Is Victoria ready for solar power?

People of Victoria take note - your state looks set to welcome a new visitor pretty soon.

The Coalition Government has given the green light to a new solar power station, which will see ultra-efficient cells concentrated on one central tower.

RayGen has received funding for the project, which will involve the testing and improvement of solar power technology by constructing it on a large scale.

The site will be located in Gannawarra Shire near Kerang and will also involve the input of Ballarat-based Ceramet Technologies, which has been designated as a project partner.

One of the great benefits of building an advanced solar power station lie this is that, once built, if any changes can be made to existing solar cells to improve their perfomance, then the scientists should be able to identify them and experiment until the panels can be made more efficient.

After all, these guys won't be happy until the technology works as well as it can - and who could blame them?

But one question remains - what does this mean for you?

Aside from the government's wallet being $1 million lighter as a result of the project, it will support the development of solar technology that may one day end up installed in your home.

Although solar panels are already pretty efficient, techsperts believe there is still room for improvement - and they could be right.

With some cells operating at only around ten per cent efficiency, there is still a lot of opportunity for development, which this new project will support.

Minister for energy and resources Michael O'Brien seems pretty excited about what lies ahead, saying the scheme could eventually "provide low emissions power for Victorian homes".

This means two things: more affordable electricity bills and benefits for the environment…so everyone's a winner!

Oh, and there may also be some more jobs for Victorians to apply for, which can also only be a good thing.

Posted by Mike Peacock

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