New facility to boost homegrown solar PV manufacturing

A major solar module manufacturing facility is due to be developed in the NSW Hunter Valley, bolstered by up to $151 million in conditional funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

The funding comes out of the Australian Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program, which aims to boost a homegrown solar PV manufacturing industry.

The facility will be developed by the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry project — an initiative of the Sunman Group (Sunman), founded by solar pioneer and UNSW alumnus Dr Zhengrong Shi. The aim is to create an advanced manufacturing facility while drawing on Sunman’s track record as a lightweight solar innovator.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project is a clear demonstration of Solar Sunshot’s mission to advance solar manufacturing in Australia, reduce reliance on imports and expand Australia’s role in global clean energy supply chains.

“Deployment of solar photovoltaics at scale is central to meeting our long-term emissions goals. Building our manufacturing capabilities will help ensure that our supply chains are resilient and Australian innovations are supported as we accelerate the rollout of solar PV,” Miller said.

“Solar Sunshot is about building on Australia’s world-leading solar research to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and grow local jobs and skills. The Hunter Valley Solar Foundry project reflects these goals, bringing together advanced technology, local workforce development and long-term economic benefits for regional communities.”

The facility will produce a range of solar PV modules for use in domestic and international markets, including Sunman’s proprietary enhanced Architecture Ready Composite (eArc) modules, which replace traditional glass with durable polymers, making them up to 70% lighter, easier to transport and faster to install, according to the company.

Beyond manufacturing eArc modules, the facility is expected to produce glass modules and develop a solar innovation hub to support the commercialisation of new solar technologies. It will also operate as a solar manufacturing foundry with the ability to provide production capacity to original equipment manufacturers, further strengthening Australia’s domestic solar supply chain.

The project marks a homecoming for Shi, who began his pioneering solar research in Australia before moving abroad to scale up solar manufacturing.

“I am proud to establish the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry and bring commercial-scale renewable manufacturing to Australia,” Shi said.

“Once established, the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry will be the largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules in Australia and the only one in NSW, delivering world-leading products to residential, commercial and utility customers around the country.

“As a proud Australian and a solar expert trained at the University of NSW, it has been my long-held ambition to establish solar module manufacturing in Australia, and it is my hope that over time the Foundry supports the foundation of a vertically integrated solar supply chain in Australia. This is an important milestone in Australia’s energy transition.”

Construction of the facility is expected to create up to 200 jobs, with another 100 ongoing roles once operational. To support long-term workforce development, the project will also partner with an accredited training partner to deliver an advanced manufacturing training program, so local workers can build capability in next-generation solar production.

The project also incorporates a First Nations recruitment strategy and a scholarship program to support students pursuing studies in renewable energy fields.

Image credit: iStock.com/PhonlamaiPhoto. Image used for illustrative purposes only.