About US
The ASI was established by the Australian Government in 2009 to keep Australia at the forefront of solar research and development.
We aim to drive R&D* that will have a major impact on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar technologies. We are committed to skills development, knowledge building, retaining local expertise and strengthening collaboration between Australian and international solar researchers and industry.
The ASI will form part of the Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) by 1 January 2013. ARENA will be able to provide long-term financial assistance for solar technology development along the full innovation spectrum. Further information about ARENA is available here.
Skills Development and Capacity Building
The ASI is committed to retaining and developing Australia’s solar expertise through a Skills Development program, which includes an annual round of PhD scholarships and post doctoral fellowships. The Skills Development program aims to unlock the potential of some of the world’s best, early career solar researchers and in so doing support the growth of skills and capacity in solar technologies within Australia for the benefit of the domestic and international markets.
Knowledge Building
Knowledge building and sharing for the benefit of the Australian and global solar communities and the broader community is a key focus for the ASI. This includes providing networking opportunities for stakeholders and disseminating the results and learnings from the R&D portfolio, skills development program and the Australian Government’s Solar Flagships program.
R&D Investment
The ASI has invested in a diverse range of projects across the solar technology spectrum, creating a portfolio worth a total leveraged amount of approximately $200 million. The portfolio’s leveraged value includes external funding from domestic and international industry, research institutions and State Governments.
* R&D in the context of the ASI's work includes pilot demonstration activity.