Funding up to $500 million to support and boost Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry and enhance the resilience of the local solar supply chain.
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 Sunshot Program?
The Solar Sunshot Program is an exciting initiative delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia policy. The program is designed to boost Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry and enhance the resilience of the local solar supply chain. With up to $1 billion in funding, it aims to support Australian solar PV innovations and scale local manufacturing capabilities, creating thousands of jobs and promoting economic resilience.
Solar Sunshot level of support
The Solar Sunshot Program offers substantial funding opportunities for projects that contribute to the development of Australia’s solar PV supply chain. The funding is available in multiple rounds, with the first round (Round 1A) allocating $500 million to support solar panel manufacturing and $50 million (Round 1B) to fund feasibility studies for solar PV manufacturing.
- Minimum amount of funding: Not specified in the guidelines.
- Maximum amount of funding: Projects may receive up to $500 million in total funding.
Co-contribution Requirements: ARENA generally expects applicants to at least match the funding sought through the Solar Sunshot Program with a combination of cash and in-kind contributions. Projects with higher co-contributions are considered to have higher merit in the assessment process.
Solar Sunshot important dates
- Expression of Interests (EOI) submission now closed
- 30 Apr 2025 – Round 1A Full Applications due
- 12 Nov 2025 – Round 1B Full Applications due
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Solar Sunshot objectives
The key objectives of the Solar Sunshot Program are:
- Commercialise Australian solar innovations to grow and diversify the local economy.
- Enhance the resilience of Australian solar PV supply chains in the long term, making Australia less reliant on international supply chains.
The program also aims to promote community benefits, including job creation and positive engagement with First Nations communities.
Projects eligible for Solar Sunshot support
Eligible projects for funding must focus on solar PV manufacturing or innovations that contribute to a stronger, more resilient solar supply chain. Specific areas of focus include:
- Solar panel manufacturing, particularly modules, inputs to modules, and deployment systems.
- Feasibility and engineering studies for solar PV manufacturing.
According to the program guidelines, funding cannot be used for activities such as:
- General operational or administrative costs not directly related to the project.
- Marketing and sales-related activities.
- Research activities not directly contributing to the commercialisation or manufacturing of solar PV technologies.
Other Solar Sunshot important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Solar Sunshot support
Australian-based businesses, research institutions, and joint ventures with demonstrated experience in solar PV innovations are encouraged to apply. The program strongly supports collaborative efforts between high-tech Australian start-ups, local manufacturers, and international partners.
Solar Sunshot assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on several key merit criteria:
- Commercialisation potential: The project’s ability to scale Australian solar PV innovations and contribute to the local economy.
- Supply chain resilience: How the project enhances the long-term resilience of Australia’s solar PV supply chain.
- Co-contribution: Projects offering higher co-contributions will be regarded more favourably.
- Community benefit: Applications must demonstrate how the project will engage with local and First Nations communities to create safe, secure jobs.
While specific percentage weightings are not provided, it is clear that projects with higher co-contributions and clear community benefits will score higher in the assessment process.
How do I get the Solar Sunshot?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Solar Sunshot application
Applicants are encouraged to prepare the following information and documents:
- A detailed project plan, outlining key milestones and timelines.
- A financial model, demonstrating the project’s sustainability and co-contribution.
- A community engagement plan, detailing how the project will deliver local benefits.
- Any technical feasibility studies or engineering assessments (where applicable).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Solar Sunshot
Applications for the Solar Sunshot Program are made via ARENA’s online portal, ARENANet.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Solar Sunshot resources
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