September 14, 2011

Department of Energy Awards More Than $145 Million for Advanced Solar Technologies

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $145 million for projects to help shape the next generation of solar energy technologies and ensure that the United States remains a leader in this global market. Sixty-nine projects in 24 states will accelerate research and development to increase efficiency, lower costs, and advance cutting-edge technologies. Funded through DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the projects will also improve materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chains for a wide range of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and components of solar energy systems. Some of these investments also support efforts that will shorten the overall timeline from prototype to production and streamline building codes, zoning laws, permitting rules, and business processes for installing solar energy systems.

Two faculty received awards:  Hugh Hillhouse got the only award that went to Washington State and Scott Dunham is funded via the award to Solar World (in Oregon).

Read the full article at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/news_detail.html?news_id=17701