The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched an AUD 60m funding round to support research and development aimed at advancing the federal government’s ultra-low-cost solar goal.
This initiative targets reducing the installed cost of solar to AUD 0.30 per watt and lowering the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) to under AUD 20 per megawatt-hour by 2030.
Funding will be divided evenly across two streams: one focused on solar cells and modules, and the other on balance of system, operations, and maintenance.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the funding offers an opportunity for universities, research institutions, start-ups and entrepreneurs to contribute to lowering solar costs.
“Demand for renewable electricity is expected to increase significantly as Australia moves towards net zero,” he said. “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.”
The funding round will focus on six priority areas. These include improving the efficiency, stability and cost-effectiveness of cells and modules, reducing system deployment and maintenance expenses, lowering LCOE, and boosting energy yields.
ARENA has previously subsidised early large-scale solar farms in Australia, helping reduce construction costs across the sector.
Since its inception, it has invested over AUD 120m in solar R&D and AUD 104m in the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP).
“ARENA has been at the forefront of investing in solar innovation since the Agency was established 13 years ago,” Miller said.
“This funding round is seeking the pioneering innovation Australia is so well known for in solar PV to achieve that vision.”
Expressions of interest are now open.
