This week in solar: solar car park, ‘net zero’ housing, and more

1. Townsville’s Willows Shopping Centre gets a cool new solar car park

For large retailers and councils around Australia, solar-shaded parking can dial up the welcome to customers. Dexus has weighed the benefits against the cost of one massive solar installation over molten summer tarmac and come out in favour of rooftop PV.

2. Queensland must rapidly ditch coal-fired power to meet Australia’s emission targets, report finds

The report noted that while renewables made up only 7 per cent of Queensland power in 2017, this share could rise to 35 per cent in 2020 if all new solar projects, projected new solar households and a 400 MW renewable energy tender worked out.

3. City of Sydney launches $60 million green energy deal

Following its commitment to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2020, the City of Sydney has unveiled the biggest standalone renewables deal for an Australian council.

4. Mirvac set to build net zero energy Melbourne community with ARENA backing

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced that it is set to fund Mirvac to the tune of $784,000 to enable the property developer to trial its master-planned ‘net zero energy’ housing estate in the Melbourne suburb of Altona North.

5. Jinko launches 460W “Tiger” solar module in Australia

JinkoSolar has launched a new, high efficiency solar panel onto the Australian market, offering up 460W generation capacity, and a module efficiency of just over 20 per cent.

6. Sydney Opera House commits to UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Sydney Opera House has launched an update to its Environmental Action Plan, that will see the building target a 6-star Green Star performance rating, up from its current 5-star rating, to eliminate the use of single-use plastic packaging from all venues, and source its power from renewable sources.

7. NSW, Canberra finally wake up to grid needs ahead of Liddell coal closure

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have finally woken up to the need for more transmission in Australia’s main grid, announcing a joint contribution of $102 million to ensure that an upgrade to the link between NSW and Queensland is completed before the planned closure of the Liddell coal generator in 2023.

8. Queensland’s grows its PV fleet as another solar farm gets connection go-ahead

One of Queensland’s largest solar developments near Miles has signed up to connect to the state’s publicly-owned electricity grid.