The Cleantech Show #025: Concentrating the Sun - Interview with Dave Holland, MD of Solar Systems
The Cleantech Show #024 (MP3 - 15MB - 42min)
Interview with Dave Holland, MD of Solar Systems
There have been a lot of developments in the solar energy sector recently and we have had a number of companies on the show present their unique approach to capturing the sun’s energy. Solar concentration is a core component of many solar systems installed or being developed today.
Many different approaches to focusing sunlight have been used in these systems from mirrors, traditional lenses, fresnel lenses, and even holograms, in both small and large scale generation solutions. By concentrating sunlight these systems enable smaller amounts of PV to be used, or greater temperatures able to be reached for thermal applications.
My guest this week is Dave Holland, Managing Director of Solar Systems, a world leader in electricity production from solar concentrator methods. Solar systems has received significant funding both privately and from the Australian federal governments Low Emissions Technology Development Fund. As well as a number of ~40MW projects around Australia, Solar Systems has announced a 154MW heliostat solar concentrator power station in northern Victoria. The A$420 million project will generate 270,000 MWh per year, enough for more than 45,000 homes.
On the show we discuss the technology approach Solar Systems has taken to both achieve viable energy generation, but also how to demonstrate broader and larger installations effectively to prospective investors.
One of the critical aspects of Solar Systems technology is that once the collector systems are established, as higher efficiency photovoltaic devices are developed they can be retrofited quickly into existing systems. Something which the solar systems team has done on projects already. They are also developing a component that allows a high efficiency generation of hydrogen through both electrolytic and thermal processes for base load and stored power.
Dave Holland joined Solar Systems in October 2000. He has been responsible for establishing the go-to-market strategy, establishing the contracts in the Northern Territory and driving the commercialisation of Solar Systems’ activities. Dave is Deputy Chairman of Renewable Energy Generators Australia Ltd, an organisation that represents the interests of more than 90% of Australia’s renewable generating assets.
With significant interest from overseas companies and investors Solar Systems is one company to watch
cheers
Nick Bruse
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October 26th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
i have been receiving email alerts several weeks. caught #024[adams], #025[holland].
very educational/helpful. thanks much for work/site.
fran swift
October 26th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Fran,
Great to hear your enjoying the show, and thanks very much for the comments. Feel free to ask any questions or offer your insights as well in future.
Cheers
Nick
November 27th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
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