Renewable Energy News

Yet again, electricity prices are set to be a key point of contention in an Australian federal election. The Coalition responded quickly to Labor’s election commitment to an emissions trading scheme (ETS), with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warning of “much higher electricity prices” and a “very big burden” on Australians.

Yesterday saw the inauguration of a solar farm in the Solomon Islands; a joint project of New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

The 1 megawatt facility, constructed on the outskirts of Honiara, will generate up to 4 per cent of the island nation’s electricity requirements and save the cash-strapped country close to a million dollars annually on diesel costs.

According to New Zealand’s Pacific economic ambassador, Shane Jones, a significant amount of the cost of the facility was plowed into the local community in the form of jobs and various services.

Australia has managed to edge back into the top 10 list of the world’s best countries to invest in renewable energy says professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY).

EY’s latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices (RECAI) shows Australia jumped three spots in the rankings to rise from 13th place in September last year to number 10 on the global leaderboard.

Researchers at Stanford University believe they have discovered an efficient way to reduce solar cell temperatures and improve their efficiency.

The wattage rating of a solar panel is based on standard testing conditions (STC). This testing occurs at a solar cell temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

As a solar cell heats above 25 degrees Celsius – which can occur in relatively low ambient temperatures – the current output increases but voltage decreases faster. This results in an overall drop in efficiency.

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