Grants up to $100 million to support the reduction of costs across the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar projects, and to rapidly accelerate deployment.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Solar ScaleUp Challenge (SSUC)?
The ARENA Solar ScaleUp Challenge aims to identify breakthrough innovations in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector and bring together key stakeholders to commercialise and scale these innovations. The initiative focuses on reducing costs and accelerating the deployment of solar PV technologies to drive greater adoption and help achieve global decarbonisation goals.
The application process involves multiple phases, including initial submission, evaluation, showcase, and final grant application.
SSUC level of support
The initiative offers up to $100 million in grant funding for selected projects. This support is aimed at facilitating connections between multiple stakeholders, enabling the formation of multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative and collaborative solar PV projects.
SSUC important dates
- This program is closed.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper.
SSUC objectives
The following are the objectives and outcomes of the program:
- Ultra Low-Cost Solar (ULCS): Reduce the installed cost of solar PV to AU 30 cents per watt by 2030 and achieve a levelised cost of electricity below AU $20 per megawatt hour.
- Significant Scale: Increase Australia’s annual solar installation rate from 5 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts per year, aiming to reach 1 terawatt (1,000 gigawatts) by 2050.
Projects eligible for SSUC support
Eligible projects include late-stage prototypes, pilots, demonstrations, and deployment projects focused on utility-scale solar PV applications. Other project types that may be considered include:
- Smaller-scale projects, including behind-the-meter applications (grid connected or off-grid)
- Market-leading innovations from other industries that can be adapted for solar farm applications
- First-of-a-kind Australian trials of overseas technology
- Hybrid projects involving solar, storage, and wind
Projects funded by ARENA must take place in Australia, although project partners can be based anywhere in the world. Submissions should focus on:
- Reducing ‘balance of plant’ and installation costs and timelines
- Reducing operations and maintenance costs
- Reducing the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) through innovative solutions
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for SSUC support.
Other SSUC important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for SSUC support
The initiative is open to a wide range of participants, including:
- Innovators and technology developers
- Developers, engineers, constructors, owners, and operators of solar projects
- Customers seeking low-cost electricity
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Financiers from venture capital, banking, or institutional investing
- Other contributors such as testing facilities, landowners, or local communities
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for SSUC support.
SSUC assessment criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Alignment to the challenge topic: How well the solution addresses the specific objectives and focus areas of the Solar ScaleUp Challenge
- Technical viability and feasibility: The technical soundness and feasibility of the solution
- Scalability: The potential to scale up the solution to meet large-scale solar energy demands
- Innovation: The innovative merit and creative problem-solving demonstrated by the solution
- Impact: The potential impact on advancing the Solar ScaleUp Challenge objectives
- Expertise and Experience: The expertise and relevant experience of the team and partners involved
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the SSUC?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Participants can start their submission by creating an account on the ARENA Solar ScaleUp Challenge portal. Early submissions are encouraged to take advantage of the EarlyBird AMA session for early feedback and collaboration opportunities.
Information to prepare for the SSUC application
Participants should prepare detailed information about their innovative solutions, including technical specifications, potential impacts, scalability, and alignment with the challenge objectives. Submissions should also include information on the expertise and experience of the team and any partners involved.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the SSUC
To apply, participants must submit their innovative ideas through the ARENA Solar ScaleUp Challenge portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
SSUC resources
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