SEC News

A Future Made in South Australia

21 May, 2025

The Smart Energy Council congratulates one of Australia’s leading solar innovators 5B on being awarded $46 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

The funding will help the business boost production of their Maverick solar array units, which have revolutionised deployment of large scale solar installations at speed, and with minimal site disturbance. 

“This is what a Future Made in Australia looks like,” Smart Energy Council acting Chief Executive Wayne Smith said.

“When the Smart Energy Council first began advocating for the Future Made in Australia policy, it was with companies like 5B in mind.”

5B’s funding is allocated from the Albanese Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot program, another Smart Energy Council backed initiative designed to boost Australia’s domestic solar manufacturing industry.

“Australians invented solar power technology, now we’re pioneering its evolution,” Mr Smith said.

“South Australia has a proud manufacturing base, and it’s companies like 5B who are leading the way on developing a clean, smart energy future for the state and nation.”

5B’s Maverick array is already being successfully deployed throughout Australia and our region, with the clever accordion-like design engineered and manufactured in Adelaide before being packed into shipping containers, or the back of a truck, and easily transported to often remote locations.

For an insight into how companies like 5B are helping transform smart energy manufacturing in Australia, check out this video.

Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192

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