Australian PV innovator SunDrive will lead a bid for funding under the country’s Solar Sunshot program in a joint venture with China’s Trina Solar.
SunDrive has developed technology to replace silver in PV cells with copper, which is a more abundant, efficient and cost-effective material. The company’s first major claim to fame was producing the world’s most efficient commercial-sized silicon solar cell in 2021.
SunDrive announced in March this year the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AGL Energy Hubs to build its first modern commercial-scale production facility at the AGL Hunter Energy Hub in Muswellbrook, New South Wales. However, the project is dependent on the Australian government receiving sufficient support to build a large-scale facility.
In addition to this project, the company announced another MoU yesterday – this one with Chinese PV module manufacturer Trina Solar. Founded in 1997, Trina has shipped more than 225 GW of solar panels worldwide and established an Australian presence in 2009. The two companies are well known through a technology cooperation agreement in place since 2019.
“With SunDrive’s leading solar technology innovation and Trinasolar’s global manufacturing expertise and cutting-edge N-type technology, this collaboration will enhance Australia’s ability to competitively manufacture high-quality solar products locally,” SunDrive said.
According to the company, the planned Sydney facility will create more than 300 skilled jobs and have an annual production capacity of 1.2 gigawatts.
Solar Sunshot support required
But the key to building this facility is securing Solar Sunshot funds, a $1 billion program overseen by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) that will support the commercialization of Australian solar photovoltaic innovations and local PV -Improve supply chains.
Although Trina is involved and is a Chinese company, this in itself should not have a negative impact on the joint venture’s financing prospects. It helps that SunDrive is already viewed as a blonde child by the Albanian government.
The collaboration will result in a majority Australian-owned joint venture. Solar Sunshot’s eligibility criteria requires applicants to have an Australian business number and be an Australian corporation registered under the Corporations Act 2001. Each project must take place primarily in Australia and co-funding commitments will play a role in application assessment. It’s not clear how much the joint venture is pursuing or willing to contribute.
SunDrive co-founder and VP Partnerships David Hu said Trina was the “ideal choice” to work with to bring Australian-made solar panels to market at scale.
Trina’s Edison Zhou commented on the joint venture:
“Trinasolar has a long history in the Australian market and we are pleased to partner with SunDrive to bring world-class solar manufacturing to the region.”
Although SunDrive received positive attention internationally, the journey for SunDrive was not smooth. The company recently cut staff and made senior leadership changes to streamline operations.
Another company that has previously indicated it will seek funding for Solar Sunshot is Tindo Solar, Australia’s only local module manufacturer, which already supplies the market. Tindo recently launched its new Walara panel range and is committed to incorporating Australian-made components into its modules.
Applications for Round 1A ($500 million) to support innovation in solar PV manufacturing are due December 10, 2024, with full applications due April 30, 2025. Applications for Round 1B ($50 million) , which provides for funding for manufacturing studies, are due November 2, 2025.
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