SunDrive Solar, Australia’s leader in solar innovation, and Trinasolar, one of the world’s largest solar manufacturers, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a majority Australian-owned joint venture (JV). This JV aims to establish cutting-edge solar manufacturing capabilities in Australia. This strategic collaboration will strengthen the nation’s energy security, contribute to renewable energy goals, and position Australia as a global leader in solar technology.
SunDrive and Trinasolar are committed to getting Australian-made solar panels on the roofs of Australian homes and businesses, contributing to the country's goal of becoming a green energy superpower and a future made in Australia.
With SunDrive’s leading solar technology innovation and Trinasolar’s global manufacturing expertise and state-of-the-art n-type technology, this collaboration will enhance Australia’s ability to competitively produce high-quality solar products locally.
The MoU outlines the priorities for the collaboration:
Creating High-Quality Jobs: The facility will create over 300 skilled jobs of the future, ensuring the nation attracts and retains world-leading talent, driving an innovation engine for Australia’s renewable energy sector.
Strengthening Australia's Energy Security: By building a robust and diverse local supply chain for solar products, the JV will create a more resilient and sustainable domestic energy system.
Growing the Australian Solar Market: The collaboration aims to increase the share of Australian-made solar modules, combining innovative technology to compete both locally and regionally.
Deploying Advanced Technology: The collaboration will help Australia maintain its world-leading solar technology development advantage by integrating Australian technology solutions along the solar value chain, such as the introduction of SunDrive’s world-record-breaking copper metallisation technology.
Australia has long been a global leader in solar innovation, and this collaboration will ensure the nation maintains its cutting-edge status, developing breakthrough technologies and attracting top talent in the field of renewable energy.
SunDrive will lead an application for funding under ARENA’s Solar Sunshot program, which is crucial to advancing the JV’s solar module production and advancing feasibility studies for further extending the solar manufacturing value chain at the AGL Hunter Energy Hub site. Production capacity and timing is subject to the successful outcome of this program.
"This collaboration with Trinasolar, one of the world’s largest and most respected manufacturers, is a testament to SunDrive’s position as a world leader in solar innovation. This collaboration demonstrates SunDrive and Trinasolar’s mutual belief that Australia’s engine of solar innovation can drive a global solar manufacturing powerhouse, producing the future of clean energy from right here at home.” SunDrive CEO, Natalie Malligan
“We founded SunDrive with the vision of developing and deploying the world’s best solar technology, right here in Australia for Australian homes and businesses. Collaborating with Trinasolar, the world’s leading solar manufacturer, turns that vision into reality. Together, we’re combining home-grown innovation with experience to scale Australian-made solar panels that will drive the future of Australia’s clean energy transition." SunDrive Co-Founder & CTO, Vince Allen
“Collaborating with Trinasolar was an easy decision for us. SunDrive and Trinasolar have established technology collaboration since 2019. Trinasolar has an outstanding reputation in the Australian market. Along with their decades of experience in global solar manufacturing, Trinasolar are the ideal choice to work with SunDrive to bring Australian-made solar panels to market at scale. Together, we’re positioned to drive innovation and deliver world-class solar solutions from right here in Australia.” SunDrive Co-Founder & VP Partnerships, David Hu
"Australia’s innovation in solar is renowned. Trinasolar has a long history in the Australian market and we’re excited to collaborate with SunDrive to bring world-class solar manufacturing to the region.” Edison Zhou, the Head of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands at Trinasolar Asia Pacific
About SunDrive Solar
SunDrive Solar is a pioneering Australian solar technology company renowned for its innovative approaches to increasing solar cell efficiency. SunDrive’s world-leading copper metallisation technology has gained international acclaim for its potential to revolutionise solar manufacturing by replacing silver with copper, a more abundant and cost-effective material. SunDrive is dedicated to advancing solar technology and positioning Australia as a global leader in renewable energy.
About Trinasolar
Trinasolar was founded in 1997. As a global leading provider for photovoltaic (PV) module and smart energy solutions, Trinasolar delivers PV products, applications and services to promote global sustainable development. Trinasolar is committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future. To date, Trinasolar has delivered more than 225 GW of solar modules worldwide. Trinasolar has over 25 years of industry experience, and has been serving the Australian market since 2009.
Contact
Ali McDonald
VP Corporate and Government Affairs
+61 413 132 522