$150 million boost for homegrown solar manufacturing

Australia is taking the next step in building a Future Made in Australia, with the Albanese Government opening Round 2 of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program.

While one in three Australian households now have solar – the highest take-up in the world – less than one per cent of those panels are made here at home. That’s why the Albanese Government is backing our local innovators, workers and businesses to manufacture more of the clean energy hardware we’ll need for the decades ahead.

Round 2 will provide $150 million to expand Australia’s solar manufacturing capability into additional parts of the supply chain including framing, solar glass, junction boxes and deployment technologies – creating new opportunities for Australian jobs and industry.

This builds on the momentum of Round 1, which is delivering support for Australian pioneers like 5B, Tindo Solar and other homegrown companies that are scaling up production and proving what Australian know-how can deliver.

Community benefit principles including strong local supply chains, secure jobs and diverse workforces remain central to the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia.

By building up local capability in solar PV manufacturing, Solar Sunshot will strengthen our energy security, support regional communities and keep Australia at the forefront of the renewable energy transformation.

More information on Round 2 can be found here: https://arena.gov.au/funding/solar-sunshot-round-2/

ARENA continues to consider existing applications under Round 1, which focussed on solar PV modules.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“When it comes to powering our future, nothing beats our sun and our solar know-how. That’s why Solar Sunshot is all about making more of the clean energy technology we need right here in Australia.

“Round 1 is already proving that with the right backing, Australian companies can scale up solar manufacturing. Round 2 is the next step – targeting critical parts of the supply chain to build resilience, security and new jobs.

“Only the Albanese Government is investing in a Future Made in Australia – unlocking the jobs and industries of the future while delivering cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy for Australian households and businesses.”