Solar Technologies Get an $87 Million Boost
By SGN Staff
Oct 9, 2009 - 11:03:28 AM

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DOE has awarded $87 million to a wide range of solar energy technology projects that include rapid deployment, research and jobs training.

 

Specifically, the 47 projects involve universities, local governments, electric utilities and DOE's national laboratories. Award recipients will concentrate their efforts on addressing technical challenges inherent in solar energy system deployment, ensuring reliable connectivity with the electric grid and training workers to install and maintain the new solar energy systems.

 

“Today's awards are among the many investments made to create new jobs and a clean energy future with solar power. The projects will help accelerate the use of solar energy by residents, businesses and communities, and promote the long-term viability of solar energy by investing in the technologies of the future,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said.

 

The overall goal is to accelerate the commercialization of solar technologies to reach cost-competitive solar electricity by 2015 while developing new solar technologies for future use. The award categories are:

·         High penetration solar deployment. A total of seven projects will model, test and assess the impact of large quantities of photovoltaic (PV) electricity on the electric grid's stability and reliability.

·         Solar America cities special projects. Since cities are the load centers of electricity consumption, 16 cities will work to develop innovative approaches and solutions to the challenges of solar energy adoption in urban environments.

·         Solar installer training. "Train the trainer" solar installation programs will be conducted by nine colleges, universities and local organizations to support a nationwide ramp-up and coordinated network of solar training programs.

·         Research projects at DOE national laboratories. DOE's network of national laboratories will take on 15 projects to improve technologies, equipment and processes for the PV and concentrating solar power (CSP) industries. They will develop next generation Smart Grid technologies and supply chain technologies.

 

A list of the selected projects is available at the Solar Energy Technologies Program Website listed below.

   Solar Energy Technologies funding announcement from DOE

   Smart Grid stimulus energy awards at a glance

  

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