The US DOE has advised of a US$12 million investment in the SunShot Incubator program; funding which will go towards advancements in hardware, reduction of soft costs and the development of pilot manufacturing and production projects in the American solar energy and manufacturing industry. The Incubator program is best known as a launchpad for new start-ups and business units within existing companies to move solar technology development forward at a faster pace.
The new funding for the incubator program will mainly focus on the creation of hardware and non-hardware approaches from the proof-of-concept stage to prototype demonstration, including advances in PV, CPV and power electronics. Additionally, streamlined permitting, inspection and financing approaches that aim to decrease the timeline for awardees to transition from the prototype to full-scale manufacturing will be part of the US$12 million fund.
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The DOE advised that each investment will require substantial cost-share commitments from the awardees. Applications are due on April 9 with more information available here.
“Investments in American energy and manufacturing are critical building blocks for an American economy built to last,” said US Energy Secretary Chu. “The SunShot Incubator program fosters the innovative small businesses that will rapidly bring technological advances to market and pioneer a new era in American energy.”
