U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Solar Energy Technologies Program

Prototype Design and Pilot Production

Close-up photo of an organic solar cell, designed by Plextronics.

Plextronics, a PV Incubator awardee, displays a close-up of its organic solar cell.
PIX# 15263

The Solar Energy Technologies Program photovoltaic (PV) research in photovoltaic (PV) component and system prototypes emphasizes development of prototype components and systems produced at pilot-scale. The demonstration of cost, reliability, or performance advantages is required.

The proposed photovoltaic research will target the following:

  • Development of component prototype design with full functionality and complete "look and feel" of commercial products
  • Accelerated and qualifications testing to improve component design and gain early insight into reliability issues
  • Complete proof of concept for all new manufacturing processes in pilot-scale operations
  • Lab testing to provide data for systems integration and optimization
  • Evaluation of component costing based on pilot production processes.

This PV research focuses on one area:

  • PV Incubator Project — targets development of PV systems and component prototypes with full functionality, produced in pilot-scale operations.