US$30 million funding announced for ARPA-E solar research projects

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The advanced research projects agency for energy (ARPA-E) will make US$30 million available for new solar research programmes.

The US department of energy (DOE) announced the funding to aid American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to develop new cost-efficient solar technologies.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The project, called Full-spectrum optimised conversion and utilisation of sunlight (FOCUS) will concentrate on developing new hybrid solar energy converters and hybrid energy storage systems.

“ARPA-E’s new programme will leverage the ingenuity of America’s best and brightest to develop technologies that are critical to the continued growth of the solar industry,” said energy secretary Ernest Moniz. “As the President made clear in his plan to cut carbon pollution, energy innovations like these are a critical contribution to ensuring America’s future national, economic, and environmental security.”

ARPA-E also announced US$145 million in 2013 for funding opportunities to improve vehicle manufacturing techniques, biologically convert natural gas to liquids, develop robust battery chemistries and architectures for electric vehicles, and create innovative semiconductor materials for improved power conversion.

ARPA-E launched in 2009 and has funded 285 projects, across 33 states, with US$770 million in funding.

Read Next

April 29, 2025
Chinese solar manufacturing giant JinkoSolar posted net losses of US$181.7 million in the first quarter of 2025 amid low product prices and “changes in international trade policies.”
April 29, 2025
The recent domestic content regulations and trade policies have prompted caution in the US from suppliers for long-term projections, according to a report from Anza.
April 29, 2025
Reassessing the role distributed solar operators have to play in minimising cybersecurity risks is key to Europe's solar cybersecurity.
April 29, 2025
Developer Nexamp has closed a US$340 million debt refinancing for a portfolio of distributed solar and energy storage projects in the US.
Premium
April 29, 2025
“There is an adjustment in the industry [where] there are cycles,” explains Laura Fortes, senior manager for access to finance at GOGLA.
April 29, 2025
Solar cannot be regarded as a 'set and forget' technology and must be fully maintained to prevent systemic underperformance.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
May 7, 2025
Munich, Germany
Solar Media Events
May 21, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK