Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-10-22 Origin: Site
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will provide up to AUD 250 million in the third round of its Solar Sunshot program to support technologies that cut utility-scale solar project costs and speed up construction.
The funding is open to Australian and international companies incorporated in Australia that plan to establish or expand local manufacturing operations.
Eligible technologies include:
Solar tracking systems
Robotics and advanced automation
Prefabricated components
Other innovations that reduce solar project construction and operating costs
Applicants must demonstrate that their technologies meet minimum readiness requirements, including Technology Readiness Level 8 and Commercial Readiness Index 3 when manufacturing begins. The program aims to bring commercially viable solar technologies into Australian manufacturing.
ARENA launched the funding round on October 15, 2026. Expressions of interest open on November 2, with shortlisted applicants subsequently invited to submit full applications. An information webinar is scheduled for October 26.
The initiative builds on the previous funding round, which allocated up to AUD 31.3 million to support two solar robotics manufacturing projects. The latest round aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing while making large-scale solar deployment faster and more cost-effective.
