Hello, fellow solar enthusiasts! I am here today to bring you some exciting news on a major development in the solar industry. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has just announced a significant funding opportunity through its Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). To add some sunshine to your day, they’re investing a whopping $38 million in research, development, and demonstration projects connected to the solar energy supply chain.
This is an incredible opportunity for solar companies and startups alike. The aim? To de-risk solar hardware, manufacturing processes, and software products through innovative projects that establish and prove the process. The good news doesn’t just stop there. The DOE is also looking for projects which provide outreach, education, or intuitive software development. The software in question ought to deliver an automated permit review and approval process for rooftop solar and energy storage, making it easier than ever to install solar panels for your home.
To delve a little deeper into the specifics of this stellar opportunity, let’s look at the three key areas of focus:
1. Solar Research and Technology Development: This area targets for-profit companies working on strengthening and de-risking the solar components and/or manufacturing processes. The DOE plans to support five to ten projects, each receiving $1 million to $2 million. If you’re part of a solar company aiming to bring forth improved, real-world solutions, this funding opportunity is for you.
2. Solar Energy Demonstration: Here, five to ten research, development, and demonstration projects will be granted anywhere from $1 million to $5 million. Established companies or startups with an existing solar prototype in need of further testing, engineering work, or demonstration in a controlled environment would greatly benefit from this opportunity. This could potentially be an encouraging step for those of you looking to bring your solar dreams to reality.
3. Solar Permitting, Outreach, Education: Last but undoubtedly not least, eligible projects will receive between $1 million to $5 million. This focus area targets the creation of an automated solar permitting software that could streamline the process for solar companies and local governments like never before.
The goal of these funding opportunities is to propel the growth of the solar industry further. The DOE is immensely dedicated to identifying emerging opportunities and reducing costs for domestic energy markets. With solar arrays for homes expanding significantly, it is imperative that the US maintains its position on the leading edge of solar industry advances.
Do these initiatives sound like a perfect match for your projects? If you’re as excited about this as I am and want to learn more, keep an eye out for an informational webinar provided by the DOE on June 13, 2024 on this funding opportunity.
To take part in this golden solar opportunity and apply, just head over to the EERE Exchange. Don’t miss out on your chance to make a leap in solar industry with the help of these fantastic funding opportunities. Let’s continue to shine a light on the future of solar together!
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Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/06/07/doe-announces-38-million-solar-supply-chain-incubator-funding-opportunity/
