Aust, US deal paves way for cheaper solar power

[jpak]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200608/s1714481.htm

The federal Environment Minister says a multi-million dollar agreement between Australia and the US is paving the way for cheaper, more effective solar power.

Australian company Solar Systems has been working with US company Boeing to develop solar cells, which are three times more efficient than those used currently.

The cells were originally designed for space applications, such as powering satellites, but have been modified for land based use.

Senator Ian Campbell says the new deal highlights the importance of Australia's involvement in the Asia-Pacific partnership on clean development and climate.

<not much more>

[phantom power]

1. Strange. Aerospace PV isn't exactly known for being inexpensive...

When you're launching a $100 million dollar piece of hardware, spending a huge premium to squeeze every last watt out of the PV array is nothing.

I wonder where the "cheaper" part is supposed to be coming from.

[jpak]

2. More info...

http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,20120022%5E15321%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html

SOLAR technology developed to power satellites in space will be adapted to Australia's sun-drenched lands in a $10 million deal signed today.

US company Spectrolab, a subsidiary of Boeing, will supply 500,000 solar cells to Australian company Solar Systems.

The cells, previously used for space applications, have been adapted to land-based use and are said to be three times more efficient than typical solar cells.

"The result is the world's first, full-scale, ultra-high efficiency photovoltaic generator," Environment Minister Ian Campbell said.

"It's a major shift in the technology and offers a new pathway for sustainable development."

<and a little more>

[Mojorabbit]

3. Why the hell are they not on the market here?

I would like to buy some super efficient panels....

[jpak]

4. IIRC there was no place for solar energy advocates in Dick Cheney's

so-called Energy Task Force.

Only Big Oil, Big Gas, Big Coal and Big Nucular, GOP donors, global warming deniers, and other RW sociopaths were allowed in that club...

[lindisfarne]

5. ok, what does IIRC stand for? n/t

[jpak]

6. If I Recall Correctly

GHSJ?????

:evilgrin: