Sunman to Establish Major Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant in Australia’s Hunter Valley With $171 Million Support
04-Dec-2025-(1)_11zon.webp)
Key Takeaways:
- Sunman Group will build a solar panel plant capable of producing 500 MW per year in the Hunter Valley.
- Backed by $171 million in government funding, the plant will begin with 300 MW of output before scaling up.
- Production will include lightweight eArc solar panels and conventional glass panels.
- Up to 300 jobs are expected across construction and long-term operations.
- The project aims to bolster Australia’s local solar panel manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imports.
Government Funding Backs Large-Scale Solar Panel Production:
Sunman Group is moving ahead with plans for a major solar panel factory at Black Hill near Maitland after securing $171 million from federal and state governments. ARENA is providing up to $151 million under the Solar Sunshot program, with the NSW government supplying a further $20 million.
The company already operates a 1 GW plant in China and is building a 500 MW facility in the United States. The Hunter Valley project will add Australian-made solar panels to its global manufacturing network.
Plant Capacity and Panel Technology:
The new Hunter Valley Solar Foundry will start by producing 300 MW of solar panels annually, later ramping up to its full 500 MW target. A key focus will be Sunman’s eArc solar panels, which replace glass with tough polymer layers, cutting panel weight by around 70%. Their flexibility makes them suitable for rooftops or structures that can’t support traditional panels.
The plant will also produce standard glass solar panels and offer manufacturing capacity for other equipment makers. A solar innovation hub is planned onsite to support new panel designs and future technology development.
Boosting Australia’s Solar Panel Industry:
Founder Dr Zhengrong Shi said the facility reflects his long-running goal of bringing large-scale solar panel manufacturing to Australia. Once operational, it will be the biggest solar panel factory in the country and the only one in New South Wales.
Tindo Solar remains the only recognised producer of Australian-made panels today, operating from South Australia while expanding its own output. Sunman’s entry introduces significantly larger capacity and is expected to strengthen local supply chain resilience.
ARENA Chief Executive Darren Miller said local solar panel production is essential to reducing import dependence and supporting national emissions targets.
Jobs and Future Projects in the Region:
Construction of the plant is forecast to create about 200 jobs, with around 100 ongoing positions once the facility is up and running.
The news follows earlier support for Sunman subsidiary Energus, which received funding for a feasibility study into a proposed solar-grade polysilicon facility. That project is examining whether high-purity polysilicon, a critical input for solar panels, can be produced at scale in the Hunter Valley.
About Author:
|
Reeva Marak, Energy and Mining Analyst Reeva Marak has 5 years of experience analyzing trends in the energy and mining sectors. Specializing in renewable energy, resource extraction, and sustainable mining practices, she provides clients with insights into the latest market shifts and investment opportunities. Reeva supports organizations in making informed decisions about energy production and mining facility investments. |
-(1)_11zon.webp)
_11zon.webp)
Get in Touch With Us
UNITED STATES
Phone: +1-201-971-6302
INDIA
Phone: +91-120-433-0800
UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: +44-753-714-6104
Email: sales@imarcgroup.com
Client Testimonials
.webp)
.webp){kind=logo}
