Australia’s Solar Revolution: Robotics and AI Driving Costs Down

The head of Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) expresses increased confidence in Australia’s ability to drive down the cost of large-scale solar to a groundbreaking $20/MWh, attributing this optimism to advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Arena introduced its 30-30-30 vision in 2023, targeting 30 per cent module efficiency and a module cost of 30c/watt by 2030. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the levellised cost of electricity from solar PV to below $20/MWh, which is one-third of current prices.

Driving Solar Affordability

The Solar Sunshot program, in conjunction with the 30-30-30 vision, seeks to enhance Australia’s position in the global solar PV supply chain and promote local manufacturing. These efforts are vital in establishing a renewable-dominated grid with cost-effective power to support Australia’s green hydrogen aspirations.

Technological Advancements

Despite the decline in the cost of PV modules, challenges such as increased civil construction and labour costs have emerged in the Australian solar industry. However, Arena CEO Darren Miller highlights the potential of robotics and AI in achieving the $20/MWh target.

Miller emphasises the role of automation in reducing installation costs, stating that with current practices, solar installation could cost around $1 per watt. By leveraging robotics and automation, significant progress has been made towards achieving the ambitious cost target.

Technological innovations such as the Build Robotics autonomous piling system are revolutionising the field, offering more efficient ways to install solar panels and streamline the process.

Future Prospects

Arena’s $100 million solar challenge attracted interest from 17 countries, with promising ideas to lower solar project costs. The agency is set to fund selected projects to trial innovative technologies in Australia, further driving cost efficiencies in the solar sector.

Miller envisions “factories in the field” to support large-scale solar arrays, proposing on-site manufacturing facilities for seamless integration of solar modules into the infrastructure.

Government Support

Federal climate and energy minister Chris Bowen unveiled the first grant under the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program, supporting solar innovator 5B in developing deployable solar module systems for remote locations. This initiative aligns with Australia’s goal of increasing domestic solar manufacturing.

Arena’s substantial commitment to funding various projects, including the Hydrogen Headstart and Solar Sunshot programs, underscores its pivotal role in advancing large-scale solar and renewable energy technologies in Australia.

As a key player in the transition to a renewable-dominated grid, Arena focuses on groundbreaking technologies like grid-forming battery inverters and grid management schemes to optimise consumer energy resources.

Established in 2012, Arena has weathered challenges and emerged as a critical instrument in Australia’s shift towards renewable energy and storage, playing a significant role in the country’s energy transition.

For more insights, you can listen to the full interview with Darren Miller on Renew Economy’s Energy Insiders podcast.