A major solar module manufacturing facility is set to be developed in the NSW Hunter Valley, supported by up to $151 million in conditional funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The funding comes from the Australian Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program, which aims to grow a domestic solar manufacturing industry.

The facility will be delivered by the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry, an initiative of the Sunman Group, founded by solar pioneer and UNSW alumnus Dr Zhengrong Shi. The project seeks to establish an advanced manufacturing hub while building on Sunman’s experience as a lightweight solar innovator.

ARENA chief executive Darren Miller says the project demonstrates the program’s goal of boosting local solar manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports and expanding Australia’s role in global clean energy supply chains.

“Deployment of solar photovoltaics at scale is central to meeting our long-term emissions goals. Building our manufacturing capabilities will help ensure resilient supply chains and support Australian innovations as we accelerate the rollout of solar,” he says.

“Solar Sunshot is about expanding manufacturing capacity, strengthening supply-chain resilience and growing local jobs and skills. The Hunter Valley Solar Foundry brings together advanced technology, workforce development and long-term economic benefits for regional communities.”

The facility will produce a variety of solar modules for domestic and international markets, including Sunman’s proprietary enhanced Architecture Ready Composite (eArc) modules. These replace traditional glass with durable polymers, making them up to 70% lighter, easier to transport and faster to install.

Beyond eArc modules, the foundry will manufacture conventional glass modules and establish a solar innovation hub to support the commercialisation of new technologies. It will also serve as a manufacturing foundry, providing production capacity to original equipment manufacturers and further strengthening Australia’s domestic solar supply chain.

“I am proud to establish the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry and bring commercial-scale renewable manufacturing to Australia,” Zhengrong says.

“Once operational, it will be the largest solar module manufacturer in Australia and the only one in NSW, delivering world-leading products to residential, commercial, and utility customers. My hope is that it helps lay the foundation for a vertically integrated solar supply chain in Australia. This is an important milestone in the country’s energy transition.”

Construction is expected to create up to 200 jobs, with another 100 ongoing roles once the facility is operational. To support workforce development, the project will partner with an accredited training provider to deliver advanced manufacturing programs, equipping local workers with skills for next-generation solar production.

The project also includes a First Nations recruitment strategy and a scholarship program to support students pursuing studies in renewable energy fields.