How to Apply for Funding

Step 1 – Read the Program Documents

  • Background

    ARENA is continuing to deliver the Solar Sunshot Program and has allocated $150 million to Round 2: Inputs to modules and deployment, to support the supply chain and advancement of innovative systems for deploying solar PV modules. This round aims to reduce the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) and improve efficiency across balance of plant (BOP), including automation, hardware, components, and system configurations.

    Round Objectives

    We are seeking funding applications for projects that aim to:

    • Advance and automate the manufacture of solar module components to complement onshore module production.
    • Increase cost competition and resilience of underlying solar module inputs and supporting technology through stronger local supply chains (excluding polysilicon, ingots and wafers).
    • Support the scale up of domestic solar PV deployment.
    • Support innovative approaches that can reduce solar PV deployment costs.

    Scope Requirements

    Applications are expected to conform to the following scope requirements:

    • Involve the commercial-scale manufacturing of solar PV technologies of at least TRL 8 and CRI 3 at the time manufacturing commences. Technologies may include inputs to solar PV modules and other module components such as framing, solar glass, and junction boxes and solar PV racking, tracking and deployment technologies.

    Information webinar

    An ARENA webinar on 23 September 2025 introduced Solar SunShot Round 2, giving an overview the Round’s objective, scope, eligibility, and application process.

    Key documents

    Have a question? Refer to the FAQ document in the first instance. If you have further questions, please contact us.

Step 2 – Observe the key dates

  • Key dates (AEST)

    Solar energy icon 4 September 2025 Funding round launch

    Solar energy icon 23 September 2025 Information session via Webinar 10:00 – 11:30am (AEST)

    Solar energy icon 23 September 2025 Expression of Interest (EOI) open (09:00am AEST)

    Solar energy icon 30 April 2026 EOI final submission date (11:59pm AEST). Written submissions will not be accepted after this date.

    Solar energy icon 31 August 2026 Full Application submission due date (11:59pm)

    Round 2 requires the submission of an EOI.  The Round will be assessed as an open, merit-based process and applications will not be assessed using a ranked process as defined in the Program Guidelines.  Applicants successful at the EOI Stage will be invited to submit a Full Application.

    The dates represent the current timetable for the Funding Round. ARENA retains the right to amend proposed timelines and stages of the Funding Round at its discretion.

    You can download a copy of the timeline of key dates here

Step 3 – Prepare your response
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