Australia has become a magnet for leading solar technology companies seeking to capitalise on this renewable energy boom. At the forefront of the renewable energy boom is AIKO, a prominent international player in the photovoltaic (PV) industry.
Having established a strong global presence, AIKO is now setting its sights on the Australian market, bringing its cutting-edge solar innovations to a country that is already embracing renewable energy at an unprecedented rate.
“Australia represents an incredibly attractive market opportunity for AIKO’s high-efficiency solar technology,” AIKO Country Director Australia & New Zealand Thomas Bywater said.
“The country has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar adoption globally, with residential and commercial installations being the dominant driver of solar generation in the national electricity market.”
The Australian Government’s commitment to renewable targets, including a 26–28 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, has further solidified the country’s position as an attractive destination for solar companies like AIKO.
Lucrative incentive programs, such as the ‘Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme’ and state-based feed-in tariffs, have made it easier and more financially viable for homeowners and businesses to invest in rooftop solar.
“AIKO’s product portfolio is ideally suited for these distributed rooftop applications, where maximising energy yield per square metre of roof space is a key consideration,” Bywater said.
“Unlike some other major solar markets, Australia’s solar generation profile is heavily skewed towards decentralised, behind-the-meter installations, rather than large-scale utility projects.”
This focus on residential and commercial rooftop solar presents a unique opportunity for AIKO to leverage its technological edge and establish a strong presence in the Australian market.
Having been involved in the solar industry for nearly two decades, and with his background as an electrician, engineer and accredited installer, plus a previous role heading the distribution sales team in Australia for Jinko Solar, Bywater has a far-reaching understanding of the entire sector.
As an PV engineer, Bywater’s expertise lies in the intricate details of solar cell and panel manufacturing – an area of deep passion, even as large-scale production has declined in Australia. AIKO’s leadership in efficiency, particularly through its pioneering back contact technology, immediately piqued his interest.
“I’m a PV engineer, so my actual training in university is in making solar cells and making solar panels,” Bywater said.
“Obviously, we don’t make too many solar cells in Australia anymore, but it’s still an area of interest for all of us that are really passionate about pushing the boundaries of this technology.”
Beyond AIKO’s technical prowess, Bywater was also drawn to the company’s long-term strategic vision and industry focus.
“What encourages me about AIKO is they have a solid plan to be a leader in the market for the long term,” he said.
“They’re not part of a spark plug company or part of an oil company jumping on the renewable energy trend. Since day one, their mission has been to redefine solar energy for a carbon-free future.
“From the P-type era to the N-type era, AIKO continuously challenged conventional industry perceptions and advanced the ultimate conversion of solar energy through their advanced photovoltaic products.”
This combination of cutting-edge innovation and enduring industry commitment has Bywater confident in AIKO’s potential.
“With over 15 years of global leadership in the PV industry and a strong commitment to R&D [research and development], AIKO aims to become the top choice for expert installers in Australia within the next 24 months,” he said.
Bywater’s belief in AIKO’s rapid rise is supported by more than just ambition.
Renowned figures such as Martin Green, considered the ‘father of PV’, and Jon Dee, founder of Planet Ark, both recognise the importance of AIKO’s N-type ABC technology to the future of the solar industry.
Major local distributors have also quickly embraced its products, and the fast-paced adoption by installers further confirms that AIKO’s technology is driving evolution in solar energy.
AIKO’s flagship NEOSTAR panel, for example, delivers 470 watts (W) of power within a compact 2m2 footprint, a critical advantage for space-constrained Australian rooftops.
Recently approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), the panel has officially become the first 470W module in standard size of 1134x1757mm, and is considered the most efficient residential solar panel in Australia under 2m².
Apart from its power density, AIKO’s panels also boast advanced features tailored to the country’s climate and installation challenges.
The NEOSTAR’s 40mm hailstone impact rating provides peace of mind for homeowners in regions prone to severe weather, while its proprietary shade optimisation technology helps to ensure strong performance even in partially shaded conditions – a common challenge that can significantly affect solar efficiency on many Australian rooftops.
“AIKO’s thermal management capabilities and advanced shade-mitigation features make our solar solutions a compelling choice for Australian consumers seeking to optimise the performance and reliability of their installations,” Bywater said.
As the company works to forge partnerships with Australia’s top-tier solar installers and solidify its position as a leading brand in the market, AIKO is also looking to the future.
The company has set its sights on engaging with the developers of large-scale solar projects, offering its high-efficiency modules as a means to drive down costs and boost energy yields for utility-scale developments.
“We’re confident that AIKO can make a meaningful contribution to the economics and sustainability of utility-scale solar in the Australian market as we continue advancing our technology,” Bywater said.
With its relentless focus on innovation, AIKO is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s renewable energy landscape.
The company’s recent achievement of over 25 per cent module-level efficiency, along with the upcoming release of its even more advanced INFINITE series, underscores AIKO’s status as a leader in the global solar industry.
The upcoming All Energy Australia Expo represents a valuable opportunity for clean energy professionals from all over the country and the world to visit AIKO and see its latest innovations. The company is planning to demonstrate why its advanced solar technology should be the optimal choice for discerning customers.
“We’re excited to provide attendees with a preview of AIKO’s product roadmap for the Australian market,” Bywater said.
Front and centre will be demonstrations of the company’s next-generation INFINITE series panels, which push the boundaries of solar module efficiency even further.
The team will also be showcasing the practical benefits of AIKO’s proprietary shade management technology, allowing participants to interactively experience its performance advantages.
“Beyond the technical capabilities, we also want to engage with the leading players in Australia’s clean energy industry who will be in attendance,” Bywater said.
“Our message is clear: the best projects deserve the best solar technology
“The All Energy Expo represents a valuable platform for AIKO to demonstrate our commitment to driving solar innovation in the Australian market.
“We look forward to engaging with the industry’s thought leaders and showcasing the technological edge that makes AIKO the optimal choice for discerning solar customers.”
This article featured in the October edition of ecogeneration.
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