ARENA, Australia's renewable energy agency, is allocating up to $105.6 million to 20 research projects aimed at cutting large-scale solar costs, targeting 30 cents per watt installed by 2030.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Australian government body responsible for funding renewable energy technologies, has announced up to $105.6 million for 20 research and development (R&D) projects in solar photovoltaics. The funding aims to cut the cost of designing, building, operating and maintaining large-scale solar farms. According to ARENA, this is its largest single investment ever made in solar PV R&D.

Two technology streams, six focus areas

The project portfolio spans two streams. The first covers solar cells and modules, targeting higher efficiency, lower cost and improved stability. The second addresses balance of system as well as operations and maintenance, aiming to cut deployment and operating costs while raising farm output. These developments come as global solar capacity keeps expanding, illustrated by solar overtaking coal in China with 1,286 GW installed.

The funding builds on ARENA's ambition to cut installed solar costs to $0.30 per watt by 2030, in order to lower the cost of solar-generated electricity. Large-scale solar deployment continues internationally as well, exemplified by Tata Power's 190.5 MW solar project commissioned in Rajasthan and by SunScout's 25 MWp solar-plus-storage deal in the Philippines.

A budget raised after reviewing applications

ARENA acting chief executive officer Mr Chris Faris said the projects would help ensure Australia remained at the forefront of solar innovation while addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the renewable energy industry. "Australia has played a leading role in the development of solar technology, and these projects will help ensure we continue to strengthen that position," he said. He added that the portfolio combines near-term improvements with breakthrough technologies capable of lowering costs, improving performance and accelerating the deployment of solar energy, both in Australia and internationally.

Mr Faris said ARENA had initially allocated $60 million to this funding round dedicated to ultra low-cost solar R&D. Given the quality of applications received, the agency decided to raise the envelope to $105.6 million to support a broader portfolio of projects. ARENA states that the ultimate goal is to unlock practical solutions for a faster, more affordable energy transition, spanning solar cells through to the construction, operation and maintenance of solar farms.