Australia's SunDrive Solar is partnering with Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer, Trina Solar to develop advanced manufacturing facilities and launch Australian-made solar panels on a large scale.
Partnership to Launch Australian-Made Solar Panel Facility
The partnership formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to enhance Australia’s domestic solar module manufacturing to compete both locally and globally. By leveraging Trina Solar's manufacturing expertise and n-type technology, along with SunDrive's copper metallization technology, the joint venture plans to produce Australian-made solar panels for residential and commercial rooftops. This proposed facility is expected to create over 300 jobs and strengthen the local supply chain for solar products, while also expanding the market share of Australian-made solar panels.
“We founded SunDrive with the vision of developing and deploying the world’s best solar technology right here in Australia for Australian homes and businesses. Together, we’re combining home-grown innovation with experience to scale Australian-made solar panels that will drive the future of Australia’s clean energy transition,” said Vince Allen, co-founder and chief technology officer of SunDrive Solar.
SunDrive Seeks ARENA Funding for Solar Production Expansion
SunDrive intends to seek funding through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Solar Sunshot program to enhance the joint venture’s solar module production and conduct feasibility studies for expanding the solar manufacturing value chain at the AGL Hunter Energy Hub site. The timing and capacity of production will rely on the outcome of the funding application.
"Collaborating with Trina Solar was an easy decision for us. SunDrive and Trina Solar have established technology collaborations since 2019. Trina Solar has an outstanding reputation in the Australian market. Along with their decades of experience in global solar manufacturing, Trina Solar is the ideal choice to work with SunDrive to bring Australian-made solar panels to market at scale,” said David Hu, SunDrive co-founder.
AU$550 Million Initiative Launched for Solar PV Innovation
The initiative officially commenced on August 31 with its first round. Two funding rounds were launched, offering a total of AU$550 million for allocation. Round 1A, which has AU$500 million allocated, aims to support innovation in solar panel manufacturing, specifically targeting modules, inputs for modules and deployment systems. The initiative is not intended to compete with China but rather to offer additional support for the global energy transition.
“The programme’s aim is not to produce solar panels that are much cheaper than China; it’s just not realistic. We don’t expect that we will supply all of our products. We’re still hoping for and expecting that the current good trading relationship with China can continue indefinitely,” said Darren Miller, ARENA CEO.
“This provides an excellent opportunity for Australian solar engineers in training to work in commercial scale roles to learn by doing on the job. This makes an investment in Australian advanced manufacturing and robotics a realistic and achievable investment proposition and leverages the global value of the SunDrive solar cell technology. It’s a win for Australian manufacturing, a win for reskilling our workforce, a win for accelerating our domestic supply chains, a win in terms of building Australia-China relations and a win in alignment with climate science.” said Tim Buckley, Energy Analyst.
The collaboration between SunDrive and Trina Solar exemplifies the strong relationship between the two countries and their mutual support in advancing the global energy transition.