The Federal Government has provided nearly half a million dollars to support solar power development. 

In another world it may not be such a noteworthy deal, but for an industry that is feeling the impact of uncertainty created by an anti-renewable regime – any step in the right direction is welcome.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt has announced that the Commonwealth is providing $449,000 to an innovative Australian solar company developing a new, highly efficient, and potentially cheaper solar cell.

The funding will help NSW company Dyesol create a roadmap to take its perovskite solar cell technology from the lab to a commercially available product.

Perovskite solar technology is exciting because of its low cost, versatility, and ability to perform in low light conditions.

It is, however, an emerging technology that has not yet evolved into scaled applications or manufacturing techniques that will ensure product quality, performance and certification standards for operation can be met.

Funding provided by the Australian Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will be invaluable in taking the first steps towards commercialisation of this new solar technology.

"Australia is at the forefront of innovation in renewable technologies. Supporting early stage projects like this is vital if we are to maintain and build on our world-leading competitive advantage in solar research and development and further bring down the cost of solar," Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt said.

"What I'd like to see is more solar available for Australian families and businesses and, at the same time, be growing an innovative commercial solar industry on Australian shores."

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro and Assistant Minister for Productivity, Dr Peter Hendy, said that Dyesol is a leader in this space.

"Dyesol is a Queanbeyan-based firm working globally with cutting edge companies and researchers to develop an international leadership position in the field.

"Dyesol is investing in perovskite, which is abundant and cheaper than silicon, the material used to make most solar panels on the market today. This is a third generation solar technology."

The project is due to be completed in the first quarter of next year.