US DOE announces US$46.2 million for 48 PV projects under SunShot Initiative

July 13, 2017
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These renewable-energy projects are expected to develop innovative, early-stage solar power technologies that are designed to lower costs and improve reliability and efficiency. Image: Delaware Cooperative Extension / Flickr

The US Department of Energy (DOE) will provide US$46.2 million in funding for 48 PV projects as part of the department’s SunShot Initiative.

These renewable-energy projects are expected to develop innovative, early-stage solar power technologies that are designed to lower costs and improve reliability and efficiency.

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SunShot Initiative director Charlie Gay noted: “The SunShot Initiative is a proven driver of solar energy innovation. These projects ensure there’s a pipeline of knowledge, human resources, transformative technology solutions, and research to support the industry.”

These projects are part of two programs: Photovoltaics Research and Development 2: Modules and Systems (PVRD2), which will spur research in PV technology, along with Technology to Market 3 (T2M3), which supports early-stage tech research.

Cost share requirements will also lead to additional private sector funding — creating a total public and private investment of nearly US$65 million.

PVRD2 supports a number of PV research sectors, including module design, high-risk emerging research, and technology facilitating rapid installations. Close to 80% of these projects are led by academic institutions, solidifying the next generation of energy researchers.

T2M3 selects solar energy technologies and focuses on research to address early-stage, pre-commercial risk reduction.

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