Australia Invests $34.5 Million in Tindo Solar to Boost Local Solar Panel Manufacturing in South Australia

The Albanese Government has announced a $34.5 million investment under its Solar Sunshot initiative to support the expansion of local solar panel manufacturing at Tindo Solar in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. The funding is aimed at strengthening Australia’s renewable energy supply chains and creating high-quality local jobs.

The investment is part of the government’s broader $1 billion Solar Sunshot program, administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which aims to boost domestic solar manufacturing and reduce reliance on overseas supply.

With this funding, Tindo Solar will scale up its annual production capacity from 20 MW to 180 MW, enabling the deployment of Australian-made solar panels on rooftops nationwide—enough to power an estimated 35,000 homes each year. The expansion is expected to create at least 50 new jobs, with long-term plans for a potential solar gigafactory capable of powering up to 200,000 homes annually.

Tindo Solar is the second company to receive Sunshot support, following a $46 million investment earlier this year in fellow Adelaide-based solar innovator 5B.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the project marks a significant step in building Australia’s renewable manufacturing capability.
“When it comes to powering Australia’s future, nothing will beat our sun and our solar know-how,” Bowen said. “Tindo’s expansion will help secure local jobs, strengthen solar supply chains, and ensure we have a future made right here in South Australia.”

Local Member for Makin Tony Zappia welcomed the announcement, highlighting its economic and environmental benefits for the community.
“This investment is great news for our local community—creating new high-quality jobs here in Mawson Lakes while helping power the country with Australian-made clean energy,” Zappia said.

In addition to Tindo’s expansion, ARENA is also supporting feasibility studies to build domestic capability across the solar value chain:

• $5 million to Solquartz for a low-emissions polysilicon plant near Townsville
• $1.3 million to Energus for a polysilicon project at AGL’s Hunter Energy Hub
• $4.7 million to Stellar PV for a 2 GW ingot pulling and wafering facility near Townsville

The Albanese Government’s investment strategy signals a strong commitment to making Australia a global leader in clean energy manufacturing while securing economic opportunities at home.