The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has distributed $29.2 million in funding to advance 22 solar cell research projects in Australia.
The University of NSW (UNSW) received the biggest chunk of funding with ARENA providing them with $16.43 million to fund 11 solar research projects.
Its research partner in the UNSW-based Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), the Australian National University, snapped up $7.89 million for a further six projects, followed by the CSIRO with $3.31 million and Monash University with $1.59 million.
Research funded includes pushing new efficiency records for solar PV cells; developing cheaper, greener and less toxic materials; using new materials to cut manufacturing costs; improving the quality and lifespan of the silicon base material of PV; and delivering new ways to rectify small defects in cells that constrain even higher efficiencies.
A key player in the new research will be SIRF, dubbed ‘the missing link from lab to manufacturing plant’. SIRF is an especially designed $30 million facility aimed at advancing solar power technology and commercialising progress in the state-of-the-art manufacture of cheap, more efficient and less toxic solar cells worldwide.
It takes laboratory-scale solar technology and develops it for use in commercial manufacturing lines, bringing UNSW’s world-leading solar technology to industry partners globally.
Construction of SIRF began in 2010, was completed 2011, and the fitout and installation of the highly sensitive technology taking place over the next few years. Architects Woods-Bagot modelled the outside of the building to mimic the pattern of multi-crystalline silicon solar cells.
Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, said Australia was at the forefront of solar photovoltaics technology development.
“This funding will see that we continue to increase our skills, capacity and knowledge, as we seek to deliver more affordable and reliable power, while transitioning to a lower emissions future,” he said.
“It could lead several breakthroughs, ranging from the development of printable solar cells that can be easily rolled up and transported, to the integration of semi-transparent solar cells into windows.”
“At UNSW we are proud to have a long history of world-leading solar innovations dating back to the 1970s,” said Emma Johnston, Dean of Science at UNSW.
“But research is only one part of the puzzle. Equally as important is translating these world leading ideas into commercially viable products.
“The SIRF facility we stand in today, is evidence of this commitment – a place where we work hand in hand with industry to deliver solar solutions for Australia and the world.”
The total value of the ARENA projects is more than $100 million.
ARENA chief executive Ivor Frischknecht said over the last five years, ARENA has funded breakthroughs which have helped make solar photovoltaics (PV) competitive with wind and power.
“In this funding round, the candidates and the calibre was so high, we actually increased the total funding we awarded to nearly $30 million,” Mr Frischknecht said.
“This research will improve the technological and commercial readiness of new innovation in solar PV cells and modules, enhance Australia’s position as world-leaders in solar PV R&D and address Australian-specific conditions.”
