Energy Department Offers $19 Million to Reduce PV Costs, Increase Efficiency

The Energy Department on November 20 announced an offer of $19 million to reduce both hardware and non-hardware costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) and to drive greater solar energy deployment in the United States. This backing builds on the Energy Department's broader SunShot Initiative investments that are driving down the cost of solar and making solar affordable for more American families and companies. Since the beginning of 2010, the price of a solar electric system has dropped by in excess of 70%.

Through the ninth round of the SunShot Incubator program, the Energy Department is making $10 million accessible to support and accelerate cutting-edge advancements in solar energy hardware, reductions in soft costs-such as permitting and installation-and the development of pilot manufacturing processes. The SunShot Incubator nine backing builds on a record of successful partnerships with small business, national laboratories, and academia by providing early-stage assistance to help small business cross technological barriers to commercialization and spurring private sector investment.

The Energy Department is also announcing $9 million for the Next Generation Photovoltaics III plan that will push the limits of PV efficiency, while reducing costs, improving reliability, and creating more secure and sustainable supply chains. The backing will advance foundational research projects, driving technological innovations and planting the seeds for breakthroughs that could lead to mature technologies. Applications are now being accepted for both SunShot Incubator nine and Next Generation Photovoltaic Technologies III backing opportunities. See the Energy Department Progress Alert.

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