Solar research draws Palaszczuk Government interest

QUT researchers are at the cutting edge of solar cell technology as the Palaszczuk Government drives Queensland’s renewables future.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today visited QUT where the team led by Associate Professor Prashant Sonar, in collaboration with Swansea University, has discovered and developed a new material that could pave the way for inexpensive, more stable, highly efficient and more cost-effective solar panels.

“Queensland leads the way with rooftop solar and in the number of solar projects operational now and in the building, and planning and construction stages, so it is hardly surprising that Queensland researchers also are at the cutting edge,’’ Dr Lynham said

“Prof Sonar and his team may well have made the breakthrough that will make future solar panels affordable for more and more Queenslanders.

“Affordability is one of the goals of the Palaszczuk Government - to make solar more accessible.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Dr Lynham on Monday launched the interest free solar system loans package and yesterday Dr Lynham announced the tender for suppliers for battery storage.

“This government is very obviously committed to renewables and when I heard of the research being done on Perovskite and organic solar cell technology by Dr Sonar and his team, I wanted to have first-hand look,’’ Dr Lynham said.

The research also has the potential to lead to commercialising the product as a printable solar material that could then be used for blinds, shades or even clothing.

“Queenslanders are so often at the forefront of research in many fields and this is another classic example of this.’’

Media enquiries:

Minister’s office: David Potter 0428 411 617

QUT: Rebecca Nardi 3138 9449, Rose Trapnell 0407 585 901.