Media wrap: The mark of quality, From car parts to solar frames
Solar panel ‘trust mark’ launched
The Australian Solar Council is launching a program aimed at informing the Australian public of quality solar panel brands.
A Positive Quality program will sure the industries leading brands given a tick of approval by the council to counter claims by less reputable manufacturers claims superior quality while using inferior materials.
“We are pleased to announce that the global and Australian market leaders, Trina Solar, Yingli Solar and JA Solar, are among our foundation partners” Chief Executive John Grimes stated.
From car parts to solar frames – evolution of an Australian manufacturer
Looking to diversify their automotive parts operation, IXL has transitioned into manufacturing mounting equipment for solar panels.
With solar plants being constructed in Nyngan and Broken Hill in western NSW, the timing couldn’t have been better. The collapse of local car manufacturing in Geelong means that local jobs will be saved by the solar boom that Australia is currently enjoying.
Hopefully the government will chose to continue its support of renewable energy follow the current review of the renewable energy target to ensure projects like this
“There is an opportunity for more utility scale and smaller projects. One factor will be the outcome of the RET (renewable energy target) review,” Blackwell said. “My feeling is that there are a number of people (project developers) holding back until outcome is known.”
Storing solar power is the key to cutting energy bills says CSIRO
As we attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many Australians are reducing their electricity use and turning to cheaper sources of electricity like solar power.
By reducing the load during peak electricity usage, the contribution of solar panels saves all power consumers money. During peak load periods the network operators increase the price of electricity as they attempt to meet the demand.
While solar panels can help during daytime peak load periods, evenings are a different story altogether. An energy market disruption relies on new technology, and the CSIRO’s Paul Graham believes solar power storage could be the silver bullet.
“The whole system is built on the fact that you can’t store energy,” said Dr Graham. “If electrical storage could actually become a reality that really turns the whole system on its head.”
