US DOE announces $12m for solar panels in Space
The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation has announced a $12 million funding opportunity to accelerate technical innovation and expand domestic manufacturing capabilities for solar panels in space applications.
“The next frontier for solar PV power generation is in space,” said assistant secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. “As demand for space-grade PV skyrockets, this investment will establish American leadership in next-generation, space-based PV, bolster our national security, and enhance our economic competitiveness.”
Unlike terrestrial solar energy systems, which are subject to regular interruption by weather and the Earth’s rotation, space PV could deliver near-constant power. Space PV also has the potential to facilitate major advances in spaceflight and further the Trump Administration’s space superiority agenda.
Through the Space Photovoltaics (PV) Research and Development Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) opportunity, DOE and partnership intermediary TechWerx are seeking projects that address the following topic areas:
- Next-generation Cell Innovation (Topic 1): Projects will focus on the advancement of high-performance, low-cost, and durable space-grade PV cells in the lab environment.
- Rapid Production and Demonstration (Topic 2): Projects will focus on advancing innovative, high-volume manufacturing processes and demonstrating third party-validated performance of module prototypes in space or near-space environments.
This PIA opportunity will fund projects for up to three years. University and industry research laboratories developing advanced, space-applicable PV technologies or specialising in PV characterisation and stress testing, as well as industry teams advancing near-commercial, pilot-scale space PV solutions with testing partnerships and the capability to fly PV prototypes or panels in space are encouraged to apply. Expected individual awards are up to $1,500,000 for Topic 1 and up to $2,000,000 for Topic 2.
