Funding up to $10 million to support innovative solar projects that cut costs, improve efficiency, and accelerate commercialisation of ultra low-cost solar PV technologies nationwide.
Current status of program
CLOSED
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On this page you will find
What is the Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round?
The Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round (ULCS R&D) supports projects with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 3 that can accelerate progress toward Australia’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar target of below $20/MWh.
This round invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in two streams:
Stream 1: Cells and Modules
- Increase efficiency: Develop large size cells for next generation solar modules at over 30% module efficiency.
- Reduce cost: Reduce system cost to below 30 cents per watt.
- Improve stability: Improve stability of cells and modules for utility-scale solar farms to meet a minimum asset life of 30 years, with longer asset operating lifetimes expected.
Stream 2: Balance of Systems, and Operations and Maintenance
- Reduce Balance of System (BoS) deployment cost: Cost reductions for utility-scale solar PV deployment toward 30 cents per watt. Achieving this is expected to require novel approaches for constructing solar farms including simplifying mounting designs, prefabrication and / or improved installation (e.g. automation through AI and Robotics), and other BoS design innovations (e.g. larger module sizes).
- Reduce Operations & Maintenance (O&M) costs: Research and commercialisation of innovation to reduce O&M costs, risks and complexity.
- Other LCOE reduction and / or innovation to increase yield: Innovative solar PV system design to uplift solar farm performance, reduce cost and increase market adoption of Balance of System (BoS) innovation.
Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round level of support
Funding Amount
Minimum ARENA request (per application):
- Stream 1 (Cells & Modules): $3.5 million
- Stream 2 (BoS / O&M / Yield): $2 million
Maximum ARENA request (all streams): $10 million
Duration
Projects may run up to 5 years in duration.
Co-contribution
Applicants must provide co-contribution (i.e. funding from non-ARENA sources). The usual expectation is at least 1:1 co-contribution (cash + in-kind).
Projects closer to commercial readiness or with stronger industry backing may receive higher merit for stronger non-ARENA contributions.
ARENA’s support is structured in two stages (R&D → commercialisation). However:
- No more than 50% of the ARENA funding may go into the commercialisation stage
- Within that, the maximum ARENA funding for commercialisation is $4.0 million
Thus, the co-contribution requirement and caps ensure that projects carry forward significant non-ARENA investment into the later phases.
Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round important dates
- This program is currently closed.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper.
Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round objectives
The Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round aims to:
- Accelerate innovation across the solar PV value chain to achieve Australia’s target of less than $20 per megawatt-hour (MWh) for utility-scale generation.
- Improve solar performance, reliability, and longevity through advanced materials, design, and system integration.
- Reduce the total cost of solar deployment, including manufacturing, installation, and operations and maintenance (O&M).
- Support commercialisation pathways that help research outcomes transition quickly into industry applications.
- Strengthen Australia’s solar R&D capability by fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry.
- Position Australia as a global leader in next-generation solar technology development and manufacturing.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round support
Eligible Projects
Eligible proposals must address key cost, performance or durability bottlenecks along the PV value chain, aligned with ULCS goals. Examples include:
- Novel cell, module or materials innovations to lower cost or boost longevity
- Manufacturing methods or process intensification
- Innovations in BoS hardware, structures, mounting, cabling, inverters, trackers
- Advanced monitoring, AI/ML, predictive maintenance, degradation mitigation
- Yield optimisation, control strategies, loss reduction, O&M innovations
Projects must start at TRL ≥3 by EOI stage. The bulk of the work must take place in Australia (no more than ~10% budget allowance for overseas work, excluding materials/equipment, unless pre-approved).
Applicants must commit to knowledge sharing (non-commercially sensitive).
Ineligible Expenditures
The guidelines explicitly exclude certain categories:
- End-of-life / recycling technologies are not eligible
- Consumer “Solar PV Products” (i.e. products for household or small commercial retail markets) are out of scope
- Activities that do not directly contribute to achieving ultra low LCOE or performance improvement (i.e. tangential/ancillary work) may be rejected
- Any major change in project focus between EOI and Full Application (e.g. shifting the core technology or increasing grant ask >25%) without prior approval is disallowed
Applicants must carefully follow the Eligible Expenditure Guide in the RDC Program rules.
Other Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round support
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian companies (with ABN)
- Eligible research organisations (universities, CSIRO, CRCs, etc.)
- Entities must be legally registered in Australia
- Applicants may partner with research institutions, industry partners, manufacturers
The lead must hold an ABN, and project partners (industry or research) must be clearly defined in proposal. All parties should comply with requirements such as Modern Slavery, WGEA reporting, IP management, and relevant policies.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round assessment criteria
Each proposal will be assessed on four equally weighted criteria (no published weightings, but each carries equal importance). Applicants should submit evidence and narratives that satisfy the following:
1. Contribution to Outcomes & Alignment with Round Objectives
- How the project will reduce LCOE, improve performance, reduce cost, or delay degradation
- Whether the proposal aligns with ARENA’s ULCS goals
- Innovation, novelty, and differentiation from existing solutions
- Speed to impact and pathway toward broader commercial adoption
2. Capability & Capacity
- Strength and track record of the project team and lead applicant
- Quality of partnerships (industry, research, manufacturing)
- Demonstrated ability to deliver technical and commercial outcomes
- Completed or planned agreements (IP, contracts, partner commitments)
3. Project Design & Methodology
- Technical approach, milestones, risk management, contingencies
- Clear stage-gate and progression logic from R&D to commercialisation
- Feasibility within proposed timeframe (up to 5 years)
- Compliance with ARENA’s Grant / Funding Agreement requirements
4. Financial Viability & Co-Funding
- Value for money and cost effectiveness of the project
- Strength and realism of non-ARENA co-contributions (cash + in-kind)
- Financial plan and projected path to market / revenue
- Ability to attract other funding or private investment
While the guidelines don’t declare numeric weightings, they emphasise equal importance of all four criteria, so balanced excellence across technical, commercial, team and financial dimensions is key.
How do I get the Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round?
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/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To successfully secure funding, applicants should demonstrate (in the EOI and Full Application stages):
- Clear alignment with ULCS goals (cost, performance, stability)
- Articulated cost and performance metrics and benchmarks (e.g. referencing ITRPV, LCOE models)
- Strong team and partner capabilities, track records, and complementary skills
- Firm commitments from industry or manufacturing partners (letters of support with defined cash/in-kind)
- Feasible project plan with stage gates, timelines, deliverables and mitigation of major technical risks
- Non-ARENA co-contributions (cash + in-kind) at or above expected ratios
- Financial and commercial viability (market analysis, revenue or deployment pathway)
- Clear intellectual property arrangements, contracts or planned agreements
- Acceptance of knowledge sharing obligations under ARENA’s terms
- Compliance with all regulatory, legal, reporting, ethical and policy obligations (Modern Slavery, WGEA, etc.)
Information to prepare for the Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round application
Gather and prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- A 4-page technical overview summarising objectives, innovation, and approach
- Indicative budget using ARENA templates (with clear breakdowns of ARENA vs non-ARENA spend)
- Commercialisation plan (2–3 pages) – value proposition, market pathway, funding continuity
- Project timeline with milestones & deliverables, including stage gates
- Partner letters (industry / research) detailing roles, commitments, contributions
- Evidence of prior work (TRL evidence, data, prototypes)
- Risk mitigation and project governance plans
- IP and contractual frameworks or arrangements
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round
Applications are submitted via ARENA’s 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.
Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round resources
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