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Unison and the University of Sydney Unite to Power Australia’s Next Solar Breakthrough
31 August 2026
Australian research and manufacturing expertise come together to advance next-generation solar technology.
Partnership representatives at the University of Sydney.
Unison Solar Energy Pty Ltd is partnering with the University of Sydney on an ARENA-supported project to accelerate next-generation silicon-perovskite tandem solar technology from leading Australian research towards commercial-scale production. The collaboration combines the University’s research capability with Unison’s manufacturing and commercial expertise to improve efficiency, cost and reliability under Australia’s intense heat, ultraviolet exposure and demanding operating conditions.
Advancing Australian Solar Innovation
“This project marks the beginning of collaboration with leading Australian research institutions for Unison Solar Energy. Our ambition is to pioneer a new era of Australian solar manufacturing and commercialise leading technologies here at home in Australia.
Australia has been at the forefront of global solar research for more than 50 years, but local manufacturing remains limited and has not reached the scale our energy transition demands. By combining Unison’s capability, technology and vision with ARENA’s support and the University of Sydney’s research expertise, we intend to deliver affordable, high-quality Australian-made solar products to Australian families. This is the start of our exciting journey.”
Dr Allen Guo
Chief Executive Officer, Unison Solar Energy
Dr Guo brings extensive experience across both commercial industry and academic research. Previously, Dr Guo served as Chief Operating Officer of a leading vertically integrated photovoltaic company and earlier held the role of Commercialisation Group Leader at the PV Centre at UNSW.
Bridging Research and Manufacturing
Dr Guo said that successful commercialisation of academic research requires ongoing feedback from manufacturing partners to drive improvement, evolution and technological breakthroughs. Unison sees its role as connecting world-class Australian research with large-scale commercial manufacturing capability.
Chief Technology Officer Dr Sam Lee’s focus is to commercialise advanced photovoltaic research into product design, validation and high-volume manufacturing. The company’s goal is to establish a manufacturing-ready technology platform capable of delivering next-generation tandem solar products with outstanding performance and long-term field reliability.
Reviewing next-generation photovoltaic technology.
Partnership with the University of Sydney
Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, the inaugural John Hook Chair of Nanoscience at the University of Sydney, said the project provides an opportunity to advance the University’s research towards commercial viability. By partnering with Unison, the University can connect its silicon-perovskite tandem research with Australian manufacturing capability and move the technology closer to deployment.
Building Australia’s Solar Manufacturing Future
Unison is building an advanced solar panel manufacturing facility in Australia and helping reinforce Australia’s energy sovereignty. From its Brisbane manufacturing base, Unison plans to create skilled Australian jobs, strengthen local supply chains and establish large-scale production of advanced solar products.
By combining Australian research, engineering and production, Unison aims to help revolutionise the solar industry, reduce reliance on imports and build a globally competitive manufacturing platform serving both Australian and international markets.
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