Australia’s midstream silicon manufacturing capability.
Stellar PV is developing a gigawatt-scale silicon ingot and wafer facility for the global solar value chain. We add value to Australia’s critical minerals, anchor advanced manufacturing in regional Australia, and supply trusted product to international offtake markets.
Australia has long been a trusted supplier of the world’s critical minerals. Stellar PV is building the manufacturing capability to add value to those resources before they leave our shores
Silicon manufacturing is highly concentrated, and global buyers are looking for trusted, diversified sources of supply. Australia is well positioned to be part of that solution.
Data centres, electrification, and the broader reindustrialisation of advanced economies are driving sustained, long-term growth in silicon demand.
The journey from raw mineral to finished solar module involves seven distinct stages. The midstream stages, ingots and wafers, are where most of the value is created and where global supply is most concentrated. This is where Stellar PV operates.
Stellar PV is developing Australia’s first gigawatt-scale silicon ingot and wafer manufacturing facility.
Using the proven Czochralski mono-crystalline process, the facility will produce high quality silicon wafers for solar cell manufacturers in allied markets. These are high-value, lightweight, exportable products with strong long-term demand fundamentals.
The project is supported by funding from the Australian Federal Government and has been granted Major Project Status.
A silicon wafer facility is more than a single plant. It is the anchor of a wider industrial ecosystem, supporting a network of specialist suppliers and services, and creating the foundations for long-term advanced manufacturing capability in regional Australia.
Long-term, advanced manufacturing roles in operations, engineering, and technical trades.
A precinct anchor that draws in suppliers, services, and adjacent industries.
Partnerships with TAFE and universities to build the technical workforce needed for advanced manufacturing.
A high-value product manufactured locally, sold into global markets.
Australia is uniquely positioned to host advanced silicon manufacturing at scale. Four structural advantages support a globally competitive industry.
Among the world's largest reserves of quartz and silicon resources, the foundation of the value chain.
World-class renewable resources enable globally competitive, low-carbon advanced manufacturing.
Stable institutions, mature regulation, and strong allied trading relationships.
A skilled workforce and growing regional industrial precincts ready to support gigawatt-scale manufacturing.
One of Stellar PV’s founders was part of the original UNSW research team that commercialised modern photovoltaic cell technology. He went on to establish some of the world’s largest silicon manufacturers, including Suntech, JA Solar, and Sunrise Global Energy.
We are now bringing that experience home to build Australia’s silicon manufacturing capability.
Members of the original UNSW led by Prof. Martin Green (front centre). Includes prominent Australian PV scientists: Ted Szpitalak (right); Prof. Andy Bakers (second from right); and Prof. Stuart Wenham (Back right).
Picture courtesy UNSW Archives.
Supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), this study examines Australia’s position in the global silicon value chain and the feasibility of establishing domestic ingot and wafer manufacturing at scale.
