Solar Program
Semprius, a solar start-up that received 2007 Next Generation PV and 2009 Incubator awards from DOE, developed a method of micro-transfer printing for high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules. In 2011, Semprius announced it would create more than 250 jobs at a new high-tech facility in Henderson, N.C., to manufacture HCPV cells. Photo from Semprius
The projects of the SunShot Initiative are organized into the following categories, which are based on the mission, vision, and goals. Read about the highlighted activities and accomplishments that will help DOE reach the SunShot goals.
- Reducing Solar Technology Costs—projects that reduce costs related to photovoltaic and concentrating solar power technologies.
- Reducing Solar Grid Integration Costs—projects that reduce the costs of connecting high penetrations of solar electricity onto the grid, related to balance of systems, power electronics, and smart grid.
- Accelerating Deployment—projects that remove market barriers, specifically related to fostering a skilled workforce and standardized permitting and interconnection.
Current Efforts
- Baseload Concentrating Solar Power Generation
- Bridging Research Interactions through collaborative Development Grants in Energy
- Extreme Balance of System
- Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency
- Grid Integration-Advanced Concepts
- Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative: High Operating Temperature Fluids Projects
- Next Generation PV
- Non-Hardware Balance of System
- Photovoltaic Manufacturing Initiative (PVMI)
- PV Supply Chain and Cross-Cutting Technologies
- Rooftop Solar Challenge
- SUNPATH
- SunShot CSP Research and Development 2012
- SunShot Incubator
- SunShot Prize: Race to the Rooftops
These activities are focused on two key solar technologies, photovoltaics and concentrating solar power.
In addition to these projects, DOE funds the Minority University Research Associates Program, which encourages minorities to pursue careers in science and technology.