• Under the SunShot Initiative, the US Department of Energy will extend support to early stage solar power technologies with $46.2 million
  • The funding is for two programs - Photovoltaics R&D 2: Modules & Systems, and Technology to Market 3: Incubator 12, SolarMat 5
  • 28 projects under Photovoltaics R&D 2: Modules and Systems will receive $20.5 million
  • The Technology to Market 3: Incubator 12, SolarMat 5 category gathered $25.7 million for 20 projects
  • Cost share requirements will leverage additional private sector funding, yielding a total public and private investment of nearly $65 million

The US Department of Energy (DoE) has announced its support for 48 projects under the SunShot Initiative. A total of $46.2 million funding will go to early stage solar power technologies that will lower costs and improve reliability and efficiency. Cost share requirements will leverage additional private sector funding, yielding a total public and private investment of nearly $65 million.

The funding is for two programs under the SunShot Initiative. It has selected 28 projects as part of its Photovoltaics Research and Development 2: Modules and Systems and will support them with $20.5 million. The list of winners in this category can be viewed on the DoE website. This supports PV research for new solar concepts that can be broadly applied across the industry.  

In the other category ‘Technology to Market 3: Incubator 12, SolarMat 5’ $25.7 million was awarded to 20 projects. It supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in early-stage research to accelerate new technologies. The winners list for this category is also accessible on the DoE website.

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

In February 2017, the department awarded $30 million to 13 new projects as part of the SunShot Initiative (see $30 Million Fresh Funding Under SunShot Initiative).  

Under the SunShot Initiative, the country is aiming to cut the cost of solar generated by 50% between 2020 and 2030. It was able to achieve more than 90% of its goals much ahead of its scheduled deadline of 2020 (see SunShot Progress).