Energy Department announces funding opportunity for solar technology projects
The Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) made a $105.5 million funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for approximately 70 projects related to the affordability, flexibility, and performance of solar technologies on the grid.
The FOA seeks early-stage research projects that advance solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) technologies. With the FAO, DOE aims to support the swift integration of PV and CSP technologies into the electricity grid and support efforts to prepare the workforce for the solar industry’s future needs.
“It is critically important that the United States maintain its global leadership in the development of advanced, high-performing solar technologies for both the photovoltaic and concentrating solar power industries,” Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper said. “Prioritizing research and workforce development for the hundreds of thousands of Americans that solar employs is vital.”
The funding includes $46 million for approximately 14 projects related to Solar Systems Integration Technologies, $24 million for approximately 21 projects related to Concentrating Solar Power Research and Development, $27 million for approximately 28 projects related to Photovoltaics Research and Development, and $8.5 million for approximately four projects related to Improving and Expanding the Solar Industry through Workforce Initiatives.
Technical projects in topics one through three must have at least 20 percent cost share, resulting in a total public-private investment of approximately $125 million.
Applicants must submit a letter of intent by May 4 at 3:00 PM ET and a brief concept paper by May 9 at 3:00 PM ET. Full applications are due on June 26 at 3:00 PM ET.
“Secretary Perry’s announcement today is yet another positive step in strengthening this important public-private relationship between the federal government and the American solar industry,” Hopper said. “We look forward to fulfilling this opportunity with innovative solar projects that drive America’s energy economy to a cleaner, more affordable and reliable future.”
