Is Victoria ready for solar power?

29th Mar 2012

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

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: