Article by James Willis, courtesy of Adelaide Advertiser
16.10.2025
Chris Bowen’s $1bn plan to kickstart an “Australian Made” solar panel industry is flailing, with the opposition describing the initiative as a “sad joke”.
Uptake of the Solar Sunshot Program, which Labor promised would “supercharge” its goal of “becoming a renewable energy super power”, has failed to issue hundreds of millions of dollars worth of available grants, more than 12 months after they were first announced.
With the nation needing to install 20,000 solar panels a day between now and 2030 to reach its legislated emission reduction targets, the overwhelming majority of new units are made in China, which continues to dominate the global net zero marketplace.
The Albanese government invited local businesses to bid for an initial $500m worth of solar manufacturing grants in August last year.
Just two firms have subsequently been issued successful tenders, worth a total of $80.5m. The companies, Tindo and 5B, will use the money to increase production of panels at their Adelaide factories, creating a combined 100 jobs.
Applications have now closed, with the majority of funding unallocated. The selection process is overseen by a commonwealth department, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
In a statement, a spokesman for ARENA told The Advertiser it was “currently assessing and reviewing existing applicants” and it expected “more projects to be announced in the coming months”.
ARENA, where long-time chief executive Darren Miller is on a remuneration package of $533,000, has separately opened additional tenders for solar grants relating to feasibility studies, engineering and supply chains.
Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan described the slow uptake of the program as a “sad joke”.
“Everything Chris Bowen touches turns to custard and, sadly for the Australian taxpayer, expensive custard,” he said. “It is all about announcing large amounts of taxpayer money to fund projects or targets that ultimately always fail.”
A list of the 19 most popular solar panel brands in Australia, published by consumer website Choice, indicates 17 have either some or all of their manufacturing operations in China.
Several Chinese companies have previously been flagged for allegedly having a “high exposure” to slave labour.
A spokesman for leading lobby group the Smart Energy Council called on the Albanese government to “get more money out the door” to support local manufacturing.
“Companies like Tindo and 5B are world-beating Australian businesses ready to upscale and lead,” he said.
State and federal governments have also failed to implement a mandatory solar recycling scheme, with 50,000 tonnes of old panels ending up in landfill each year.
Mr Bowen’s office was approached for comment.
