Applications open! ARENA's $60M funding opportunity for solar startups, industry innovators and researchers
- alisonpotter2
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
ARENA has launched a new $60 million research and development (R&D) funding round focused on accelerating the commercialisation of Australian innovations across the solar PV supply chain.
It aims to find innovative solutions that make ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar target for a Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) under $20/MWh a reality. The round is aligned with ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar strategic priority.
Funding round objectives
ARENA is seeking ambitious proposals that can make a significant contribution through six focus areas across two streams.
Funding streams
Stream 1: Cells and Modules ($30 million)
Focus Areas:
Increase efficiency
Reduce cost
Improve stability
Stream 2: Balance of Systems & Operations and Maintenance ($30 million) Focus Areas:
Reduce balance of system and deployment costs
Reduce operations and maintenance costs
Other LCOE reduction and / or innovation to increase yield
This round welcomes a broader range of applicants, including startups, industry innovators, and first-time applicants, not just universities and research institutes.
It’s a great chance for new voices and ideas to get funding support and scale their impact.
This is a competitive funding round under our Research, Development and Commercialisation (RDC) Program (formerly referred to as TRAC Program). It is open to applications for projects which have achieved a Technology Readiness Level of at least three at the time of applying.
ACAP is helping spread the word to ensure this opportunity reaches as many innovators as possible. If you or your network are working on next-gen solar technologies, now’s the time to get involved.
Please refer to the Funding webpage in the first instance for useful information including FAQs and to watch a recorded webinar information session. If your question is not answered in the documentation uploaded to the webpage (as updated from time to time), please email queries to solar@arena.gov.au
Key dates
9 July 2025 Round launch
17 July 2025 Webinar Session 1 (Closed)
29 July 2025 Webinar Session 2 (Closed)
5 August 2025 Expression of Interest (EOI) Application Open
21 October 2025 EOI Application Close at 11:59PM AEDT. ARENA will not accept any EOI applications after this date.
December 2025 EOI outcome letters and invitation to Full Application. Applicants successful at the EOI Stage will be invited to submit a Full Application at this time.
For more information
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