SunDrive Solar to drive local solar panel manufacture

Solar PV innovator SunDrive Solar has linked with a big overseas solar manufacturer to help get its technology utilised internationally and establish a major Australian solar manufacturing facility.

The company, which has developed solar panels based on copper rather than expensive metal components, has signed a MoU with Trinasolar, one of the world’s largest solar manufacturers.

The companies will form a majority Australian-owned joint venture that aims to establish cutting-edge solar manufacturing capabilities in Australia.

SunDrive will lead an application for funding under ARENA’s Solar Sunshot programme, which is crucial to advancing the JV’s solar module production and feasibility studies for extending the company’s existing solar manufacturing value chain at the AGL Hunter Energy Hub site.

SunDrive Co-Founder & CTO, Vince Allen said: “We founded SunDrive with the vision of developing and deploying the world’s best solar technology, right here in Australia for Australian homes and businesses.

“Collaborating with Trinasolar, the world’s leading solar manufacturer, turns that vision into reality.

“Together, we’re combining home-grown innovation with experience to scale Australian-made solar panels that will drive the future of Australia’s clean energy transition.”

The companies said that the collaboration would enhance Australia’s ability to competitively produce high-quality solar products locally.

The MoU outlines the priorities for the collaboration:

• Creating High-Quality Jobs: The facility will create over 300 skilled jobs of the future, driving an innovation engine for Australia’s renewable energy sector
• Strengthening Australia’s Energy Security: By building a robust and diverse local supply chain for solar products, the JV will create a more resilient and sustainable domestic energy system
• Growing the Australian Solar Market: The collaboration aims to increase the share of Australian-made solar modules, combining innovative technology to compete both locally and regionally
• And deploying Advanced Technology: The collaboration will help Australia maintain its world-leading solar technology development advantage by integrating Australian technology solutions along the solar value chain.

Australia has long been a global leader in solar innovation, however has failed to develop a large local manufacturing sector.

SunDrive Co-Founder & VP Partnerships David Hu said SunDrive and Trinasolar had established technology collaboration since 2019.

Hu said: “Trinasolar has an outstanding reputation in the Australian market.

“Along with their decades of experience in global solar manufacturing, Trinasolar are the ideal choice to work with SunDrive to bring Australian-made solar panels to market at scale.

“Together, we’re positioned to drive innovation and deliver world-class solar solutions from right here in Australia.”

Further reading:
SunDrive Solar produces world-record solar PV cell
Albanese announces $1bn for solar panel manufacturing

Picture: SunDrive Solar