Presented by Futureworld Eco-Technology Centre as part of The Illawarra Innovation Showcase Week 2009.
**New Developments in Solar Power – Australia’s Future. Reducing the cost, increasing the efficiency.**
**Speaker:** Dr Mike Dennis
Dr Mike Dennis from the Australian National University will outline exciting new research into thin film solar cells (sliver cells.) These cells use up to 90% less silicon than cells currently used. This will enable greater production and uptake of solar power and reduce cost of manufacture. Industry partnerships have been formed with Origin Energy which has built a pilot facility to manufacture sliver cells in Adelaide and SparkSolar who hope to build the largest photovoltaic manufacturing facility in Australia.
Dr Dennis will also speak on Combined Heat and Power Solar (CHAPS), parabolic mirrors that concentrate and convert solar radiation to both heat and electrical energy simultaneously and the use of nano-technology in solar power production.
– **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
– **Contact:** Email: [Jodie@futureworld.org.au](mailto:Jodie@futureworld.org.au) Phone: 02 4274 2939 Fax: 02 4274 4725 Web: [www.futureworld.org.au](http://www.futureworld.org.au)