It was an honour for our CEO Louise Hurll to speak on a panel this week at the APVI – Australian PV Institute 2025 ASIA-Pacific Solar Research Conference (APSRC), exploring what it will take to build a viable solar manufacturing industry in Australia.
A key theme from the discussion was how ARENA’s Solar Sunshot Program is really about building the long-term, sovereign manufacturing foundations needed to turn decades of Australian PV innovation into Australian-made solutions, shifting Australia from being a world leader in PV research to becoming a meaningful player in PV manufacturing.
We were honest about the challenges ahead. Australia is not going to win on price against China – but cost is no longer the only driver. Global markets are actively prioritising secure, diversified, low-carbon and traceable supply chains, which opens real opportunities for high-quality Australian products. The global reshaping of solar supply chains is happening whether Australia participates or not – and we can still claim a meaningful role if we move decisively.
To make this happen, and to be globally competitive, policy settings will matter enormously. Production credits, support for local industrial zones, streamlined approvals and enabling infrastructure can all accelerate industry development and reduce the cost for early movers. Powering those industrial zones with GW-scale behind-the-meter solar farms should be part of the vision, capitalising on Australia’s abundant renewable energy resources to keep costs and emissions down.
A strong theme was traceability – from raw quartz, to polysilicon, to wafers, cells and modules. What became clear is that transparent, auditable supply chains are now central to securing market access and positioning Australia as a trusted supplier.
A great discussion with thoughtful, committed people. I’m looking forward to seeing these conversations translate into real progress – and to contributing through Stellar PV Pty Ltd as we work to establish Australia’s ingot–wafer capability.
