A new solar cell technology being supported by the Australian Government could help rapidly scale up low-cost solar.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $11m in funding to Australian solar technology company SunDrive solar.
SunDrive has developed a solar cell metallisation technology that uses copper instead of silver in its manufacture. Copper is approximately 100x cheaper and 1000x more abundant than silver.
Australia has the highest uptake of solar in the world. But over the last ten years, only 1% of installed solar cells have been made in Australia.
Through this project, SunDrive will scale up its advanced production line. This will allow it to make enough copper metallised PV cells for around 15,000 household solar systems each year. SunDrive is aiming to employ more than 500 people as production increases in Australia.
The technology has environmental benefits too. Copper is easier to recycle and is less carbon intensive than silver in the manufacturing process.
