☀️ ARENA Launches $60M Quest for Ultra Low-Cost Solar Power

Australia’s solar future just got brighter. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has kicked off a fresh $60 million funding round to push solar power costs even lower and supercharge innovation in solar tech.

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💡 The Goal: Cheaper, Better Solar by 2030

ARENA wants to help Australia’s top researchers, universities, and startups deliver big breakthroughs in solar cell efficiency, installation costs, and system longevity.

🎯 Targets include:

🔧 Installed cost: ↓ to 30 cents/watt

⚡ Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE): ↓ to $20/MWh

Currently, solar is already cheaper than most fossil fuels – but ARENA says that’s not enough to meet net-zero targets.

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💰 Where the Money’s Going

The $60 million fund is split across two key innovation streams:

📦 Stream 1 – Solar Cells & Modules

Develop next-gen solar modules with >30% efficiency

Improve durability to extend lifespan beyond 30 years

Slash system costs to under 30 cents/watt

🛠️ Stream 2 – Balance of System & O&M

Lower costs of installation, operations, and maintenance

Advance scalable, cheaper deployment technologies for utility-scale solar

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🧪 A Boost for R&D & Exports

This new push supports not just the energy transition at home but also positions Australia as a global solar innovator.

It follows Labor’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot program, where Australian solar pioneer 5B received the first round of funding for its rapid-deploy “Maverick” solar tech.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said:

> “We’re investing in the game-changing innovation that will make solar even more affordable — unlocking clean electricity for industry and exports.”

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📆 Key Dates & Info

🗓️ Expressions of Interest open early August 2025

🛑 Deadline: October 21, 2025

💻 Info webinars: Late July (see ARENA website)

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💼 EServices4U Can Help Solar Innovators & Installers

At EServices4U, we support solar developers and tech innovators across Australia with:

🔍 Feasibility & funding consultation

📑 R&D planning and proposal drafting

🔋 Solar panel and battery installation solutions

🌱 Net-zero consultancy for industry and commercial sites

Your solar journey, powered by expertise.

Visit 🌐 www.eservices4u.com.au to connect.