ARENA Funds Solar Robotics, Software Projects with USD 2.1m

• ARENA funds solar software and robotics projects to slash costs and boost efficiency, driving Australia towards ultra low-cost solar and net zero goals by 2030.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing AUD 3.2 million (USD 2.1m/EUR 1.9m) in funding to two solar projects focused on software and robotics to reduce solar costs. PV Lighthouse Pty Ltd will receive AUD 1.97 million for its SunSolve yield modelling software to improve power output forecasts. Built Robotics Australia Pty Ltd will get AUD 1.3 million to automate pile driving processes in building solar farms, potentially reducing piling time and labor costs by 82% and 88%.

ARENA's funding is expected to unlock over AUD 6.5 million in total investment across the two projects. CEO Darren Miller stated that achieving ultra low-cost solar is crucial for Australia's renewable energy transition and net zero goals. ARENA aims to reduce installed solar costs to AUD 0.30 per watt and reach a levelised cost of electricity below AUD 20 per MWh by 2030, supporting innovations through its Solar ScaleUp Challenge.

How is ARENA funding software and robotics to reduce solar costs in Australia?

• ARENA is providing AUD 3.2 million in funding to two solar projects in Australia focused on software and robotics to reduce solar costs.
  
• PV Lighthouse Pty Ltd will receive AUD 1.97 million for its SunSolve yield modelling software to improve power output forecasts.
  
• Built Robotics Australia Pty Ltd will get AUD 1.3 million to automate pile driving processes in building solar farms, potentially reducing piling time and labor costs by 82% and 88%.
  
• The funding from ARENA is expected to unlock over AUD 6.5 million in total investment across the two projects.
  
• CEO Darren Miller emphasized the importance of achieving ultra low-cost solar for Australia's renewable energy transition and net zero goals.
• ARENA aims to reduce installed solar costs to AUD 0.30 per watt and reach a levelised cost of electricity below AUD 20 per MWh by 2030 through initiatives like the Solar ScaleUp Challenge.