New Developments in Solar Power - Australia's Future.
Reducing the cost, increasing the efficiency, creating jobs
Speaker Dr Mike Dennis
Dr Mike Dennis will review the status and future of solar energy in Australia, highlighting
its extraordinary growth in recent times. Costs have fallen, jobs have been created and massive investment is occurring. This will lead to a better environment and better health for all. Mike will also outline exciting new Australian developments in solar power, chiefly in the realm of photovoltaics and solar thermal both for home, business and industry. Examples include thin film solar cells (sliver cells) that use up to 90% less silicon than cells currently used and are now being manufactured by Origin Energy at a pilot facility in Adelaide and SparkSolar who hope to build the largest photovoltaic manufacturing facility in Australia in Queenbeyan. Mike will also speak on Combined Heat and Power Solar (CHAPS), parabolic mirrors that concentrate and convert solar radiation to both heat and produce electrical energy simultaneously, solar air conditioning and the use of nano-technology in solar power production.
 Dr Dennis is a senior research fellow with the Centre for Sustainable Energy at the Australian National University. He has ten years of international experience with large scale industrial process control and information systems. After completing a PhD in smart control of solar hot water systems in 2004, he has continued to develop renewable energy technologies for residential applications. His chief interest is in solar air conditioning and hybrid residential solar thermal solutions. He is a key figure in establishing solar cooling in Australia. Other projects include a $1.6M program for development of a combined residential solar air/water heater. He has been involved in reviews of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target process for solar water heaters and heat pumps and has provided extensive consulting to the private sector. Other technologies that Mike has contributed to include concentrating photovoltaic/thermal collectors, sun tracking systems and the ANU Big Dish solar thermal collector.
Date: Tuesday 26th May, 2009
Time: 5:30pm for 6.00pm (Light refreshments will be served at 5:30)
Cost: $15 per person, $10 per Futureworld member or concession, $10 per student.
(Payable at the door via cash, visa card or cheque.)
Venue: Futureworld Eco-Technology Centre, Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong.
opposite Walker St)
Email: Jodie@futureworld.org.au Phone: 02 4274 2939 Fax: 02 4274 4725
www.futureworld.org.au
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