5B’s Maverick Solar Technology Receives Sunshot Grant
Australian innovator 5B’s revolutionary Maverick rapid-deploying solar generation technology has secured funding from the federal Labor’s Solar Sunshot program, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy sector. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has allocated $46 million to 5B to enhance the production of its Maverick solar units at its manufacturing facility in Adelaide, South Australia.
The brainchild of UNSW renewable energy engineers Chris McGrath and Eden Tehan, the Maverick system was conceptualised over a decade ago. Comprising 90 prefabricated and pre-wired modules with a total capacity of approximately 50kW, the Maverick units are effortlessly unfolded on-site using a forklift. This innovative approach allows for swift, cost-effective installation, outpacing traditional large-scale solar farms by a factor of ten. Consequently, the Maverick technology has become a popular choice for off-grid projects such as mines, with 5B setting a remarkable installation record of 1.25MW in a single day at a lithium mine in Western Australia in 2024.
Scaling Up Production and Driving Innovation
The Solar Sunshot funding will enable 5B to expand its manufacturing capabilities, aiming to produce 200 MW of Maverick units within the next three years. In 2021, the company’s Adelaide facility was churning out one Maverick unit every four hours, equating to around 100kW daily or 36 MW annually.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen emphasised the pivotal role of solar energy in Australia’s future, highlighting the significance of local solar manufacturing in propelling the nation towards renewable energy self-sufficiency and creating sustainable employment opportunities. The funding injection from Arena is expected to reduce the cost of 5B’s technology by 25%, facilitate team growth, and enhance production scale.
Empowering Solar Innovation
5B CEO David Griffin expressed enthusiasm over securing the company’s largest order to date, a substantial 100 MW contract with off-grid power specialist Zenith Energy. This achievement underscores the positive impact of the grant program in catalysing increased demand for 5B’s cutting-edge technology.
Arena CEO Darren Miller lauded the Maverick production as a prime example of Australian ingenuity aimed at streamlining solar deployment processes to be faster, more cost-effective, and safer. The long-term vision of installing 1 terawatt of solar PV in Australia by 2050 aligns with the country’s renewable energy objectives, with projects like 5B’s Maverick playing a crucial role in realising this ambition.
Driving Solar Resilience and Innovation
The Solar Sunshot initiative, introduced by the Albanese government in 2024, targets solar manufacturers as primary beneficiaries of the $550 million grant funding. 5B’s $46 million allocation comprises a production credit of up to $26 million based on the company’s local production activities, alongside a $20 million capital grant earmarked for enhancing the design and technology of its solar PV deployment system.
5B’s unwavering commitment to leveraging home-grown innovation to reduce solar costs has positioned the company as a frontrunner in the renewable energy landscape. The journey from humble beginnings to pioneering a game-changing solar technology underscores the dedication and vision of its founders, Chris and Eden, in revolutionising the solar energy sector.
