Energy Department announces $20 million for advancement of early-stage solar power electronics technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced Wednesday up to $20 million in funding for nine projects to advance early-stage solar power electronics technologies.

These technologies convert electricity from one form to another and connect solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to the electric grid. Improvements in power electronics could help improve the reliability and reduce the costs of PV systems by enabling grid operators to more quickly detect problems, helping to defend against physical and cyber threats, enhancing consumers’ ability to manage their electricity use and enabling integration with storage controls.

“There is remarkable potential for power electronics technologies to improve the reliability and flexibility of solar energy on the grid,” Daniel Simmons, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said. “These projects represent a critical step in exploring the potential grid services such advanced technologies can provide.”

Each of the nine projects will have a 20 percent cost share and last up to a three-years. The awards are cooperative agreements, rather than grants. Projects will involve substantial federal oversight and be required to reach technical milestones to ensure continued funding.

The nine projects are: Flex Power Control, Inc. of Encino, California; Georgia Institute of Technology of Atlanta, Georgia; North Carolina State University of Raleigh, North Carolina; Oak Ridge National Laboratory of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; University of Arkansas of Fayetteville, Arkansas; University of Maryland, College Park of College Park, Maryland; University of Texas at Austin of Austin, Texas; University of Washington of Seattle, Washington; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University of Blacksburg, Virginia.