Solar Panels for the Australian Environment

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The Solar Panels for the Australian Environment recognises that designing a PV module for Australian conditions is a complex and difficult engineering task, requiring modification of almost all module components. The Solar Panels for the Australian Environment project by the ANU recognises that Photovoltaic (PV) modules are not optimised to operate in Australia. Significant improvements in energy yield and module failure rates can be made over installations’ lifetimes by tailoring module designs for Australia’s unique and demanding conditions.Australian conditions are in many ways ideal for photovoltaics, with high exposure to energy from the sun and sites with low rainfall and cloud cover. However these conditions are also incredibly harsh with high UV and high temperatures presenting unique design challenges.Project innovationDesigning a PV module for Australian conditions is a complex and difficult engineering task, requiring modification of almost all module components.ANU and Tindo Solar are developing a new product named PV-MATE to optimise photovoltaic module designs and maximise energy production, while improving durability under Australia’s demanding environmental conditions.PV-MATE will be an optimised design which incorporates UV-proofing with enhanced heat shedding.

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