The research and development (R&D) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA will fund innovative solar photovoltaics (PV) R&D that reduces the cost of PV modules, reduces carbon and energy intensity of PV manufacturing processes, and optimizes PV technology for new, specialized markets.
SETO’s PVRD program works to accelerate the deployment of solar energy technologies by funding innovative R&D in PV cell and module technologies, balance-of-system components, reliability tracing and tracking, metrology, and other key research questions in PV. To accelerate toward these deployment targets and augment SETO’s ongoing PV research portfolio, this FOA will fund R&D on innovative cell- and minimodule-level technologies focused on three major goals:
- Enable cost reduction on an LCOE basis through development of durable, high-efficiency cell and module PV technology.
- Identify pathways to reduce the carbon intensity and energy intensity of industrial processes required to fabricate PV cells and modules.
- Increase technical viability of PV cells and modules tailored for emerging integrated PV sectors, such as building-integrated PV (BIPV) and vehicle-integrated PV.
More information can be found here: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaId37866097-01d5-4d92-8e35-bfe0a141afbd
Estimated Total Program Funding: $20,000,000
Expected Number of Awards: 15
Award Ceiling: $4,000,000
Award Floor: $1,000,000
Application Deadline: June 12, 2024 (LOI); September 16, 2024 (Full Application)
