The goal of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to support continued innovation in photovoltaic modules and systems while providing seed funding across a wide range of PV technology areas. This FOA targets the development of technologies and methods that have the potential to produce new classes of commercial products as well as supporting projects that will catalyze the generation and dissemination of technical knowledge across the field. To these ends, three Topic Areas have been identified:Topic Area 1: Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS):
This topic area intends to fund focused projects in novel and emerging areas of photovoltaics research which have the potential to produce dramatic progress towards a solar LCOE of $0.03/kWh by 2030 through improvements in any combination of the areas represented in Figure 1 (cost, reliability and efficiency/performance). Applications of interest will propose targeted, well-defined projects that can produce motivating results within the first year of performance. If successful, the outcomes will open up new avenues for continued study.
Topic Area 2: Module Design, Fabrication, and Characterization:
Topic Area 2A. Advanced Module Design and Fabrication.
This Topic Area intends to fund projects that will develop new module technologies with the potential to significantly improve the performance, fielded energy output, reliability, and manufacturability of completed PV modules.
Topic Area 2B: Module Characterization, Modeling, and Analysis.
This Topic Area intends to fund projects that advance the knowledge base for advanced PV modules and systems through the use of new and unique characterization, diagnostic, and modeling methods.
Topic Area 3: Rapid PV System Deployment:
This Topic Area intends to fund projects that will increase the speed and ease of PV system deployment, including permitting, inspection, and interconnection. Automated or mechanized installation methods, system designs that require reduced on-site assembly (i.e. partially pre-fabricated arrays), and other strategies to enhance installation speed and quality control while reducing manual on-site operations are appropriate for this Topic Area.
Informational Webinars:
The Solar Energy Technologies Office will be hosting an Informational Full Application and Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS) Application Webinar (Relevant to All Topic Areas) on February 7, 2017, beginning at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EST). Use the following link to register for attendance:
Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6350503563278504708
The Solar Energy Technologies Office hosted an Informational Concept Paper Phase Webinar (Relevant to All Topic Areas) on November 21, 2016. Slides from that webinar are found below.