The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the second funding round of its $1bn Solar Sunshot program, aimed at developing a resilient domestic solar PV manufacturing sector.

Round 2 will provide $150m to strengthen critical parts of the solar PV supply chain, including framing, solar glass, junction boxes and deployment technologies.

ARENA Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller said the program represented a key opportunity for Australia.
“Australia has the opportunity to build high-quality products across the solar PV supply chain. Although we have a very small production capability today, we have the skills, partnerships and raw materials to establish a strong base that can be built on over the next decade,” he said.

The program launched in May 2024, with Round 1A dedicating up to $500m to module manufacturing. Round 1B, offering up to $50m for feasibility and engineering studies, has been extended until November 2026.

Funding from the first stages has already supported several Australian companies. This included up to $46m for 5B to expand its Maverick solar deployment system, $34.5m to Tindo Solar to increase domestic solar PV production, and $11m across three feasibility studies into upstream solar manufacturing.

Solar Sunshot forms part of the Government’s Future Made in Australia policy, designed to secure renewable energy supply chains and maximise the use of domestic resources. ARENA said the initiative will help create “diverse, secure and resilient supply chains that support thriving green energy industries.”

Round 2 of the Solar Sunshot program will open for submissions on 23 September 2025.

More information:https://solarstoragextra.com/arena-opens-second-round-of-1bn-solar-sunshot-program