SunDrive’s Copper-Based Solar Innovation Goes Global
Australian solar innovator SunDrive has finalised a partnership with two prominent solar manufacturing companies based in China to introduce its innovative copper-based PV technology to the global market. This collaboration aims to revolutionise the solar industry by leveraging copper instead of silver for PV cell metallisation, significantly reducing production costs.
Under the joint development agreement (JDA) announced recently, SunDrive will work closely with Maxwell Technologies and Vistar Equipment Technology to develop and distribute commercial-scale direct-copper plating tools for manufacturing high-efficiency heterojunction (HJT) solar cells. This strategic move underscores SunDrive’s commitment to advancing solar technology and driving down the overall cost of solar panel production.
Game-Changing Technology
SunDrive, a spin-off from the University of New South Wales and supported by notable investors like Mike Cannon-Brookes, has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solar solutions. By utilising copper in place of silver, SunDrive aims to offer solar panels at a significantly lower cost, with the potential to reduce installation expenses by 20-30% compared to traditional high-efficiency cells.
Notably, SunDrive recently achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating that over 99% of the solar cells produced at its Sydney pilot facility meet or exceed commercial standards. This accomplishment aligns with the criteria set by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) for the $11 million federal grant awarded to SunDrive in late 2023.
Strategic Partnerships for Global Expansion
SunDrive’s CEO, Natalie Malligan, emphasised the company’s strategy of focusing on innovation and research in Australia while collaborating with global industry leaders to scale up production and establish manufacturing facilities domestically and internationally. The recent collaboration with Maxwell and Vistar signifies a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Furthermore, SunDrive’s partnership with Chinese PV giant Trina Solar to establish a module manufacturing plant in Western Sydney highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its production capacity and global presence. The collaboration with Maxwell, a key player in HJT solar cell production equipment, and Vistar, specialising in next-generation solar technologies, positions SunDrive for significant growth and technological advancement.
Industry Recognition and Future Prospects
The collaboration with Maxwell and Vistar not only benefits SunDrive but also addresses material constraints in sustainable HJT manufacturing by transitioning from silver to copper. This shift is crucial as silver costs rise and supply chains face challenges.
Maxwell’s Chairman, Zhou Jian, highlighted the importance of technological innovation in advancing the photovoltaic industry towards a sustainable future. The collaboration aims to drive R&D efforts in copper plating, enhance cell efficiency, increase module power output, and facilitate mass production, ultimately propelling HJT technology into a new era of development.
Dax Kukulj, Deputy Director of Business Development and Commercialisation at UNSW, commended SunDrive for its transformation of Australian research into a global commercial success. He acknowledged the company’s pioneering work in photovoltaic technology and its significant contribution to the industry.
