Australia Offers AUD 250 Million to Boost Solar Manufacturing Technology

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is offering up to AUD 250 million under the third round of its flagship Solar Sunshot program to support technologies that reduce utility-scale solar project costs and accelerate construction.

The funding is open to Australian and international companies incorporated in Australia that plan to establish or expand local manufacturing operations.

Key technologies eligible for funding include:

Solar tracking systems

Robotics and advanced automation

Prefabricated components

Other technologies that reduce solar project construction and operating costs

Projects must meet minimum technology and commercial readiness requirements, with technologies expected to reach Technology Readiness Level 8 and Commercial Readiness Index 3 when manufacturing begins.

ARENA launched the third funding round on October 15, 2026. Expressions of interest will open on November 2, followed by invitations for shortlisted applicants to submit full proposals. An information webinar is scheduled for October 26.

The initiative aims to strengthen Australia's domestic solar manufacturing industry while making large-scale solar deployment faster and more cost-effective. In the previous funding round, ARENA announced up to AUD 31.3 million for two solar robotics manufacturing projects.