Key points
- Our solar research has been part of Australia’s energy story for 70 years, and we’re still innovating.
- Our research aims to make solar a renewable, adaptable and affordable power source for everyone on the planet…and beyond.
- Demand for clean, safe power is growing rapidly, expanding solar’s potential.
As early solar research was taking off in the 1950s, our researcher Roger Morse and his team of 40 developed and commercialised some of Australia’s first solar technologies, including the first solar hot water system.
Since then, solar energy has transformed how the world sources, generates and uses power across our economies and societies.
The IEA’s Renewables 2024 report projects solar photovoltaic (PV) will be the world’s largest renewable energy source by 2030.
Today, solar technologies operate from the subsurface and the ocean surface to outer space, powering everything from kitchen cooktops to factory furnaces and transport. They work day and night, using alternative materials and flexible new forms to improve efficiency and affordability.
For our Solar Technologies group leader Noel Duffy, creating impactful new technologies and research has never been more important.
“Beyond the technologies themselves, our strength lies in our ability to engage broadly, productively and profoundly,” Noel said.
“Building trusted partnerships where ideas are created, contested and pursued builds innovation that leads to difference,” he said.
Solar that works at night
Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) technologies enable solar energy to be used day and night. CST systems use mirrors to focus sunlight onto a target, generating high temperatures. Heat is captured and stored in a material – either a fluid or a solid – for use on demand.
What sets our CST technology apart is our innovative receiver, heat exchanger, and ceramic particles that efficiently collect, capture and transfer solar energy. This technology can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Celsius and stores heat for up to 16 hours. This is a game-changer for energy-intensive heavy industries, offering a cleaner alternative to coal or gas.
To commercialise our research, we’ve partnered with utility leader Osaka Gas and advisory firm RFC Ambrian to launch FPR Energy. The new company is focused on reducing industrial emissions, which make up 20 per cent of Australia’s carbon footprint.
We've also partnered with Mars Petfood as their renewable heat partner to help their Wodonga factory achieve 100 per cent renewable energy by 2026.
"We always try to find the right partnerships to drive uptake and adoption," Noel said.
“Industrial partnerships are crucial for turning years of research into real-world solutions to support emission reduction goals,” he said.
Deep behind the solar cell
Australia leads the world in rooftop solar, but unlocking its full potential means transforming large-scale systems.
Our Ultra Low Cost Solar (ULCS) initiative aims to reduce costs and boost efficiency of PV from production to installation and maintenance, making solar competitive for heavier industries.
We're exploring modular components, automated deployment, and how economies of scale can lower costs as solar systems expand to tens of gigawatts.
“We have multiple ULCS projects taking place which look at all those things that are beyond the cell,” explains Noel.
“That includes assessing Australia’s unique climate and physical attributes to optimise solar installations, exploring material sustainability, and working with industry start-ups to accelerate manufacturing growth.”
“While some of that research will certainly lead to enhanced rooftop solar efficiency, our main focus is reducing the costs for the installation and maintenance of large-scale solar farms,” he said.
Micro-thin power
Imagine a solar panel so light and flexible you can roll it out like a newspaper. Our printable solar cells make that vision a reality.
Developed over a decade, these lightweight, flexible panels are printed on thin plastic films. Complementing rigid panels, they can transform industries, powering innovations in construction, wearable tech, disaster relief and even space exploration.
To scale up this technology, we opened a $6.8 million facility in Victoria in November 2024.
Our Renewable Energy Systems group leader Dr Anthony Chesman said the new invention will help enable the industries of tomorrow.
“This printed solar technology unlocks entirely new applications for affordable, versatile and sustainable energy generation,” Anthony said.
“We’re looking for partners to join us on the research and development journey and ultimately take this technology to market.”
“Our industry partners will gain access to both our cutting-edge equipment and our deep expertise in solar technology,” he said.
Earlier this year, we set a new efficiency record for our flexible solar technology.
Breaking the efficiency ceiling
Traditional solar cells made from silicon can't convert 100 per cent of the sun’s energy into electricity.
Our tandem solar cells combine silicon with perovskite, capturing a broader solar spectrum to produce more power. Our patented NexGen Solar® technology integrates advanced materials, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
“By integrating these advanced materials with silicon, we are pushing power conversion efficiency beyond current limits and offering a cost-effective solution for a growing solar market,” Noel said.
“Our innovations are setting the standard for solar research globally and supporting both national and international ambitions for emissions reduction,” he said.
Measuring up innovation
At our Photovoltaic Research Laboratory (PVRL) in Newcastle, we lead research across the entire PV technology chain, from materials discovery, device fabrication and optimisation, materials characterisation and cell performance determination, energy yield and device durability.
The PVRL hosts a diverse team of scientists and engineers working on projects to support Australia’s long-term solar energy goals. It's internationally recognised for precision in measuring PV efficiency.
An outdoor PV research facility at the laboratory contains 60 testbeds for current voltage testing of commercial-scale modules, while a ‘flash tester’ or sun simulator has been in operation since 2013.
A new state-of-the art LED solar simulator commissioned in 2024 enables the assessment of next-generation tandem modules. Verifying the quality and performance of solar technology is an important part of de-risking investment for large-scale solar installations.
Blue sky potential
The possibilities for solar energy are limitless.
Emerging technologies like perovskite and thin-film solar could replace traditional panels, integrating solar into windows, roofs, and even clothing.
With ongoing innovation and adoption, solar could become the world’s dominant energy source. By 2100, solar could exceed our global energy needs, powering homes, industries, transportation and space exploration, while unlocking industries we can only imagine today.
"At CSIRO, we are committed to bridging the gap between solar laboratory research and real-world applications,” Noel said.
“By maintaining and advancing research and testing facilities, we’re equipping Australian industries with cutting-edge capabilities and the highest quality innovations to remain at the forefront of the world’s solar evolution," he said.