UNSW Sydney researchers have secured $64.8 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for 12 solar projects, according to the university.
The funding represents the bulk of ARENA’s $105.6 million investment in a new wave of solar innovation projects, with UNSW receiving funding for 12 of the 20 successful projects.
ARENA almost doubled its planned grant allocation for Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV Research following what it described as a high quality of applications. The investment is the agency’s largest single commitment to solar photovoltaic research.
The UNSW projects span areas including improving the durability of silicon solar modules, increasing solar cell efficiency, developing materials aimed at improving the cost and performance of solar panels, and enhancing the monitoring of solar farms.
Professor Bronwyn Fox, UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, said the funding would support a range of solar energy research projects.
“Ever since UNSW’s pioneering work developing high-efficiency silicon solar cells 50 years ago, the University has been a leader in solar energy research,” Prof Fox said.
“UNSW is thrilled to partner with ARENA on these 12 projects which continue to build on this strength and help drive the development of more affordable solar technology.”
Eleven of the successful projects are associated with UNSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, while one is from the School of Chemistry.
UNSW Dean of Engineering Professor Julien Epps said the funding would support collaboration between solar researchers and industry.
“This funding enables some of the leading experts worldwide in solar photovoltaics to work hand-in-hand with industry to drive forward innovative research and development that is pivotal to the energy transition and pivotal to climate change mitigation,” Prof Epps said.
ARENA acting chief executive Chris Faris said the projects addressed a range of challenges across the solar sector.
“The portfolio brings together a mix of near-term improvements and breakthrough technologies that have the potential to lower costs, improve performance and accelerate the deployment of solar energy both in Australia and around the world,” Mr Faris said.
He said achieving ultra low-cost solar would require innovation across the value chain, including solar cells and modules as well as the construction, operation and maintenance of solar farms.
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