We don't have solar cells worthy of buying that
are available in Australia or any kind of reputation
that would make a large Australian solar farm viable.
We are behind when we should be the world leaders.
What is wrong with this country?
We could make $ billions if we could manufacture
the world's best solar panels.
I blame Howard & Rudd for this.
Vote green in the next election.
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/business/items/2010 07/s2952765.htm
Lateline Business 13th July 2010.
QUOTE:ANDREW ROBERTSON
Quote:" The other major point of contention with the Government's solar flagships program is that Australia's only manufacturer of solar panels, Silex Solar, has been excluded, failing to make the final eight. Whilst Australian technology is prominent in the shortlisted consortiums, their solar panels will be made overseas.
Silex is naturally disappointed, but is wary of antagonising the Government, so management refused to be interviewed on camera."
QUOTE: MURIEL WATT, UNSW:
Quote:"You had to prove that you had built and operated a 30 megawatt power plant previously, and given that we haven't had any 30 megawatt solar power plants in Australia in the past, that would be very difficult for Australian companies to prove."
At the moment we do a lot of importation of solar.
There are some Australian companies that also manufacture solar but they are still in their infancy (5 years or less). There are some that have been established a bit longer though and have settled into teh market and are surviving - just.
The o/s Chinese companies had started out earlier than Australia, and our companies had to learn from the o/s.
But with the difference in labour rates between Australia and particularly China it would be difficult to see the Australian companies surviving, unless there is some govt assistance somewhere (rebates, tax breaks).
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