University of Melbourne Research

University of Melbourne Research

Researchers from University of Melbourne, in collaboration with Monash University and several major industry partners, have launched a $7.2 million project that will further develop our current solar cell technology. The researchers aim to produce more efficient and cost effective solar cells, with particular focus on the manufacturing process and emissions involved.

Producing solar cells which can produce zero-emissions electricity will provide new manufacturing opportunities for local industries, and it is expected that the new technology will provide better commercialisation and increase the competitiveness of production processes across the country and worldwide.

The federal government of Australia will grant the research $1.7 million under the Australian Solar Institute, which is in addition to the $1.7 million grant already given by the Victorian state government. The government funding is a part of the Clean Energy Future Package which is devoted to the support of existing renewable energy sources, and especially towards further research and development.

According to Resource and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson, the project aims to develop solar cells from organic materials and so eliminating any environmental impacts that traditional solar panels have. Another goal is to developing printing machines for newly discovered minute solar cells capable of mass production at very low cost.

The Minister said that the collaboration of researchers and industries will aid in the commercialisation of the technology and help unlock its variety of potentials. "Australia is a leader in solar energy research and projects such as this will help Australia remain at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry.€

The ongoing research and development into solar power applications provided by the University of Melbourne has already made a positive impact on the solar industry, which is being embraced by local residents and businesses.

Solar energy in Melbourne is becoming very popular and with new solar power developments happening regularly we can see a future where it will not be seen as an alternative source of energy, but rather the main source. Research like that occurring at the University of Melbourne together with the additional funding provided by the new tax on carbon will contribute greatly to Australia achieving our goals for carbon emission reductions by 2020 and 2050 especially ss the local and international price of solar panels plunges it is not surprising to hear talk about the country reaching grid parity faster than anticipated. From 2008 to 2010 solar module prices have decreased by 50%.