UMAX Energy advances solar and renewable hydrogen research

A shared identity, a wider innovation focus

UMAX Energy is the registered business name of Carefreesourcing Pty Ltd (ABN 38 658 875 051). This connection links the company’s public-facing brand with the legal entity named in Australian research and grant records. Australian Business Register ↗

Advancing the next generation of solar technology

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) lists Carefreesourcing Pty Ltd (Umax Energy) as a partner in “Scalable Cu based chalcogenide/Si tandem solar cell”, led by the University of New South Wales. The project brings together universities, research institutes and industry partners to explore solar cells that combine copper-based chalcogenide materials with silicon.

The research aims to increase solar conversion efficiency while addressing durability, scalable manufacturing and cost. Its development goals include wafer-scale tandem prototypes exceeding 30% efficiency, mini-modules of at least 225 cm² and a pathway towards pilot-scale production. These targets guide the project’s prototype development and validation programme.

The current ARENA project record lists AU$6.16 million in ARENA funding and a total project cost of AU$18.34 million, with a project period from 7 August 2026 to 31 August 2031. These figures apply to the UNSW-led project as a whole. UMAX Energy’s participation places the business within an international network working on the practical challenges of next-generation photovoltaics.

Project details: ARENA official project record ↗

Connecting solar power with renewable hydrogen

UMAX Energy’s research involvement also extends to renewable hydrogen. The Australian Government’s Australia–UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnerships recipient list names Carefreesourcing Pty Ltd for “Producing Hydrogen from Floating PV Powered Unpurified Water Electrolysis”, with approved grant funding of AU$1,396,416.

Innovate UK Business Connect’s announcement of 29 October 2024 identifies Carefreesourcing Pty Ltd and Hydrostar Europe Ltd as collaborators on the project. The research focus connects floating photovoltaic generation with electrolysis using unpurified water, exploring an approach to renewable hydrogen production.

The collaboration, announced in 2024, extends UMAX Energy’s innovation focus from solar electricity generation to renewable hydrogen research. It also demonstrates the company’s participation in international partnerships linking complementary areas of clean energy technology.

Project records: Australian Government grant recipients ↗ · Innovate UK collaboration announcement ↗

Bringing research closer to real-world energy needs

For UMAX Energy, collaboration with research and industry partners complements its work in solar carports, building-integrated photovoltaics, solar cold rooms and mobile solar power. These activities share a practical question: how can renewable energy be integrated into the spaces and applications where people need it?

Participation in advanced solar and hydrogen projects reflects a broader commitment to research, international collaboration and the development of future energy solutions. Through prototype development and validation, these programmes explore technologies that could support future renewable energy applications.

Based in Sydney, Australia, UMAX Energy welcomes discussions with research organisations, technology partners and project developers working on practical renewable energy applications.