The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to $151 million in conditional funding under the Australian Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program to establish a 500 MW per annum solar module manufacturing facility in the Hunter Valley, NSW. The Hunter Valley Solar Foundry, led by Sunman Group founder Dr Zhengrong Shi, will develop an advanced manufacturing facility leveraging Sunman’s innovative technology and expertise in lightweight solar modules.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller emphasized that the project aligns with Solar Sunshot’s goal of strengthening domestic solar manufacturing, reducing import reliance, and enhancing Australia’s role in global clean energy supply chains. By expanding manufacturing capabilities, the initiative aims to support large-scale solar deployment, resilient supply chains, and local innovation while generating long-term economic benefits for regional communities.
The facility will produce a variety of solar PV modules, including Sunman’s proprietary enhanced Architecture Ready Composite (eArc) modules, which are up to 70% lighter than traditional glass panels. Beyond eArc production, the Foundry will also manufacture glass modules, operate as a solar innovation hub, and provide production capacity to other equipment manufacturers, thereby reinforcing Australia’s domestic solar supply chain.
Dr Shi’s return to Australia to lead the project brings world-class solar expertise back home, positioning the country to contribute significantly to the global energy transition. Construction is expected to create up to 200 jobs, with an additional 100 ongoing roles once the facility becomes operational. The project includes partnerships for advanced manufacturing training, a First Nations recruitment strategy, and a scholarship program to support renewable energy education.
The Hunter Valley Solar Foundry is set to become Australia’s largest solar PV module manufacturer and the only one in NSW, producing cutting-edge products for residential, commercial, and utility customers nationwide. Dr Shi highlighted the long-term ambition of establishing a vertically integrated solar supply chain in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition.
The Solar Sunshot Program, launched by ARENA in March 2024, supports innovation in Australia’s solar PV manufacturing industry, with funding rounds targeting module production, manufacturing inputs, and deployment systems. The initiative leverages Australia’s renewable energy potential, high-quality raw materials, and strong research base to diversify supply chains, create economic opportunities, and accelerate domestic solar production.
