Sun shines on clean energy and water

The Australian National University continues to be at the forefront of national and international solar research thanks to funding provided by the Commonwealth via the Australian Solar Institute (ASI). The Hon Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources and Energy today launched a new project which will see solar collectors convert solar energy into both thermal and electrical energy. Lead Chief Investigator Professor Andrew Blakers from the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science said that the project will deliver cost-effective electricity and solar hot water using one combined system. 'The aim of this project is to develop and commercialise an improved roof-mounted hybrid solar system that is suitable for installation on millions of domestic, commercial and industrial buildings. 'The key innovation is the use of spectral splitting of sunlight to improve the overall effectiveness. We will deliver solar photovoltaic electricity as well as solar heat at a temperature of 150º by focusing the intense beam of sunlight onto a concentrating collector,' said Professor Blakers. The project is valued at $9.5 million over 3 years, with $3.24 million contributed by ASI.