Growth of Solar Energy in Australia

In the last decade, Australia’s solar industry has witnessed a substantial increase in solar installations, indicative of the nation’s growing commitment to renewable energy. Starting from an initial capacity of around 1,300 MW circa 2010, the solar capacity in Australia has experienced an estimated growth to approximately 26,139 MW, assuming an average annual growth rate of about 35%. This remarkable expansion highlights Australia’s advantageous position in leveraging its abundant sunshine and the effectiveness of supportive government policies.

Solar Panels: Technology and Manufacturers

1. SunPower (Maxeon Series)
   • Technical Info: Maxeon 5, 22.8% efficiency, 415W power output, 25-year warranty.
   • Company Background: SunPower, established in 1985 in California, USA, is renowned for its high-efficiency solar panels and innovation in solar technology.
2. LG Solar (NeON Series)
   • Technical Info: NeON R, 22.3% efficiency, 440W power output, 25-year warranty.
   • Company Background: LG Electronics, a South Korean multinational, has gained a strong reputation in the solar industry for its high-quality solar panels.
3. JinkoSolar (Tiger Series)
   • Technical Info: Tiger Pro, 21.4% efficiency, 585W power output, 12-year product warranty, 25-year performance warranty.
   • Company Background: JinkoSolar, headquartered in Shanghai, China, is one of the largest global manufacturers of solar panels, known for cost-effectiveness and performance.
4. Canadian Solar (HiKu Series)
   • Technical Info: HiKu6, 21.3% efficiency, 590W power output, 12-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Canadian Solar, operational since 2001, is a leading global provider of solar PV products and a major player in the sustainable energy sector.
5. Seraphim (S Series)
   • Technical Info: S5, 20.1% efficiency, 540W power output, 15-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Seraphim, founded in 2009 in China, specializes in solar PV products, focusing on innovation and quality.
6. Trina Solar (Vertex Series)
   • Technical Info: Vertex, 21% efficiency, 670W power output, 15-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Trina Solar, a global PV module manufacturer since 1997, is known for its high-quality photovoltaic products.
7. Q CELLS (Q.PEAK DUO Series)
   • Technical Info: Q.PEAK DUO G9+, 20.8% efficiency, 400W power output, 12-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Part of the Hanwha Group, Q CELLS is renowned for its high-quality solar cells and modules, a testament to South Korean manufacturing expertise.

Lithium Batteries: Storage Solutions

1. Tesla Powerwall
   • Technical Info: 13.5 kWh capacity, 100% depth of discharge, 10-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Tesla, an American electric vehicle and clean energy company, has been at the forefront of innovative energy storage solutions.
2. LG Chem RESU
   • Technical Info: 9.8 kWh capacity, 95% depth of discharge, 10-year warranty.
   • Company Background: LG Chem, part of the larger LG Corporation, is a leading name in lithium-ion battery technology.
3. BYD Battery-Box Premium
   • Technical Info: Modular, up to 13.8 kWh, 95% depth of discharge, 10-year warranty.
   • Company Background: BYD, a Chinese multinational, excels in electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions, emphasizing battery technology.
4. Sonnen eco
   • Technical Info: 5-15 kWh capacity, 90-100% depth of discharge, 10-year warranty.
   • Company Background: German-based Sonnen GmbH is a pioneer in residential battery systems and smart energy management technology.
5. Pylontech US2000 & US5000
   • Technical Info: US2000 – 2.4 kWh (expandable); US5000 – 4.8 kWh (expandable in 2.4 kWh increments), both with 95% depth of discharge, 10-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Pylontech, operational since 2009 in Shanghai, China, specializes in reliable and high-performance lithium batteries.

Off-Grid Inverters: Power Management

1. SMA Sunny Island
   • Technical Info: Up to 8kW power range, up to 96% efficiency, 5-year warranty.
   • Company Background: SMA Solar Technology AG, a German solar energy equipment supplier, is known for its quality and innovation in solar inverters.
2. Victron Energy MultiPlus-II
   • Technical Info: 800VA to 5kVA power range, up to 95% efficiency, 5-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Victron Energy, established in the Netherlands, provides robust power solutions and is recognized for its durable and reliable energy products.
3. Deye Hybrid Inverter
   • Technical Info: 3kW to 12kW power range, up to 98% efficiency, 5-year warranty.
   • Company Background: Ningbo Deye Inverter Technology, based in China, focuses on innovative solar inverter technology.
4. Sungrow SH10RS
   • Technical Info: 10kW power range, high efficiency, standard industry warranty.
   • Company Background: Sungrow, a leader in renewable energy solutions from China, specializes in solar inverters and energy storage systems.
5. Selectronic
   • Technical Info: Known for robust and adaptable off-grid and hybrid inverters suitable for various solar applications.
   • Company Background: An Australian pioneer in renewable energy since 1964, Selectronic specializes in inverters and battery-based solar power systems, known for innovation and product quality.