Australian Renewable Energy Agency urges construction overhaul for ultra‑low‑cost solar

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) released an update to its Ultra Low‑Cost Solar (ULCS) roadmap, stressing that the key to achieving ultra‑low‑cost solar in Australia lies in faster, larger‑scale deployment rather than further reductions in panel prices. The agency’s 30‑30‑30 vision targets 30% module efficiency, 30 cents per watt installed cost and electricity below $20 per MWh by 2030.

ARENA’s report points to construction methods, workforce productivity, system integration and financing as the main cost drivers. Projects supported by the agency are testing robots, drones and automated piling to cut build times and improve safety. However, workforce constraints, a tougher investment environment, grid‑connection delays and inflation are slowing progress. ARENA chief Darren Miller warned that without a shift in how large‑scale solar is built and integrated, Australia risks missing the opportunity to lower costs quickly enough for the next phase of the energy transition.