Solar Sales heats up

Business News
Thursday 15/2/2007 Page: 9

Solar Sales chief executive Bob Blakiston believes the time for harnessing the true potential of solar power is near.

In 2007-08, the 25-year old renewable energy company is predicting the trickle of interest in solar power will become a tide in Australia, as both federal and state governments up the ante on greenhouse gas emissions and seek alternative sources of energy to fossil fuels.

Mr Blakiston said the high capital costs of producing solar photovoltaic energy systems would start to come down as early as July, when American PV manufacturer Sun Power Corporation releases a new module which will increase the power of a traditional cell from 210 watts to 315 watts.

The cost of silica, the ingredient used to make the cells, may also come down this year off a high of $230/kilo, due to producers doubling the capacity of operations in the Philippines and China, he said.

"The [solar power] market is not mature enough yet, but the technology is here now. The European, Japanese and US markets are far more advanced in their thinking and have really embraced solar PV as their own." Mr Blakiston said every year the efficiency and output of PV technology improved, but come July the new module would make a significant difference.

Already tapping into the power of solar energy in WA is the Carnarvon solar farm, which last week commissioned Solar Sales to supply the expansion of its facility.

The project will triple the farm's output from its existing 100 kilowatt hours per day to over 300kw hours per day, significantly boosting the levels of power it delivers to Carnarvon's electricity grid from July 2007.

On comparison, one kilowatt of solar PV electricity is believed to be roughly equivalent to a 375ml can of diesel fuel.

Besides supplying solar energy systems to major pastoral, mining and international clients, Solar Sales also designs hybrid renewable energy systems that convert solar and wind energy into electricity.

Business is certainly looking up, to the point where the company is moving to new purpose built 1,300 square metre office and wholesale showroom in Belmont this week. It is also considering establishing a divisional office in Kuala Lumpur. Mr Blakiston said the company was also looking into third party logistics, where it would outsource its warehousing and supply activities.