SunDrive Partners With Trinasolar To Advance Solar Manufacturing In Australia

SunDrive Partners With Trinasolar To Advance Solar Manufacturing

SunDrive Solar, an Australian solar innovation provider, and Trinasolar, a Chinese solar manufacturers, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a majority Australian-owned joint venture (JV). This joint venture aims to support solar manufacturing capabilities in Australia, strengthen the nation’s energy security and contribute to country’s renewable energy goals.

With SunDrive’s solar technology innovation and Trinasolar’s global manufacturing expertise and n-type technology, this collaboration aims to  enhance Australia’s ability to competitively produce high-quality solar products locally, the firms said.

MoU Outlines The Priorities 

Creating High-Quality Jobs: The facility is estimated to create over 300 skilled jobs of the future, ensuring the nation attracts and retains talent, driving an innovation engine for Australia’s renewable energy sector. The JV is expected to 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 can help Australia maintain its solar technology development advantage by integrating Australian technology solutions along the solar value chain, such as the introduction of SunDrive’s  copper metallisation technology.

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 is expected to  drive the future of Australia’s clean energy transition.” SunDrive Co-Founder  and Chief Technology Officer (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