With major new manufacturing plant under construction, utility green pricing schemes enjoying consumer support and state sponsored rebates for PV now in place, New South Wales is emerging as Australia's 'Sunshine State'.

In August 1998, BP Solar announced plans to construct a major new manufacturing facility just outside Sydney. The 20 MWp plant, which is due for completion in October 1999, is expected to generate around 190 jobs and will strengthen the state government's ambition to turn NSW into a significant international player in solar.

There is a strong grass-roots support for PV and other renewable technologies in the region as evidenced by the 20 000 or so subscribers to green power schemes. Energy-Australia, the country's largest energy retailer, has over 7 500 partners in its 'Pure Energy' programme under which customers can opt to pay between 25% and 100% of their electricity bill at a premium rate to support renewable energy.

Green pricing led to more than 12 million AUD (7,1 million USD) investment in solar power projects state-wide during the 18 months up to August, including Energy Australia's 2,5 ha, 400 kWp, Solar Farm at Singleton. The plant was constructed in two phases of 200 kWp, the first using Solarex multicrystalline silicon modules, and the second using Canon amorphous silicon modules. Simplified clip-in modules and plug connections, together with fewer but larger inverters contributed to reducing the construction cost between the first and second phases by 16%. Further PV installations are likely to be seen across the state on private homes and public buildings under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) 2 million AUD programme for rebates of between 20% and 40% on systems purchases. The aim is to install 2 000 building integrated solar power systems by the end of 2000.

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