China solar powered generator in Sydney

Where China once built an industry from Australian innovation, Australia now needs China's help to do the same. To build low-cost panels at scale, experts say Australia needs access to the production line technology and manufacturing patents China has developed over the past 20 years. So, what does it take to build a solar panel?

China dominates global solar manufacturing, but Chinese companies may be interested in expanding to Australia, experts say. (Getty: Song Wei/VCG)

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) last year funded the Australian Photovoltaics Institute (APVI), working with Deloitte and a group of key industry stakeholders, to investigate the feasibility of Australia setting up its own solar manufacturing industry.

Sigenergy is a forward-thinking company with a world-class R&D team focusing on developing cutting-edge energy storage systems, solar inverters, and EV chargers. Located in Shanghai and founded in 2022 by technical heavy-weights, Sigenergy have a massive 6 GWh battery production capacity, and 12 GW inverter production capacity.

Switch On 24-hour productivity at your worksite 240V Single phase solar backup generators. Reliable power in an instant SGEnergy provide turnkey standby & prime power solutions throughout Australia & South East Asia. At the heart of our company is a team of electrical, mechanical, fabrication engineers and trades.

Dr Shi opening China's first solar module production line in 2002 alongside UNSW staff. (Supplied: Martin Green) Aside from ingot and wafer production, Australia may also need Chinese expertise to refine polysilicon and manufacture solar cells at scale, Professor Egan, also a co-author of Silicon 2 Solar, said.