Solar Sunshot Program launches first phase of funding

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched the first phase of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program. First announced by the Australian Government in March, the program has been designed following extensive consultation with industry stakeholders.

The program has launched two funding rounds, with a total of $550 million available. Round 1A will provide $500 million for solar PV manufacturing innovation, focusing on modules, inputs to modules, and deployment systems. Round 1B will offer $50 million for solar PV manufacturing studies, including feasibility and engineering studies.

Australia is well-positioned to take advantage of the solar manufacturing industry, with strong renewable energy potential, high-quality raw materials, and a long track record of excellence in research and development. The Solar Sunshot program aims to harness these advantages to strengthen and diversify Australia's supply chains and create economic opportunities.

According to ARENA CEO Darren Miller, the program aims to uncover and support innovation to drive scale and diversity in the solar manufacturing industry. "Solar electricity will be the foundation of Australia's future energy supply and the key to our net zero and renewable energy superpower ambitions," Miller said. "We need to build on our history of innovation and extend this into manufacturing across the solar supply chain."

ARENA developed the program guidelines in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), industry, and other key stakeholders. Applications are now open, and ARENA will run an information webinar for potential applicants in the coming weeks.

The agency expects to announce future funding rounds under the Solar Sunshot program from mid-2025.

For more information including Solar Sunshot program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and key dates, visit the ARENA funding page here.