The US Department of Energy has granted Owens Corning and Solexel $13 million to develop building-integrated photovoltaic projects. The building materials-manufacturer and crystalline PV module-manufacturer hope to combine their respective technologies to produce new and affordable solar roofing systems.
The grant comes as part of the DOE’s SunShot Initiative, a scheme that aims to make solar cost-competitive with other energy sources and more affordable for homeowners. The DOE has recently announced $145 million is to be allocated to PV projects around the country.
"Solexel's mission is to be an innovator to develop truly differentiated solar solutions," said Michael Wingert, Solexel’s president and CEO. "Solexel's high-performance technology is particularly well-suited for building-integrated solar products."
"Owens Corning is excited about the potential to develop game-changing technology that addresses homeowner demand for reliable, high-performance, affordable and sustainable roofing solutions," said Sheree Bargabos, the president of Owens Corning Roofing.