Why become an APVA Member?

The objective of the Association is to encourage participation of Australian organisations in PV industry development, policy analysis, standards and accreditation, advocacy and collaborative research and development projects concerning photovoltaic solar electricity.

One principal activity of the Association is to manage Australian participation in the IEA PV Power Systems Programme. This work is arranged by Tasks, each with its own commitments of time and resources.  At present Australia participates in:

Task 1 – PV Information Exchange and Dissemination

Task 9 – PV Services for Developing Countries;

Task 10 – Urban Scale PV Applications

Task 11 – PV Hybrid Systems within Minigrids.

Other activities undertaken by the Association include holding workshops and strategy meetings for the PV industry, undertaking PV information and education projects, making submissions to government on PV matters, producing the annual ‘PV in Australia’ status report and interacting with the media.

APVA Membership form [73kB]

The Australian Photovoltaics Association (APVA) membership can provide you with the following:

Information

• Up to date and often first hand information on new PV developments around the world (research, product development, policy, marketing strategies) as well as issues arising which may not otherwise be publicised.
• Access to PV sites and PV data from around the world – especially important as Australia has limited PV demonstration and little detailed PV monitoring.
• Potential for Australia to learn from international experiences before adopting specific strategies, standards, technologies or policies.
• Focal point for collection and dissemination of Australian PV data and information.
• Exposure to different approaches by other countries to similar problems. Broadens Australia’s horizons and exposes other countries to some of our unique issues, without having to divulge our Intellectual Property.
• Standards impacting on PV applications. 

Networks

• Access to international PV networks (PV industry, government, researchers) which allow personal relationships to develop and can be invaluable in business, research or policy development or information exchange generally.
• Opportunity for Australian industries, researchers and government agencies to participate in international projects, with associated shared knowledge and understanding.
• Opportunity for Australian PV related groups to meet regularly and discuss specific issues which are of international, as well as local interest. This provides opportunities for joint work, reduces duplication of effort and keeps everyone up to date on current issues.

 
Marketing Australian Products

• Opportunities for Australian input (and hence influence on) PV guidelines and standards development. This ensures both that Australian products are not excluded from international markets and that Australian product developers are aware of likely international guidelines.
• Using the information and networks detailed above to promote Australian products and expertise.
• Working with some of the network partners to further develop our/their products/services to an overall better product.
• Using the network of contacts to enter into new markets and/or to open new business opportunities in Australia.