Australia and the united states solar container field

Can Australia play a role in the US solar supply chain?

Australia could use existing partnerships like its Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact with the United States to advocate for Australia to play a role in the US solar supply chain. 78 Australia and the United States are attempting to do this in the battery supply chain.

Can Australia build a less concentrated solar supply chain?

Australia should assess how its procurement can contribute to building a less concentrated global solar supply chain. This would build resilience, potentially at a lower cost, taking advantage of other countries’ investments in solar manufacturing.

Does Australia have a solar industry?

Despite these international challenges, Australia’s solar industry has been on an upward trajectory. As of early 2025, the sector has seen significant growth, with solar energy accounting for 39.4% of total energy generation. Investments in large-scale wind and solar farms reached a six-year high in 2024, with $9 billion committed to new projects.

How will US tariffs affect Australia's solar industry?

While these tariffs primarily target imports into the United States, their ripple effects are being felt as far afield as Australia’s burgeoning solar and renewables industry. In early April 2025, the US government announced a 10% baseline tariff on imports, including those from Australia, effective 5 April 2025.

How can Australian solar installers diversify imports?

There are existing mechanisms to diversify imports. Austrade can connect Australian solar installers with manufacturers through trade missions and business exchanges or facilitate the entry of manufacturers into the Australian market.

Will Australia invest in solar manufacturing?

In March 2024, the Australian Government announced a $1 billion Solar Sunshot program to invest in domestic solar manufacturing as part of its $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia (FMIA) plan. 1 Government intervention in solar manufacturing has been on the rise globally as countries try to counter China’s dominance in the industry.