The Canberra-based Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has recently invested up to AUD 3.96 million (~$2.65 million) in University of New South Wales start-up Lab360 Solar for the development of drone-based solar inspection technology. The funding is being provided through ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program and supports the advancement of Daylight Photoluminescence imaging technology. This method uses drones to capture high-resolution daytime images of solar modules to detect cell-level faults with improved accuracy and lower costs. Lab360 Solar has planned to scale this UNSW-developed technology into commercial deployment across Australia before expanding globally. ARENA has confirmed that the project is part of its Ultra Low-Cost Solar strategy, which is targeting utility-scale electricity costs below $20 per MWh, while applications for the AUD 60 million (~$40.2 million) Ultra Low-Cost Solar R&D round remain open until October 21, 2025. Earlier this year, ARENA had granted AUD 34.5 million (~$23.1 million) to Tindo Solar for PV manufacturing expansion in Australia, highlighting its consistent support for domestic solar innovation.