generating capacity. The multi-crystalline panels rated at 135 or 210W are supplied courtesy of Kyocera (Kyoto Ceramic Company), with the DC power generated being converted to AC using SMA Sunny Boy inverters. Long-term supply contracts were locked in at the start of the Solar City project for meters, PV panels and inverters.
Deferment of infrastructure What is in all of this for Ergon Energy? According to Heath, back in 2004 the energy company was modeling population growth indicators, and forecasts revealed that electricity supplies to the island would need to be supplemented in 2009. It’s a costly proposition: power is supplied via two undersea cables and the price tag for a third cable could be a hefty $20 million. The investment has been deferred by about seven years following energy reductions brought about working with the community to reduce peak demand and overall consumption, and also by the transition to solar power.
The small community of
Magnetic Island is embracing the transition to solar power which to date has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by
30,000 tonnes. But how close is that to the target?
Research indicates people are marginally more conscious of energy use once PVs have been installed on rooftops, with 55% of premises reducing consumption. The most recent available figures at the time of the interview were for May which indicated a 16% reduction overall in consumption since the beginning of the project. Measurement is key to the project and Magnetic Island, with its clear physical demographics and electricity network boundaries, was ideally placed to partake in the Government’s $94 million Solar Cities program along with Adelaide, Blacktown in NSW, Alice Springs, Central Victoria, Moreland (Coburg just north of Melbourne) and Perth.
To market In the early days of the project an office base was set up on the island, while a more permanent home was constructed in a refurbished building in Horseshoe Bay. Community based marketing techniques have been pivotal to reinforcing the message and gaining acceptance. “Traditional methods such as surveys have been employed but Ergon also places high value on face-to-face research aimed at understanding barriers and benefits that motivate or deter people from saving electricity,” Heath explained. In a program that commenced in early February 2008 and concluded earlier this year, about 1337 residents and 157 businesses received a free in-house energy assessment that runs for up to two hours. “Assessors make recommendations for reducing energy and ask people if they want to host PVs on their property,” Heath explained. “Not all people view this as a benefit; some are nervous for example about the impact of cyclones but our trained installers use existing screw holes and all work is certified and sound.” “At the outset we listed the range of energy and water saving products provided. There is more: residents are offered $500 to switch to gas for cooking (a move that happily coincided with the stimulus package) and a $50 incentive to buy an LCD TV rather than plasma. “We’ve learnt that small incentives work as well as large … a little bit
can tip people over, for example our $500 incentive for solar or gas hot water or heat pump is well received. “And after the complimentary assessment they are left with devices in what we call the goodies bag containing free energy-saving devices and an energy saving booklet that is all part of the awareness raising technique.”
Barriers, benefits and measurements Useful material relating to so-called barriers and benefits that motivate or deter people from saving electricity has been gleaned via surveys. Conducted back in 2007 the original survey identified the top barriers to energy efficiency as increased cost, insufficient information, too difficult to change, living in rented premises etc. These and other insights have provided Ergon with some clear directions for action on the project, some of which have been conveyed to government stakeholders. Other data has been collected and collated in the mission to reduce wasteful energy usage, increase solar energy usage and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50,000 tonnes, wiping the equivalent of 1700 cars from the roads. To late April 2011 cumulative emission reduction was 29,052 greenhouse tonnes i.e. 58% of the target. The project is on track to achieve the full target by June 2013, which marks the end of trial. “We have worked hard to promote long-term behavior change and data shows that Magnetic Island residents have saved thirty percent on energy bills in the few months following their energy assessment and on average they are still saving 10-11% around 18 months down the track, so there are some long term changes.” The project is earmarked to run for another two years but maintenance of Ergon owned panels and fittings will continue beyond 2013. Today, the question on the minds of many is: would it be possible to power Magnetic Island entirely from solar energy alone at some point in the near or more distant future? SolarProgress | 33
AuSES Q&A
SilexSolar’s singular success As Australia’s only large-scale manufacturer of solar cells and panels at the SOP PV manufacturing facility, SilexSolar is a significant player in Australia’s clean energy industry. Charged with the task of driving developments at SilexSolar, Rod Seares is a busy man. A subsidiary of parent ASX listed Silex Systems, SilexSolar has been ramping
Solar Progress caught up with General Manager Rod Seares for an update on recent developments at the company and to learn his views on the state of the solar industry.
Rod Seares has spent more than a decade in Solar around the world, including four years in Maryland, USA at BP’s ‘largest vertically integrated’ solar plant as Director of Operations of North American Solar Manufacturing. Rod has also spent time in China, and gained a solid grounding across the whole manufacturing value stream of solar energy. 34 | WINTER 2011
up activities at what is now the Southern hemisphere’s largest integrated photovoltaic (PV) cell and solar panel manufacturing plant. Among the recent advances are an online ordering system for customers that reduces delivery times and enables smaller orders; installation of new equipment including one massive laminator and the introduction of a new robotic assembly system to speed up panel manufacturing. To keep the wheels turning and shelves stocked with product, the plant now operates around the clock. The new efforts are winning the company impressive customers: part of the Senate Wing roof at Parliament House in Canberra now sports the company’s solar panels. Since late 2009, the group has invested over $40 million in Solar Technology in Australia (Silex Solar and Solar Systems, a second subsidiary based in Melbourne developing a utility scale PV technology for Solar Power Stations) at a crucial time in an industry that continues to advance at a rapid rate – despite changes in State and Federal policies, clawbacks and drawbacks. Rod took us behind-the-scenes to bring us up-to-date on their state-of-the-art systems.
$/Watt. We have made quite reasonable technology progress, conversion efficiencies are approaching 18% but we have a way to go to reach 20%. There is a technology plan to achieve that and we are progressing well. We were fortunate in being able to purchase the plant from BP which had invested over $70 million in capital since 2000. We have since built on this base. We bought the plant for $6.5 million and employed key ex-BP staff with decades of experience developed here in Australia, and that’s how we quickly developed the expertise. SP: How has SilexSolar successfully coped with rising demand? RS: Our parent company has enabled SilexSolar to update and invest in new technology and equipment, and this has enabled us to become more productive while producing more panels than the plant ever did in the past. Specifically this capacity has come about as we have added to and re-equipped parts of the plant and deployed new robots and automation. Our productivity has continued to improve, and must continue to do so in this fast moving solar market. Ultimately everyone has a long term goal of less cost to enable us to reach grid parity as quickly as possible.
Solar Progress (SP): How advanced is SilexSolar in developing advanced monosilicon processing to achieve conversion efficiencies in commercial quantities and
SP: You recently launched an online ordering system. Does this diminish the role of your distributors? RS: Not at all - our key distributors remain very important and also benefit from the new system. The new system has been up and
at low cost? Rod Seares (RS): Although our plant is capable of producing both multi-crystalline and mono-crystalline cells, we have chosen mono-crystalline silicon at present as it gives the highest efficiency. Mono is more expensive, but it produces more power and hence better
running since around Easter this year, and our aim is to enhance service to all our customers. Our new internet kiosk computer system controls all of our company operations and is a good portal for customers, around the clock they can see what’s in stock and place and track orders. It’s internet web browser based,
real time, mobile accessible and really this sort of technology was not available in a costeffective way five years ago. We are now targeting those who were not
RS: No our direction has not changed. The group sees Solar Systems (CPV) and Silex Solar (PV) as different but complementary technology. The group can now cover
buying from us. Other advantages are that our customers can buy smaller quantities from us, as little as a pallet (25 or 30 panels) and it will be sent out quite promptly. By contrast if you want to buy direct from factories in Asia, you usually need to order in container load sizes, pay up front (with exposure to fluctuating foreign exchange rates) and then wait for your order to arrive six weeks later if you’re lucky! Of course customers can also buy direct from our distributors who enjoy other price breaks because they buy and stock larger quantities from us. We are mindful of price-points and what is appropriate for different market segments.
projects and manufacturing technology from small residential systems; to medium scale commercial systems all the way up to large Utility scale Solar Power Stations. The application depends on the location and size of the project. The new Solar Systems factory at Abbotsford was purpose built to produce their “Dense Array” unique CPV technology. This facility will be capable of producing approximately 500MW of CPV receiver module capacity per annum. It’s a very exciting breakthrough technology. The factory is at the final stages of being reconfigured for the latest advances in technology for very high efficiency cells (triple junction 40%+). They are also refining and relaunching some of their really big
SP: How did SilexSolar successfully gain the tender to install PV panels at Parliament House in Canberra? RS: As CEO Dr Michael Goldsworthy said:“It was a very competitive bidding process, and the outcome showcases the quality of SilexSolar’s photovoltaic technology.” This is a measure of confidence by the Australian government in Australian technology and manufacturing. We worked very closely with our consortium partner Todae Solar on this project, and together we have completed the job in good time for a government contract. The lead-up time was surprisingly fast. The tender was released at Christmas 2010, closed in February and awarded in April, with work installed in May and commissioned in June. It’s now operational. SP: Has your direction shifted since taking over Solar Systems in early 2010?
“Our goal medium term is to have a solar panel directly producing AC power incorporating a good storage unit. This can be done now, but it needs to produce power at or less than Grid parity prices. Imagine where solar will go then and the difference it could make!”
projects, utility-scale deployments like power stations (Mildura etc). Solar Systems have a number of facilities in Victoria. In addition to the factory at Abbotsford there is a 160kW CPV demonstration dish site at Bridgewater near Bendigo. Overall there is about 1.5MW of Solar Systems installations around Australia. SP: What are the unique characteristics of Australia’s solar industry? RS: Because Australia has a strong economy and an excellent sunlight resource, people love ‘solar’. Our three billion dollar (and growing) domestic solar industry has become very attractive for overseas businesses and they are increasingly targeting Australia as a good destination for their solar products to earn very significant export dollars. Competition is intense. So I believe we need to be very careful to take this opportunity to build a domestic solar manufacturing industry now in parallel SolarProgress | 35
AuSES Q&A
The Genesis of SilexSolar Silex Systems Limited was established by Dr Michael Goldsworthy in 1998. Silex Systems Ltd was listed (ASX: SLX) in 1998. It has developed a unique laser-based technology for nuclear fuel production which is now being commercialised under license by GE-Hitachi Nuclear. SilexSolar was established in mid 2009 after Silex Systems Ltd acquired the manufacturing assets and equipment of the Sydney Olympic Park solar manufacturing facility from BP Solar. In 2011 SilexSolar’s annual manufacturing capacity is rated at approximately 40MW of solar cells and 35MW of solar modules. CEO Dr Goldsworthy believes it imperative that Australia develops a home grown all-encompassing solar power industry which provides jobs for young scientists, technicians and manufacturers.
He is also passionate about ensuring the commercialisation of Australian intellectual property takes place in Australia, rather than this occurring overseas with the loss of significant export earnings. As one of Australia’s leading technology proponents, contributing to significant advances in innovation and commercialisation in solar energy, Dr Goldsworthy was recently awarded the prestigious James Cook Medal. Dr Goldsworthy has led three capital raisings on the market of $40 million (1999) and $50 million (2007) and last year successfully raised approximately $110 million, as well as being responsible for raising additional project funding of over $350 million through various partnerships and Government funding initiatives.
with imports, or otherwise most of our solar technology, jobs, investments and supporting government expenditure ends up primarily benefiting overseas economies. We need to quickly develop a framework to support local industry and Australian jobs first, by putting appropriate and effective policies and programs in place. SP: You are reported as stating that the Australian PV market has been somewhat volatile in recent times ... what needs to be done to smooth the ride? RS: It seems like every few months or so over the past few years the rules or policies have changed over feed in tariffs and installation incentives. There have been new schemes, schemes ended or suspended, replacements and announcement of futures schemes or targets which then change! So many people have compared our industry to that of a roller coaster ride, which unfortunately between changes (dips in the ride) has seen long vacuums in support for several months or quarters. The solar industry needs longer term certainty. When you are investing in a business you need to know what the future holds so you can plan on that. But if you are unsure whether a scheme will be in place or changed tomorrow it’s hard to make plans or make a project bankable or to finance. We need industry policies to stimulate low or preferably no carbon energy production that are not too generous and not too pessimistic, policies that strike the right balance for investment and incentive, are sustainable and have a set lifetime. 36 | WINTER 2011
SP: Who or what is driving the industry? RS: I think solar is still seen as an industry that can do good for the world environment, but increasingly entrepreneurs, investors, pension funds and others now want to take the opportunity to make an income from solar. In the previous decade the industry was more R&D focused, but it is now becoming almost mainstream and big business. Globally rising electricity prices, energy security and certainty are becoming increasingly important drivers for our industry.
be strong. It is currently averaging above an annual 40% growth rate annually over the past decade, albeit starting from a low base. It is estimated that last year there was over 10,000 people directly working in Solar in Australia. The Australian solar market was estimated at over two billion dollars last year, it could be three billion dollars or more this year, and up to 15,000 working in it. But still Solar in Australia only supplies less than one percent of Australia’s electricity – so we have a long way to go before we catch up with other forms of electricity generation. One of the great things about solar energy is how it is distributed. For many applications to power a 3kW house in peak times, you do not need to build an energy factory at some remote site and pump in lots of raw materials to consume, then transport and distribute power over large distances. You simply position it on top of the house or building that needs the power and generate it there. That is where solar will go. However Solar doesn’t work of a night, so the Holy Grail is energy storage, which is not quite economically viable at present. But people are working on storage and eventually we will have a cost effective solution. So what does the future hold? Our goal medium term is to have a solar panel directly producing AC power incorporating a good storage unit. This can be done now, but it needs to produce power at or less than Grid parity prices. Imagine where solar will go then and the difference it could make!
SP: What does the future hold? RS: The global future for solar is exciting. The long term growth rate will continue to
For more information: www.silex.com.au | www.silexsolar.com www.solarsystems.com.au
Building in Oodnadatta? Before you start, there is a better way to ensure that you get the building orientation, and shading, the solar hot water system and the PV system all optimised for best results. Never heard of Oodnadatta? Do not worry.
Australian Solar Radiation Data Handbook includes: • 48 data tables for each of 28 locations around Australia • 55 Maps (seven in full colour) • 17 Appendices on the science of irradiation and its measurement • Associated AUSOLRAD software that generates tables from any orientation, tilt, overhang and ground albedo
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For more information and to order your copy of Australian Solar Radiation Data Handbook from $104 visit www.auses.org.au/solar-radiation-handbook
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Tech Talk
Technical Corner
In this section technical guru Glen Morris look at the nuts and bolts of solar equipment and reviews safety. Through his business SolarQuip, Glen Morris has been installing renewables both on and off-grid for over 20 years. Glen consults for the CEC, is a member of their Standards Training and Accreditation Committee, is a member of Standards Australia EL-042 Committee, teaches renewables at various TAFEs, is a board member of AuSES, and has been a system auditor for both the CEC and NZ Government. Glen has lived off grid for the past 20 years – currently at one of Australia’s oldest intentional communities in the Yarra Ranges near Melbourne.
DC circuit breakers DC circuit breakers have been commonly used in PV arrays as DC load breaking isolators, but there are some important safety considerations that need to be made when installing these devices.
A
B
C
To Inverter
From PV
D
To Inverter
+
-
+
-
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
-
+
-
+
-
+
To Inverter
From PV
From PV
From PV
OFF
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ABB non-polarized circuit breaker and Moeller polarized circuit breaker
To Inverter
Correct arrangements for polarized circuit breakers AS/NZS5033 requires that there is a load breaking, lockable isolator in the PV array cable. In a grid-connected system without batteries this is commonly achieved by using a polarised DC breaker as a load break isolator. The reasoning being that until quite recently there were very few DC load break switches available with a suitable voltage rating. If you are going to use a polarised DC breaker as the PV array DC isolator then you must ensure that it is installed correctly particularly with respect to the polarity of each side of the breaker.
38 | WINTER 2011
Confusion has arisen because of the assumption that the + and - markings on the breaker (sometimes only on one side, sometimes both) indicate the polarity of the conductor that connects to it. This is wrong! Because these devices use an internal magnet to direct the DC arc into the arc chute they must have the current passing in the right direction through them. Thus the markings are really just direction of conventional current flow (think more like a diode’s markings).
Since the PV array is the source of current then the PV positive cable is the most positive and the PV negative cable the most negative. These must be connected to the matching markings on one side of the breaker. The inverter side should follow the same polarity through the breaker (i.e. if PV positive cable comes in on the left side then the inverter positive cable must connect to the corresponding left side). Failure to make this connection appropriately will turn the breaker into a potential fire risk when turned off under load.
PV systems suffering from voltage stress? Until just a few years ago PV system voltages were relatively low (200300V DC) due to the limitations of inverters on the market. However, in the past couple of years, we’ve seen a rapid escalation of the operating voltage of PV arrays due to the ever-increasing maximum DC voltage ratings of both isolated and non-isolated (transformerless) inverters. The push for higher system voltages comes firstly from the desire to improve efficiency by reducing cable losses while increasing inverter efficiency. Secondly, the aim is to streamline installation by making the wiring of the array simpler – higher maximum voltage means that longer strings of modules can be connected to the inverter. However, there are few down sides to this “race to the top” approach. The requirement for one or, in some states, two DC isolators on the PV array cable means that manufacturers of both DC isolators and DC circuit breakers have been struggling to provide this niche product as fast as system voltages have been rising. Adding to this problem is the potential for two faults (one either side of the isolator) or if using a non-isolating inverter or functionally earthed
become aware of – potential induced degradation (PID) or high-voltage stress (HVS). The phenomenon has been studied by the US based National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and even some module manufacturers (Solon) have been publishing papers on the problem. Reports of up to 30% loss of performance in a matter of three to four years have been made for systems operating in the 600-1000V range. The degradation is due to leakage current flowing from the cell through the encapsulation layer and through the glass to the frame. PV systems with an earth reference (ie transformerless inverter systems) will exhibit this effect more strongly. PID affects both crystalline and thin film modules equally. A third problem that higher DC voltages present is the rapidly increasing risk of arcing. Every series connection in the PV array is a potential arcing point. The quality of plug and socket connections; screw terminals and isolator/circuit breaker connection points all are at risk of arc failure if they become high resistant or loose. Experience has shown that even a relatively small amount of
array then just one fault on the array side and the full Voc of the array will be across just one leg of the isolating device. If this risk is to be mitigated then the isolator would need to be rated to Voc x 1.2 x 2 (1.2 is the low temperature safety margin required in AS/ NZS5033). For example a system consisting of say 11 modules with a Voc of 45V would require a DC isolator rated to 11 x 45 x 1.2 = 594V per conductor of the array (1188V double pole). There is another problem that PV researchers are just starting to
moisture condensing on the screw connectors in roof-top isolators is causing arcing and failure after only a matter of weeks or months. As system voltages climb the consequences and likelihood of failure increase almost exponentially. As a result of this last risk factor many industry experts suggest that limiting the maximum system voltage to around 600V on domestic PV systems would be a good idea. Lower system voltages may make your PV system last longer, perform better and be safer.
SolarProgress | 39
Tech Talk
In this section we take a bite-sized look at who is doing what in the fast moving world of solar energy.
Design Developments
Tigo tackles the weakest link
CMS’s intelligent inverter technology
Solar installations are designed to maximize power output across an entire system. The array, however, is limited by the weakest panel in a string and individual panel performance can vary dramatically due to dust and debris, temperature and degradation over time, creating as much as a 15% mismatch between the best and worst performing panels in a typical string. To help overcome these problems, Tigo Energy has introduced the Tigo Energy®Maximizer™ System which maximizes the output of each panel, harvesting power that is simply wasted today. Tigo Energy uses a unique method of “Impedance Matching” to achieve unprecedented efficiencies and accuracy in power control. The Tigo Energy solution places very simple electronics at the panel (the Tigo Energy® Module MaximizerTM) along with a highly-intelligent Tigo Energy® Maximizer Management UnitTM (MMU) to distribute the MPPT function. The Energy Module Maximizer contains analog sensing, communications and impedance matching power circuitry. The MMU communicates with each Module Maximizer, computes the maximum operating points, and provides an internet gateway to transmit performance data to the analysis engine. The solution uses a combination of real-time module and string-level information to accurately compute the optimal operating state of each module. It readjusts the module by a patented process of impedance matching. The Tigo Energy solution quickly and dynamically finds the maximum operating state for each panel and maintains system stability and the system can be configured in either a series or parallel configuration. Tigo Energy products are distributed in Australia by Solco, contactable on 1800 074 007.
The CMS Smart Series (SS) Inverters monitor both household consumption* and production of energy. Current inverters generally only measure household production and require the owner to physically go to the inverter to read the data, which is not always convenient. With the CMS SS Inverters the data is sent live to the Internet via its inbuilt web server and is visually illustrated by tables and graphs that anyone can read. Users can login anywhere each day, week, month or year and watch it online as it updates every 5 seconds with consumption and production data. With an internal memory which can hold up to 12 months of information, the CMS SS Inverters are revolutionizing the solar power industry so households have a better understanding of their solar power system and the electricity they consume and generate. Finally an uncomplicated, consumer friendly inverter anyone can read and make sense of. The CMS SS Inverters are produced and tested according to Australian standards and can be used for new solar power installations or in upgrades to existing inverters. CMS has been specialising in quality solar power products since 2002. Our headquarters boast state of the art research and development facilities, which invest heavily in innovative solar power technology.
40 | WINTER 2011
* SS Sensor to monitor consumption sold separately.
www.carbonmanagement.com.au
Solar Flagships launched: BP on Moree Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), BP Solar and Pacific Hydro have welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government that their joint proposal to build Australia’s first utility scale solar project, at Moree in the NSW Tablelands, was selected as part of the Solar Flagships Program. “This is an exciting day for the consortium partners who are looking forward to working closely with the Federal and NSW State Governments to deliver this landmark project,” said Javier Huergo, of FRV and a Director of Moree Solar Farm. The Moree Solar Farm project is part of the Australian Federal Government’s Solar Flagships Program which will commit $1.5 billion to support the construction and operation of solar power stations around Australia. When completed, the 150MW Moree Solar Farm will comprise around 650,000 PV panels and produce enough power for around 45,000 households, equivalent to an annual displacement of around 400,000 tonnes of CO2. Subject to final approvals, construction is scheduled to commence in mid 2012. Tony Stocken of BP Solar and a Director of Moree Solar Farm said: “The Moree Solar Farm will pave the way for more utility scale solar power production in Australia by demonstrating that this proven technology has an important role to play helping Australia transition to a low carbon emission future.” While the Moree Solar Farm will be the first of its kind in Australia, utility scale solar PV power stations have been successfully operating in the USA, Canada, Spain, Italy, Germany, China and other countries for many years and Australia has a higher level of solar resource than any of these countries. www.moreesolarfarm.com.au
SMA congratulates Solar Flagships consortium SMA is excited about the future of solar in Australia, following the recent announcement that the country’s first utility-scale PV power station would be built in Moree, NSW, based on a joint proposal by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), BP Solar and Pacific Hydro. Each of the consortium members has a proven track record in the solar PV industry. SMA has been a supplier to BP Solar since the late 1990s and to FRV for several years. The 150MW farm is expected to generate over 400 GWh of electricity each year, enough to power a city the size of Darwin. “This project signifies a new era for solar energy in Australia and I’d like to congratulate all those concerned with making this a reality,” said Zygmunt Nejman, General Manager of SMA Australia. “SMA is delighted that the Federal Government has decided to harness the power of Australia’s most abundant resource – the sun,” Mr Nejman concluded. “It is great news for all those involved in the solar industry and signifies a substantial employment boost for New South Wales.” Construction will begin in mid 2012 and the project is expected to be completed within four years. The Solar Flagships program, is intended to provide the foundations for large scale, grid-connected, solar power to play a significant role in Australia’s electricity supply. New South Wales has strong natural advantages when it comes to solar energy, with low levels of humidity and up to 15 megajoules/m2 of solar exposure daily, perfect for large scale solar. www.sma-australia.com.au
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Special Feature
Focus on concentrators Tomorrow’s world is being shaped today by ANU scientists in a collaborative effort to develop a relatively compact multi functional rooftop unit that harvests solar rays. Voila, households have all the electricity, hot water, cooling and heating they need. All being well, within a few years household roofs could well be sporting a relatively lightweight but super smart solar system that meets all residential energy demands: electricity, hot water, heating and air conditioning. Busy at work on such ground-breaking
for shrinking these large scale systems; that is how the term micro-concentrator was coined,” Everett explained. Enclosed in a sealed system, the MCT measures 3m x 1.2 x 0.3m and with its Fresnel array of ultra-lightweight reflectors weighs a manageable 30kg/m2.
“With its performance capabilities the CST rooftop system will sell itself. It has a ready market – people want a complete, greenhouse-gas free energy solution for hot water, electricity, heating and cooling.” technology is an ASI-funded research team based at ANU, whose project encompasses lots of acronyms. Among them a hybrid linear CPV-T (concentrating photovoltaic-thermal) system that is generally referred to as a microconcentrator (MCT) and CST (concentrating solar thermal) rooftop system. But if, even when spelt out, CST, MCT and CPV-T mean little to you we are fortunate in that Dr Vernie Everett, who along with Prof Andrew Blakers is co-managing the project, is more than comfortable explaining the nuts and bolts of the futuristic apparatus to the non scientific community And so, in layman’s terms, the goal of the three-year CST rooftop project is to develop technology for a combined solar thermal and solar electrical concentrator unit. Although this is not a new concept, existing technology is invariably designed for large, utility-scale application. “For the rooftop market you need a small, modular-type system. That was the motivation 42 | WINTER 2011
Genesis With roots in the Asia Pacific Partnership that concluded on May 31 this year, the project is already well advanced. The $3.7 million multi-national APP project delivered prototype technology that combined PV and solar thermal for hot water and electricity in a single hybrid unit that can be installed on almost any domestic or industrial roof. By necessity there was a strong emphasis on commercialisation and IP protection. The ASI has funded what amounts to a continuation of that project to develop advanced thermal receiver capability. ANU and Chromasun are key partners in the CST project, with UNSW and CSIRO providing valuable technical and scientific input along with New Energy Partners (NEP). The grand plan: to develop high temperature thermal receivers or hybrid CPV-T using the MCT systems developed from the previous project as a test bed.
“In an MCT, only a narrow strip is heated as all the sun’s light and energy is focused on a narrow area; it does not lose much energy by radiation or convection, and is more efficient both thermally and electrically,” Everett said.
Optimum outcome “Our system will be acceptable on domestic roofs and it has to look good or people will not buy it; it has to be low profile [compared to] conventional concentrator systems. And it has to be reliable, efficient and affordable.” Ideally the unit (pictured) will produce thermal output at 150°C – hot enough to power domestic cooling systems. “We are aiming to improve receivers, the workhorse that converts heat into electricity and delivers hot water,” Everett explained. “A conventional PV panel converts sunlight to electricity and wastes all the heat, while the hybrid receiver does the double thermal and electrical conversion. Combined efficiencies amount to about 70%. “[But] the difficulty is as you heat up solar cells their efficiency decreases so you need to keep them to a relatively ‘cool’ 60-70°C. While 60°C is suitable for domestic hot water, industrial processing, hospital sterilization and hotels require water at 110°C, so the research group is developing a new receiver than can handle outputs of up to 150°C. The quandary: cells fail under extreme heat. “They will not work at 160-170 degrees, and that kills the system, so we have to devise a fancy receiver that separates the PV electrical side from the thermal system yet maintains the structure. So you have these two separate elements in the receiver that are optically coupled but thermally isolated – and that is the real challenge.” With a high temperature output, three MCT units can supply all the electricity a house needs, all the hot water, space heating
Groundings Despite his work with MCT CPV-T and CST, Dr Vernie Everett’s road to renewable energy is hardly typical. He spent fifteen years long-distance trucking and earthmoving – shifting soil day in, day out – before a “Damascus A CPV-T ANU-Chromasun Micro-concentrator on a rooftop installation integrated with conventional PV panels at the Santa Clara University 2009 Solar Decathlon House.
The array of lightweight Fresnel reflectors, each individually tensioned at the end mounting points, operating on-sun showing the focal pattern of the array on the MCT end-plate.
road experience” in a quarry atop a dozer. Eyes wide open. “Scraping over-burden to get to rock is the most boring job. It’s noisy, it’s rough; it shakes your teeth out. I thought there was more to life
requirements in winter, and air-conditioning in
Adaptation
summer without producing greenhouse gas emissions.
“For example in the MCT none of the materials except the glass have been designed for this application. We take materials and structures and adapt them. Then we try and work out ways of modifying or improving, and changing the structural environment so they will perform reliably for 20 years. “We also have to do that in a cost-effective way, so raw materials, and more importantly the structure, needs to be designed so it can be manufactured. “In resolving the technical barriers, we need to build a receiver that will perform as required, and that can be manufactured relatively cheaply, and perform reliably,” Everett said. “With its performance capabilities the CST rooftop system will sell itself. It has a ready market – people want a complete, greenhousegas free, energy solution for hot water, electricity, heating and cooling.”
Hot water supplies Rooftop mounted hot water systems weighing hundreds of kilograms are a no-no. The alternative: an evacuated tube system featuring a tank situated under the house and connected to tubes on the roof that circulate the water. Not unlike a swimming pool solar collector.
36-month countdown to D-day All in all the CST rooftop system is a thoroughly rational – and environmentally appealing – concept, but how confident is Everett in successfully completing a market-friendly CST rooftop in three years? “In research, you must not be too confident. I tell people that 90-95 percent of what I do is a complete failure. But given where we are now I am optimistic – but not necessarily confident – as many engineering and scientific challenges have yet to be resolved and material challenges met. We are using materials that are not designed for these applications.
that digging a hole to fill up dirt somewhere else,” he said. Everett quit the quarries to study computer science before settling more comfortably in physicsoptics, which in time led to a PhD in plasma physics and optical fibre sensors. He’s since spent a decade in research at ANU. Remarkably Everett does not feel his early years were wasted. “From experiences with trucking you learn patience, and how to keep your eyes open for longer, which is handy when you work long days as I now do,” he says. “I approach problems differently to others … a lot of research is about adaptation and innovation; and being able
Will this technology change the face of the planet? What do YOU think? email editor@auses.org.au
to improvise; using what I have to hand to do the job is useful for stretching tight research funding.”
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All-Energy Australia 2011
Solar flair at All-Energy Australia 2011 The annual All-Energy Australia event, launched in Melbourne in 2009 with the support of the State Government of Victoria and rapidly becoming one of Australia’s largest platforms for clean and renewable energy, has origins going back to 2001 in Aberdeen, Scotland. There, from humble beginnings in Europe’s ‘oil capital’, All-Energy grew steadily into what is now the UK’s - and possibly Europe’s largest event devoted to all forms of clean and renewable energy. From the outset, the aim was to provide an independent, comprehensive and inclusive platform for all types of energy, but with a focus on the expanding clean and renewable energy sector. The event now embraces all areas of this sector, while low carbon legislation and targets mean companies involved in the ‘built environment’ are playing a growing role. Participating companies come from both sides of the ‘buying/selling fence’ and, as well as the established players, include newcomers eager to become involved in the clean and renewable energy industry for the first time. While All-Energy is a free-to-delegate event, a world-class conference programme is seen as crucial to building a reputation as a major international forum. As well as the technicalities of clean and renewable energy and energy efficiency, the conference covers the financial, social and political issues associated with their implementation. These then are the guiding principles of All-Energy Australia – top quality, independent, comprehensive, inclusive, international and free-to-attend – which lie behind its rise to prominence since its debut in 2009 as an important platform for international and domestic developments in clean and renewable energy. Officially supported by the Victorian Government for the third consecutive year in 2011, some 4000 delegates are expected to attend this October’s exhibition and conference, up from 3000 last year and 1750 in 2009, while exhibition space should exceed 3000m2, compared to 1750m2 last year and 875m2 in 2009. Conference participation will feature content developed in conjunction with many of 46 | WINTER 2011
Australia’s leading industry bodies, including AuSES, the Australian Institute of Energy (through the Young Energy Professionals), the Energy Efficiency Council, the Biofuels Association of Australia and the Society for Underwater Technology. While Australia shares common ground with other countries, its clean and renewable energy priorities are aligned with its own geophysical conditions, which means solar PV and solar thermal technologies figure strongly, from application at utility scale, to their use in the built environment at microgeneration level. These areas will be covered by the All-Energy Australia 2011 conference. For example, at the utility end, US company Brightsource Energy will be presenting a case study on the seminal Ivanpah Project, the 392MW solar thermal system now under construction in California’s Mojave Desert. When completed in 2014, this will power 140,000 or more homes in
California during the peak hours of the day. A presentation by the Israeli National Solar Research Centre will examine the huge potential of concentrated PV systems. The conference should also feature an update on the PV and thermal categories of Round 1 of the Australian Solar Flagship Programme. On the exhibition front, solar is well represented, with key global players including Sun Earth, Suntech Power Australia, SCHOTT Solar, Upsolar, Fronius Australia, Sunpower, SANYO Oceania and SMA Australia. All-Energy Australia will be held from Wednesday 12 to Thursday 13 October at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, with free registration for those in the industry available online at: www.all-energy.com.au or phone 1800 791 792
SOLAR WORKSHOPS@All-Energy
Sponsored by SMA
In response to the growth in the Australian solar market and the issues arising, a series of three workshops will be presented by AuSES at All-Energy Australia 2011 on Thursday 13 October in the Associated Events Zone. These will be free to registered All-Energy Australia delegates, with a maximum of 200 attendees per session. The proposed programme features three sessions: • What’s happening in the Australian Solar PV Market? – Overview of the current status and trends • Install for excellence! – Feedback from the Solar PV Inspections 2011 undertaken by AuSES, and • Finding your way around the Australian PV Market – Update on what is needed for companies new to the Australian marketplace Registration details are available at www.all-energy.com.au and please note that numbers may be limited to three attendees per company.
SOLAR POWER
Industry events
Leading solar events THE WORLD OVER
SOLUTIONS
August Sunday August 28 to Friday September 2, Kassel, Germany ISES Solar World Congress 2011 An event to highlight advances and technological developments in the solar sphere. The focus of this ISES congress is the rapid transition to a renewable energy world. International Solar Energy Society (ISES) info@swc2011.org | www.swc2011.org
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September Monday September 5 to Friday September 9, Hamburg, Germany 26th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition PV research, technology, industry and applications. WIP GmbH & Co. KG pv.conference@wip-munich.de | www.photovoltaic-conference.com
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October
Your SRP package includes:
Wednesday October 12 to Saturday October 15, Hong Kong Solar & Energy-Saving Products A Trade Fair showcasing environmentally friendly energy sources and solar products, including modules, chargers, inverters, lights and batteries. rcalderon@globalsources.com | www.tradeshow.globalsources.com
• Quality Solar Kits and Custom Design Systems
Tuesday October 18 to Thursday October 20, Dallas, Texas, USA Solar Power International 2011 B2B solar conference and expo organised by the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). This is promoted as one of the most important US PV events of the year. It will feature conference sessions on policy, finance and solar technologies, as well as an industry exhibition. Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) info@solarelectricpower.org | www.solarpowerinternational.com
• Warranty and Service
Sunday October 23 to Wednesday October 26 Darwin, Australia World Solar Challenge Now in its 11th year, the World Solar Challenge enables participants to design and test solar-energy-powered vehicles. Contact Chris Selwood teams@worldsolarchallenge.org | www.worldsolarchallenge.org
November Wednesday November 9 to Friday November 11, Beijing, China Third IPVSEE 2011 Solar industry, government authorities and professional associations will gather to discuss the future of the renewable energy sector and official PV policies in China. Held in conjunction with an exhibition showcasing the latest in PV manufacturing equipment, materials and products in China. Global Link Solar Group (HK) Ltd. Phone +86/10/8719441-8, fax -6 info@solarpromotion.org | www.solarpromotion.org Wednesday November 30 to Friday December 2 Solar 2011, Staged by AuSES See page 15 for all details Contact brian.rault@commstrat.com.au if you would like to exhibit.
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Industry related groups A quick guide to who’s who in the industry. Your organisation omitted? Contact the editor and we’ll update the next issue.
Local
Global
Alternative Technology Association www.ata.org.au Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) www.acre.ret.gov.au Australian Electric Vehicle Association www.aeva.asn.auAustralian Photovoltaic Association www.apva.com.au Australian Solar Energy Society www.auses.org.au Australian Solar Institute www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au Beyond Zero Emissions www.beyondzeroemissions.org
European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) www.epia.org German Solar Industry Association (BSW) http://en.solarwirtschaft.de Global Link Solar Group (H.K.) Ltd. www.solarpromotion.org International Solar Energy Society www.ises.org Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA) www.jpea.gr.jp Photon Europe GmbH www.photon.com Renewable UK www.renewable-uk.com
Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (ANU) www.cses.edu.au Clean Energy Council (CEC) www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au CSIRO www.csiro.au Energy Matters www.energymatters.com.au Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) www.orer.gov.au Solar-e www.solar-e.com Solar Energy Industry Association www.seia.org.au
Solar Energy Industries Association (US) www.seia.org Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) www.solarpowerinternational.com Solar Promotion International GmbH www.intersolar.us
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