The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today unveiled Round 2 of its A$1 billion Solar Sunshot program, making a further A$150 million available to fortify the nation’s solar PV manufacturing supply chain
This second tranche shifts focus beyond module production to essential components such as framing, solar glass, junction boxes and deployment technologies like racking, tracking and automated systems.
ARENA’s CEO, Darren Miller, described the initiative as a crucial chance for Australia to secure its place on the global solar stage. While domestic manufacturing capacity is currently modest, he emphasised that the country has “the skills, partnerships and raw materials to establish a strong base over the next decade”
The initial Solar Sunshot funding rounds comprised:
- Round 1A, now closed, allocated up to A$500 million to module manufacturing.
- Round 1B, offering A$50 million for feasibility and engineering studies, has been extended through November 2026
To date, pioneering companies have been backed, including 5B, awarded A$46 million to scale its Maverick solar deployment system, Tindo Solar, granted A$34.5 million to boost panel production, and three upstream solar feasibility studies allocated A$11 million in total.
From September 23, 2025, to April 30, 2026, people can submit their Expressions of Interest for Round 2. Complete applications are due by August 31, 2026. Full program guidelines and eligibility details can be accessed via ARENA’s website.