The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched a new $60 million funding round aimed at accelerating research and development in ultra low-cost solar (ULCS) technologies.
The initiative, under ARENA’s Research, Development and Commercialisation (RDC) Program, seeks to drive down the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) to below $20 per megawatt hour.
ARENA stated that this goal is critical to achieving a net zero energy system and enhancing the competitiveness of Australian solar manufacturing on the global stage.
The funding round invites applications from a wide spectrum of organisations, including Australian universities, research institutions and private sector businesses with proven capabilities in solar PV. Eligible projects must have achieved at least Technology Readiness Level 3 to apply.
ARENA has identified six core focus areas grouped under two streams. The first stream targets innovation in solar cells and modules, prioritising next-generation technologies that offer over 30 per cent module efficiency, system cost reductions to below 30 cents per watt, and extended lifespans of at least 30 years for utility-scale deployments.
The second stream addresses cost reductions in balance of systems (BoS) and operations and maintenance (O&M). ARENA is seeking novel construction techniques – such as automation, robotics, and prefabrication – to simplify deployment and cut BoS costs. It is also calling for proposals to reduce the complexity and cost of long-term system maintenance.
According to the agency, the funding round is competitive, with applications assessed against ARENA’s strategic ULCS objectives.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend upcoming information webinars scheduled for 17 July and 29 July 2025 to learn more about eligibility and proposal guidelines.
