Australia Boosts Solar R&D With $60 Mn Ultra-Tech Fund

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has recently launched a new $60 million funding round for research and development (R&D) to find innovative solutions that make ultra-low-cost solar a reality. The $60 million funding round reflects ARENA’s goal ambition for the next generation of innovation in solar PV through six focus areas across two streams:

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• Stream 1: Cells and modules ($30 million)

• Increase efficiency

• Reduce cost

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• Improve stability

• Stream 2: Balance of systems, operation, and maintenance ($30 million)

• Reduce the  balance of system deployment costs

• Reduce operations and maintenance costs

• Other LCOE reduction or innovation to increase yield.

To date, ARENA has provided over $388 million to solar PV R&D and an additional $104 million to support the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP). This new funding round provides an opportunity for Australian universities, research groups, start-ups and entrepreneurs to make breakthroughs in achieving ARENA’s ultra-low-cost solar vision of reducing the installed cost of solar to 30 cents per watt and bringing the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) below $20 per megawatt hour by 2030.

In the last decade, solar R&D in Australia has led to major growth in photovoltaics that have helped shape the global solar industry, driving down the cost of solar power, strengthening Australia’s goal in expanding research in solar, and supporting the growth of a renewable energy sector.

ARENA’s Previous Research

ARENA’s previous support has enabled researchers to push the limits of solar cell efficiency by exploring advanced characterisation techniques, enhancing solar cell and module reliability and stability, applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to better monitor and optimise PV system performance, and pioneering recycling solutions to reduce waste and support a circular solar economy.

Their work has also enabled the development of next-generation technologies, including tandem solar cells, lightweight flexible panels and innovative manufacturing processes, unlocking new possibilities for solar energy.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said solar photovoltaic (PV) technology continues to evolve rapidly and remains the backbone of the country’s clean energy transition, highlighting the importance of continued investment. He added, "Demand for renewable electricity is expected to increase significantly as Australia moves towards net zero. Ultra-low-cost solar PV is a critical source of electricity to meet this demand and will be a crucial enabler of the energy transition.”

“ARENA has been at the forefront of investing in solar innovation since the Agency was established 13 years ago and has materially shifted the renewable energy landscape in Australia.” “Our ultra-low-cost vision recognises that solar must be cheaper still to support and enable the renewable energy transition, especially if we are to decarbonise heavy industry and create new export industries. This funding round is seeking the pioneering innovation Australia is so well known for in solar PV to achieve that vision,” he further explained.