Kardinia Energy’s Solar Technology Secures $2.1 Million Federal Grant
Kardinia Energy, a Newcastle-based company, has won a grant of $2.1 million from the federal government to support the rollout of a commercial-scale pilot for its printed solar technology.
The firm’s innovative solar panels are both flexible and lightweight, crafted by printing carbon-based semi-conducting polymers—essentially advanced electronic ink—onto very thin, clear recyclable plastic sheets through conventional printing methods. This production process not only cuts costs but is also more environmentally friendly compared to traditional silicone solar panels, allowing for easier and more adaptable installation using basic adhesives like tape or Velcro.
Successful Demonstrations and Future Plans
Kardinia Energy’s printed solar panels had their debut large-scale display in 2017 on the roof of the University of Newcastle, guided by their inventor, Paul Dastoor, and his team. Since then, the technology has been trialed in various real-world settings, including shade structures in Sydney, a Tesla road trip across Australia, and even accompanying the UK band Coldplay on tour last year.
This year, Kardinia Energy aims to progress significantly towards commercialising its technology, starting with the establishment of a pilot manufacturing facility. The funding from the federal government is intended to facilitate the large-scale delivery of this pioneering technology from its roots in Newcastle.
Government Support and Industry Recognition
Tim Ayers, the federal minister for science and industry, commended the technology, stating, “It’s extraordinary technology with applications in all parts of the energy system. I’m looking forward to seeing the next stage of this development moving towards commercial production and manufacturing here in Australia.”
Kardinia Energy expressed its gratitude for the government’s support on LinkedIn, noting that the grant underlines Australia’s leadership in clean energy innovation. The company stated, “This grant represents a significant milestone in our journey toward commercialisation and reinforces our commitment to providing sustainable, low-cost energy solutions that benefit both local industry and global decarbonisation goals.”
This federal funding complements a prior grant of $2,255,000 awarded by the New South Wales state government in mid-2025 as part of its Clean Technology Innovation grants.
