NEW FUNDING: Topics Announced for Small Business Solar Innovations
On November 12, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the topics for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) funding programs for Fiscal Year 2025. The programs give U.S. small businesses an opportunity to conduct high-risk, cutting-edge research and technology development with potential for commercialization, spurring innovation and job creation.
SBIR/STTR funding enables small businesses to achieve their goals in two phases: Phase I provides up to $200,000 to prove an idea’s feasibility. If successful, awardees can then receive up to $1.1 million in Phase II to develop a prototype.
The DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) is hosting an informational webinar on December 4 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET to discuss the Phase I solar topics, listed below. Register for the webinar.
Topics open to both SBIR and STTR applications:
- Power Electronics Technologies
- Dual-use Photovoltaics (PV) including Agrivoltaics, Building-integrated PV, Floating PV, Photovoltaic-thermal Systems, and Vehicle-integrated PV
- Technologies Enabling Solar-Powered DC Microgrids
- Cybersecurity of Solar Energy Systems
- Distribution Reliability Visibility
- Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power (CSP) Technologies for Gen3 CSP, Commercial CSP (Gen2 CSP), or Concentrated Solar Industrial Process Heat
- Affordability, Reliability, Performance, and Manufacturing of Solar Systems
Topic open to only STTR applications:
- Innovative Software Technologies and Products for Solar Energy Systems
Mandatory letters of intent are due January 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Learn more about the solar topics and look for the funding opportunity announcement to which you can apply in the coming weeks.
