Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a substantial funding injection of AUD 11 million (approximately USD 7 million or EUR 6.6 million) to support SunDrive Solar's pioneering solar cell metallisation technology. This innovative technology substitutes copper for silver, a considerably scarcer and more expensive material, revolutionizing the solar manufacturing landscape.
The injection of funds is expected to enable SunDrive Solar to transition from prototype scale production, currently set at 1.5 megawatts per year, to a commercial capacity exceeding 100 megawatts of metallised solar cells annually. This substantial advancement aligns with Australia's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and underscores the nation's position as a global leader in renewable energy technology development.
The milestone was celebrated with the official opening of SunDrive's solar manufacturing pilot production and commercialization facility, situated in Kurnell, New South Wales. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, highlighting the government's strong endorsement of groundbreaking initiatives in the clean energy sector.
One of the most striking achievements of SunDrive's technology is its capacity to achieve high solar cell efficiency. Furthermore, the company aims to produce solar modules at an installed price that is 20-30% lower than other high-efficiency solar modules currently available in the market. This bold ambition underscores the potential of SunDrive's silver-replacing innovation to usher in a new era of cost-effective, green energy production.
ARENA has been a staunch supporter of SunDrive Solar's technology, having previously provided backing for the pilot-scale demonstration of the company's breakthrough solution. Darren Miller, Chief Executive of ARENA, emphasized the importance of ongoing innovation in the renewable energy sector, asserting that SunDrive's copper-based technology has the potential to be a game-changer. He also stressed the significance of investing in forward-looking technologies to secure Australia's economic success in the future.
