100 + INNOVATIONS
Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics( ACAP)
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Delivering ultra low-cost solar through a national collaborative research program
Research Institute
Challenge
Australia is uniquely placed to benefit from a renewable energy future. Our high solar potential means that low-cost solar energy will create new opportunities and industries to advance our economy – and drive global decarbonisation efforts. There is huge potential to advance solar technologies, and ACAP ensures Australia stays at the forefront of innovation.
Solution
ACAP’ s program brings together multidisciplinary teams from UNSW( lead), ANU, CSIRO, University of Melbourne, Monash, Queensland University and University of Sydney. Supporting 250 + researchers, ACAP invests in world-class labs, tools and capabilities. Programs span advanced silicon, thin-film photovoltaics, perovskite-silicon tandems, manufacturing readiness, sustainability, systems design and deployment.
ACAP develops testing protocols, durability assessments and scalable fabrication approaches aligned with industry needs. Industry programs, including the ACAP Industry Consortium and Emerging Leaders, provide pathways from research to commercialisation.
Target customers / end-users
• solar industry and manufacturers: adopting scalable, durable, efficient technologies
• policymakers and regulators: using ACAP’ s methods to drive informed decision-making
• research and innovation partners: shared facilities, expertise, collaborative programs.
Progress
• AU $ 200m + in funding, with ARENA-led rounds, sustaining a decade-long solar research program
• UNSW ranked global # 1 in photovoltaics research for quality and impact
• established ACAP Industry Consortium with tier-one partners.
50 active collaborations
Industry consortium
Innovative research translation
Climate & Clean Energy
ACAP brings together Australia’ s leading solar research institutions to advance solar photovoltaics. By coordinating activities and sharing world-class facilities, ACAP delivers impact far beyond individual efforts. With strong ties through industry partners, ACAP outcomes rapidly transform into real-world solutions.
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