DOE Announces $40 Million for Solar Supply Chain Investments!

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $40 million across the solar energy supply chain. This investment includes funding for four key projects aimed at improving the lifecycle of photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a focus on extending system lifetimes and enhancing material recovery once systems are decommissioned.

These initiatives are designed to boost domestic manufacturing, increase solar sustainability, and support the Biden-Harris Administration’s clean energy goals.

Key Initiatives:

• The MORE PV Program will provide $16 million to improve solar panel recycling and reduce environmental impacts.
• The Solar PARC initiative, a collaboration of about 30 organizations, aims to enhance solar circularity and lifecycle impact.
• The American-Made PRIME Prize ($3 million) will encourage manufacturers to register solar products under Ecolabel standards.

Additionally, $20 million is set aside for solar manufacturing advancements, with a focus on creating more durable and easily repairable solar panels.

Winners of Solar Prize Round 7 include Fram Energy and Gritt Robotics, who each received $500,000 for innovations supporting equitable solar energy deployment.

These initiatives underscore the DOE’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and reducing reliance on imported materials, ultimately driving down costs and boosting energy efficiency.