The US Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a funding opportunity worth up to US$20 million as part of its 2024 Photovoltaics Research and Development initiative. Managed by the DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), the initiative aims to advance research and development in the field of photovoltaics (PV) to drive innovation and efficiency in solar energy technologies.

The funding opportunity is open to groups and organizations interested in contributing to the advancement of PV technology. Applicants are encouraged to join the DOE's 'teaming partner list' to foster collaboration with other applicants and facilitate joint proposals for funding. The DOE plans to allocate funding to between eight and 15 projects, with each project eligible to receive $1-4 million. The deadline for submitting a letter of intent is set for June 12, 2024.

The funding will support projects in two key areas of interest identified by the DOE. The first area focuses on optimizing PV cell efficiency, with the goal of developing innovative PV cell and minimodule prototypes. These prototypes aim to address challenges such as reducing PV module costs, minimizing carbon and energy intensity during manufacturing processes, and optimizing PV technology for new and emerging markets. Specific areas of interest include emissions reduction in silicon manufacturing, crystalline silicon PV cell design, III-V cell design, and organic PV cell design.

The second area of interest pertains to cadmium telluride (CdTe) research equipment, aiming to fund academic research and development projects in this field. The objectives include enhancing the speed of CdTe cell and module research, improving the efficiency, durability, and energy yield of CdTe PV cells, developing new CdTe cell designs, and improving materials produced at an academic level for potential commercial replication.

This funding opportunity underscores the DOE's commitment to accelerating innovation in the PV sector and driving progress towards achieving cost-effective and sustainable solar energy solutions. It comes amid growing interest in the thin-film sector, highlighted by a recent report funded by CdTe manufacturer First Solar, projecting significant economic contributions from thin-film manufacturing to the US economy.

For more information on how to apply for the funding opportunity, interested parties can visit the DOE's dedicated page.

Source: PV - Tech