We aim to develop Ultra Low Cost solar to speed up the transition to renewables.
Thirteen research projects, totaling $41,5 million, will be funded to support activities aimed at reducing the cost of Solar.
Australian researchers regularly break world records in solar efficiency. Technology developed here forms the basis of a majority of solar panels around the world.
ARENA’s latest funding round focuses on delivering ultra-low-cost Solar (ULCS). Solar energy can be produced at a quarter of its current cost.
Solar 30 30 30 is the target. The goal is to reduce costs to 30 cents a watt and improve the efficiency of solar cells to 30%. The target date for 2030.
The current efficiency record is just under 27 percent, and the installation cost is about $1.20 per Watt.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller announced the funding would be distributed to Australia’s top universities and researchers.
M Miller stated, “Australian researchers have contributed to making solar PV the most affordable form of energy ever.”
He said: “But if we want to see a world where Australian solar energy provides clean power, fuels, and products to the world, then we must be ambitious and continue to drive down the costs.”
Supporting Australian Researchers
Researchers from three Australian Universities have received funding: The University of New South Wales, The Australian National University, and The University of Sydney.
In February 2022, applications were opened for 40 million dollars in funding. ARENA added $1.5 million based on the success of the first round of applications.
The successful applicants demonstrated the potential to reduce solar PV costs levelised and improve cell and module efficiency in two streams.
Stream 1, Cells and Modules: Building on Australia’s leading R&D and Innovation in Solar Cells and Modules ($27.5 Million in ARENA Funding);
Stream 2, Balance of System, Operations, and Maintenance: Seeking a broader approach to accelerate innovations that can reduce the upfront and ongoing costs of utility-scale PV in the field (14 million dollars in ARENA funding).
Most projects focus on improving or developing new technologies, but there is also funding for commercialization that goes beyond the core phase of research and development. The funding is aimed at developing scalable products that can be sold on a large scale.
Accelerate global development
Since 2012, ARENA has provided $118.5 Million in grant funding for 145 solar PV projects with 17 institutions.
ARENA increased its support for the Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics by $ 45 million last year. ACAP is expected to receive a total funding of $128.99 million by 2030.
ACAP has supported the creation of Australian solar start-ups like Open Instruments Solar Vision Solar Cycle SunDrive.
Professor Anita Ho Bailie, who holds the John Hooke chair of nanoscience at the University of Sydney School of Physics, and Sydney Nanohub, has welcomed the support of SunDrive for the University’s collaboration.
She said, “Thanks in part to the support from ARENA we are delighted to be able work with SunDrive on accelerating the development of perovskite and silicon tandems for commercialisation.”
Professor Bram Hoex said he felt humbled by ARENA’s support.
He said that “ARENA’s Solar 30 30 30 target is perfectly aligned to our mission of accelerating the worldwide development and adoption of renewable energy.”
This funding will enable us to remain in the driving seat for technology development and commercialization with an increased emphasis on utility-scale Solar, driving down emissions while growing the Australian Economy.