Tindo Solar Secures AU$34.5M Grant to Expand Production

• Tindo Solar secures AU$34.5M to boost Adelaide factory, powering 35,000 homes annually and creating 50 jobs, while planning a 1-GW gigafactory to enhance Australia's solar independence.

Tindo Solar has secured an AU$34.5 million grant from Australia's Solar Sunshot program to expand its Adelaide factory's production capacity from 20 MW to 180 MW annually. This funding will enable Tindo to produce enough solar panels to power 35,000 homes each year and create 50 skilled jobs. The grant also supports a feasibility study for a future 1-GW gigafactory, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese imports and boost domestic solar manufacturing.

The company plans to produce high-performance n-type TOPCon modules using locally laminated cells, targeting utility-scale tenders favoring domestic content. Tindo will collaborate with engineering consultants Aurecon to explore a coastal gigafactory capable of producing one gigawatt annually. This initiative aligns with Australia's goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030 and aims to establish a full local supply chain. The expanded plant is expected to open in mid-2027, coinciding with increased rooftop solar demand driven by state energy-efficiency mandates.

How will Tindo Solar's expansion impact Australia's solar manufacturing and energy goals?

• Increased Domestic Production: Tindo Solar's expansion will significantly boost Australia's domestic solar panel production capacity, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing energy security.
• Job Creation: The expansion will create 50 skilled jobs, contributing to local economic growth and providing opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
• Support for Renewable Energy Goals: By increasing production capacity, Tindo Solar will help Australia move closer to its target of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030.
• Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Producing solar panels locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing panels from overseas, contributing to Australia's overall sustainability goals.
• Encouragement of Local Innovation: The focus on high-performance n-type TOPCon modules and collaboration with engineering consultants like Aurecon may spur further innovation in solar technology within Australia.
• Strengthening of Local Supply Chain: The initiative aims to establish a full local supply chain, which can lead to more resilient and self-sufficient solar manufacturing infrastructure in Australia.
• Alignment with Policy Mandates: The expansion aligns with state energy-efficiency mandates, supporting increased rooftop solar demand and contributing to policy compliance.
• Potential for Future Growth: The feasibility study for a 1-GW gigafactory indicates potential for further expansion, positioning Australia as a leader in solar manufacturing and technology.
• Strategic Positioning: By targeting utility-scale tenders that favor domestic content, Tindo Solar can secure a competitive edge in the market, promoting the use of Australian-made solar products.
• Economic Diversification: The expansion supports economic diversification by strengthening the renewable energy sector, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.