TABLE OF CONTENTS
Definitions, Symbols and Abbreviations .............................................................. 4
Foreword ......................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ..................................................................................................... 8
1 Executive Summary .......................................................................................... 9
1.1 Installed PV power ................................................................................. 9
1.2 Costs & prices ........................................................................................ 9
1.3 PV production ........................................................................................ 9
1.4 Budgets for PV ....................................................................................... 9
2 The implementation of PV systems .................................................................... 10
2.1 Applications for photovoltaics .................................................................. 10
2.2 Total photovoltaic power installed ........................................................... 10
2.3 PV implementation highlights, major projects, demonstration and field
test programmes .............................................................................................. 13
2.3.1 Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP) .................................. 13
2.3.2 Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) ............... 13
2.3.3 Bushlight .................................................................................... 15
2.3.4 The Renewable Energy Target ..................................................... 15
2.3.5 Solar Schools .............................................................................. 16
2.3.6 Solar Cities ................................................................................. 17
2.3.7 Australian Capital Territory Solar PV Installations .......................... 18
2.3.8 Demonstration and field test programs ......................................... 19
2.3.9 Electricity utility and public stakeholder developments ................... 19
2.4 Highlights of R&D .................................................................................. 20
2.4.1 Australian National University ....................................................... 20
2.4.2 Murdoch University ...................................................................... 21
2.4.3 University of NSW ....................................................................... 22
2.4.4 The University of Queensland....................................................... 24
2.4.5 Queensland University of Technology ........................................... 25
2.4.6 BT Imaging ................................................................................. 26
2.4.7 Dyesol ........................................................................................ 26
2.4.8 XeroCoat Pty Ltd ......................................................................... 27
2.4.9 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation ..... 27
2.5 Public budgets for market stimulation, demonstration / field test
programmes and R&D ....................................................................................... 28
3 Industry and growth ......................................................................................... 30
May 2010 2009 Australian Photovoltaics Status Report
3
3.1 Production of photovoltaic cells and modules ........................................... 30
3.2 Module prices ........................................................................................ 30
3.3 Manufacturers and suppliers of other components ................................... 31
3.3.1 PV inverters ................................................................................ 31
3.3.2 Storage batteries ......................................................................... 31
3.3.3 Battery charge controllers and DC switchgear ............................... 31
3.3.4 Supporting structures .................................................................. 31
3.4 System prices ........................................................................................ 31
3.5 Labour places ........................................................................................ 32
3.6 Business value ....................................................................................... 33
4 Framework for deployment (Non-technical factors) ............................................. 34
4.1 Description of new support measures introduced in 2009 ......................... 35
4.1.1 Enhanced feed-in tariffs ............................................................... 35
4.1.2 Capital subsidies ......................................................................... 35
4.1.3 Electricity utility activities ............................................................. 35
4.1.4 Smart grid, Smart City Program .................................................... 36
4.2 Indirect policy issues .............................................................................. 36
4.2.1 International policies affecting the use of PV power systems .......... 36
4.2.2 Taxes on pollution ....................................................................... 36
4.2.3 Australian policies and programmes to promote the use of PV in
foreign non-IEA countries ....................................................................... 36
4.3 Standards and codes .............................................................................. 37
4.3.1 Technical regulations for PV plant construction and operation ........ 37
4.3.2 Standards, wiring codes and grid interconnection rules for PV
systems ................................................................................................. 37
5 Highlights and prospects ................................................................................... 38
5.1 Key aspects of PV deployment and production in Australia during 2009 ..... 38
5.2 Prospects for the future .......................................................................... 38
5.2.1 Details from industry of planned increases in PV module
production capacity ................................................................................ 38
5.2.2 Any significant developments in technologies ................................ 38
5.2.3 Renewable Energy Fund (REF) ..................................................... 38
5.2.4 Australian Solar Institute ............................................................. 39
5.2.5 Solar Flagships ............................................................................ 39
5.2.6 Proposed Changes to the Renewable Energy Target legislation ...... 39
Annex A: Country information ............................................................................... 40