Solar Systems have connected 1.5MW of concentrated photovoltaic technology to the grid in Australia, providing the industry with a boost in its battle for market acceptance.

Solar Systems (a wholly owned subsidiary of Silex Systems) confirmed last week that their Mildura facility has been connected to the grid and ready to demonstrate the commercial operation of their technology.

40 of the Australian company's ‘Dense Array' dish systems have been commissioned and are now generating enough electricity for around 500 homes, under the terms of a PPA signed with Diamond Energy last year.
The project marks another step forward for the technology as it continues to commercialize. More projects means more data for both investors and customers, which is vital when answering the bankability question.
In last week's PV Insider webinar on the current status of CPV, Amonx Co-Founder and CTO Vahan Garboushian stated that their 30MW Alamosa project had achieved 99.6% system availability. Announcements like this are expected to help validate CPV.
As for the Mildura project, the next phase of construction is expected to begin in late 2014 subject to the conclusion of funding and a PPA.
At this year's CPV USA conference (23-24 September, San Jose), Solar Systems CTO Bill Ring will be discussing the project in more detail, as well as the importance of tackling balance of system costs.
To see more details on the presentation, visit www.pv-insider.com/cpv
Contact:
Matt Carr
PV Insider
matt@pv-insider.com