ARENA announces $28.8m R&D funding for ultra-low-cost solar

Funding round applications will open in February. 

The Australian Renewable Agency (ARENA) announced a $28.8m (AUD$40m) funding to support the research and development (R&D) of the government’s ultra-low-cost solar technology project.

In a statement, ARENA said $14.4m (AUD$20m) each will be allocated to two streams for the solar research and development: cells and modules, and balance of system, operations and maintenance.

The agency said the funding will build on its previous R&D investments into solar PV and will also support projects that align with ARENA’s Solar 30 30 30 target of 30% module efficiency, and 30 cents per installed watt at utility scale by 2030. 

ARENA noted that ultra-low-cost-solar was added as a priority technology in the government’s latest Low Emissions Technology Statement which has a goal of $10.81 (AUD$15) per megawatt hour, which is about a third of the current cost.

The low-cost solar would also be vital in scaling up the production of low cost green hydrogen, and opening up other decarbonisation pathways for heavy industry and low emission materials such as green steel and aluminium, according to ARENA.

“This $40 million R&D funding round will support Australia’s solar researchers and industry to get behind the target of Solar 30 30 30 and drive the innovation that will deliver ultra-low-cost solar,” ARENA CEO Darren Miller.

Miller added that the work of Australian solar researchers will be key in reducing costs and improving efficiency of solar cells.

Applications for the ultra-low-cost solar R&D funding round will open in February until 11 April 2022 5 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time.

ARENA’s research and development programs have committed about $75.7m (AUD$105m) in grant funding to more than 70 projects. 

AUD$1 = US$0.72