ARENA Launches $1 Billion Solar Sunshot Program to Boost Australia's Solar PV Innovation

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced that it has launched the initial phase of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program, aimed at fostering innovation in Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing sector.

Announced by the Australian Government in March, the program's guidelines were developed after a thorough consultation process.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller stated that the Program is designed to discover and support innovations that will drive growth and diversity in this crucial sector.

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Darren Miller said, “Solar electricity will be the foundation of Australia’s future energy supply and the key to our net zero and renewable energy superpower ambitions.”

He added, “We need to build on our history of innovation and extend this into manufacturing across the solar supply chain. The demand for solar required to meet our net zero and renewable energy superpower goals is immense and Australia has the opportunity to build resilience and unlock long-term economic opportunity.”

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Two funding rounds under the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program have been launched, offering a total of $550 million.

Round 1A will allocate $500 million to support innovation in solar PV manufacturing, focusing on modules, module inputs, and deployment systems.

Round 1B will distribute $50 million to fund studies related to solar PV manufacturing, such as feasibility and engineering assessments.

Australia's strong renewable energy potential, abundant high-quality raw materials, and established research and development expertise provide a solid foundation for this initiative.

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Solar Sunshot aims to leverage these strengths to enhance and diversify supply chains and generate economic benefits.

ARENA developed the program guidelines in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), industry, and other stakeholders.

Applications are now open, and ARENA will host an informational webinar for prospective applicants in the coming weeks.