Our Story

 

Technique Solar Ltd Back to Top

A Breakthrough in Reducing Solar Energy Costs

  • Technique Solar Ltd (TS) was incorporated in 2003 with the aim of delivering low cost solar energy for the world-wide market.
  • TS's initial objective was to support the research of RMIT University student Mr. Dennis Thoroughgood.
  • From Dennis Thoroughgood's work the concept of the Technique Solar technology was developed. TS own the Intellectual Property and International Patents resulting from this work.
  • Based upon the initial work TS contracted RMIT University to carry out the detailed research and development of a prototype including the performance and testing to validate the projected results.
  • The research team was led by Professor Ian Bates (Director of the RMIT University Micro Technology Systems Centre). The entire team including additional members now works for TS.
  • This research into the Technique Solar technology led to a breakthrough in the production of solar energy with the testing of the prototype module being completed and validated in 2008.
  • The essence of the Technique Solar technology breakthrough is the use of a concentrator lens to focus the suns rays onto a Photovoltaic (PV) cell array. This means;
    • Fewer PV cells to produce the same electrical energy as the traditional flat plate array of the same area as the lens
    • The production of electrical energy as well as the collection of heat energy (hot water) from the cells.
  • Through these developments the Technique Solar technology achieves solar conversion efficiency between 50% - 60% compared with an efficiency typically ranging between 15% -18% for conventional PV panels.
 

 

 

The Vision Back to Top

  • Our vision is to progressively establish a "smart solar grid" integrated with the existing electricity power supply system.
  • Encourage the establishment and growth of a major solar energy manufacturing industry in Australia supporting a rollout initially into Victoria of some 50,000 modules per annum progressively followed into each of the other States.
  • By 2030 to have progressively installed some 2 million Technique Solar modules onto the Australian power grid system, which will provide a total output of 3500 MW of solar power.
  • To initially establish manufacturing and distribution capabilities throughout China, Nth America, Middle East, India and Europe.
 

 

 

The Team Back to Top

Directors

Dan Taylor

A TS founding member actively involved on a daily basis. Extensive experience in manufacturing and engineering. Has served on the Board of a public company as well as a number of private companies.

Stephen Diplock

A TS founding member actively involved on a daily basis. Extensive experience in international and commercial banking both in Australia and offshore.

John Keating

A long time shareholder becoming a director in 2007 actively involved on a daily basis. Extensive experience in corporate finance specifically in property development and investment, including some years spent in the venture capital industry both in Australia and the USA.

Technology Team

Ian Bates

Until recently was employed for 20 years at RMIT University as Professor of Microtechnology and as Director of the AECM Microtechnology Systems Centre in the College of Science and Engineering. Previously he was Professor of Electrical Engineering and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Engineering and made significant contribution to the development of research at RMIT University following it gaining University status. Previously he worked for the State Electricity Commission Victoria for almost 30 years and was General Manager Transmission. He is recognised internationally for his contribution to electrical power system engineering.

Dennis Thoroughgood

Is the inventor of the Technique Solar technology concept, which he developed as part of his Masters in Engineering Research Degree and is a PhD student at RMIT University in the field of commercialisation of technology.

Tim Walker

Is an honours graduate in Aerospace Engineering/Business Administration double degree and was employed by the AECM Microtechnology Systems Centre and is a PhD student at RMIT University in the field of "integration of energy sources into future supply systems to optimise the provision of future energy needs".

Dr. Janitha Wijesinghe

Holds a PhD in Engineering, Msc in Automotive Engineering & Bsc in Mechanical Engineering. He brings to the team strong analytical and problem solving ability including excellent mechanical design skills.