Adelaide Expands Solar Manufacturing to Boost Local Supply

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Australia’s push for locally made solar panels is gaining momentum, as energy security and climate-appropriate designs become increasingly important for homeowners. While cost, efficiency, and payback periods have traditionally dominated consumer decisions, more Australians are now considering the origin of the panels they install.

Over 3.7 million rooftop solar systems are installed nationwide, supplying more than 20% of the country’s electricity, according to the Clean Energy Regulator. Yet more than 90% of these panels are imported, primarily from China. This reliance on overseas production introduces risks, including trade disruptions, shipping delays, and fluctuating prices. During the pandemic, many households faced long wait times and higher costs due to shortages of panels and inverters.

Adelaide-based Tindo Solar is currently the only company manufacturing solar panels on Australian soil. Supported by the federal government’s Solar Sunshot program, Tindo Solar is scaling up operations to meet growing domestic demand. The company’s expansion aims to provide households with panels that are locally produced and tailored to Australian climate conditions.

Government investment is not limited to assembly. Feasibility studies are underway to explore the domestic production of raw materials for solar components. One project examines the potential for a large-scale, low-emissions polysilicon facility in Queensland, while another explores a similar hub in New South Wales. A third initiative focuses on producing ingots and wafers, critical inputs for panel manufacturing that are currently almost entirely imported.

If these projects succeed, they could establish a fully domestic solar supply chain. Homeowners could benefit from more consistent pricing, reduced dependence on imports, and products optimized for local conditions.

Industry experts note that building a local supply chain may also strengthen Australia’s energy independence. By producing more components domestically, the country can better withstand global supply shocks and maintain steady growth in rooftop solar adoption.

For consumers, this shift presents new considerations beyond price and efficiency. Choosing locally manufactured panels may come with slightly higher upfront costs but offers long-term benefits, including reliability, faster delivery, and support for the Australian economy.

As the government continues to fund research and development, the solar sector in Australia could serve as a model for combining domestic manufacturing with renewable energy adoption. While the majority of panels today are imported, the growth of local production highlights a strategic move toward energy security, climate adaptation, and community support.

The expansion of Tindo Solar and associated initiatives underscores the country’s commitment to creating a self-sufficient solar industry. Homeowners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike are watching closely as these efforts reshape the solar landscape in Australia.