This Week in Solar: Solar Schools and Coronavirus Woes

1. Northern Territory names all 25 schools chosen for solar roll-out

The Northern Territory has named all 25 schools selected to have their electricity bills slashed by as much as 40 per cent through a government-funded solar roll-out that kicked off in December 2018.

2. “We’re out”: Big contractor dramatically quits Australian solar sector

One of the biggest contractors and constructors of large-scale solar farms in Australia, the listed constructing giant Downer Group, has signaled a dramatic exit from the solar business, saying it is too hard.

3. Coronavirus could cause PV module, battery cell shortages in Australia

As the outbreak takes its toll on solar panel and battery manufacturing in China, Australia is bracing for disruptions in the supply chains.

4. How microgrids can keep the power on when disaster hits

It’s timely to consider how we can build a better system – one that’s more resilient in times of disaster and also doesn’t contribute, through carbon emissions, to making disasters more frequent.

5. Federal Government backs solar – and more coal

The Federal Government has announced a $10 million Supporting Reliable Energy Infrastructure program for Queensland, which includes funding for new renewables projects, while also providing funding for a new coal plant.

6. Minerals Council NT backs world’s biggest solar farm in the Barkly

Plans to build the world’s largest solar farm in the Northern Territory have received support from what seems an unlikely ally — the Minerals Council.

7. Victoria’s Solar Homes boom

The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes program has seen more than 71,700 successful applications for rebated solar panels, batteries and hot water systems across the state.

8. Wind, solar projects warned of seven year delays in Victoria, NSW

Owners of wind and solar plants in western Victoria and NSW are still unsure about when their completed projects will be able to fully connect to the grid, while others yet to begin construction on potentially billions of dollars of projects have been warned of delays for up to seven years.