Department of Energy: Photovoltaics Research and Development Grant

It is anticipated that the Photovoltaic Research & Development (PVRD) funding opportunity will award $20,000,000 in Federal funding to support 30 to 35 research projects that will advance the limits of photovoltaic cell and module performance toward and beyond the $0.06/kWh 2020 SunShot goal. Successful applicants will demonstrate a convincing ability to improve the power conversion efficiency, fielded energy output, service lifetime, or manufacturability of commercial and emerging PV technologies.

In addition to multiyear research projects in Topic 2 and Topic 3, PVR&D also has a topic area (Topic 1) dedicated to small, single-year projects intended to demonstrate the potential for expanded work in a given area, which will be reviewed and selected on an accelerated schedule. This funding program represents one aspect of the SunShot Initiative’s efforts to encourage the widespread deployment of PV systems by achieving cost competitiveness with traditional energy sources. Applicants are encouraged to form teams that leverage the strengths of the individual members, and that demonstrate the timeliness and relevance of the project to the present status of the industry.

Letters of Intent, SIPS Applications, Concept Papers, Full Applications, and Replies to Reviewer Comments must be submitted through EERE Exchange at https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov, EERE’s online application portal. EERE will not review or consider applications submitted through other means. The Users’ Guide for Applying to the Department of Energy EERE Funding Opportunity Announcements is found at https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx.