University Photovoltaic Product and Process Development
The University Photovoltaic (PV) Product and Process Development activities are university-led system development and manufacturing research projects that emphasize direct, near-term improvements in PV products and development processes.
Within the Solar Energy Technologies Program, the goal of the project is to leverage university understanding and experience to improve PV products and process development.
Background
The University PV Process and Product Development Support research area is part of the system development and manufacturing phase. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and partner cost share is 80%/20%, or $30 million/$6 million. DOE anticipates that proposed projects will range from $300,000–$500,000 per year in funding from DOE and awards will be in the $1,200,000–$1,500,000 range in DOE funding for the total project period.
Universities hold a fundamental understanding of materials and device physics, as well as experience with lab-scale processes and prototype production. This experience uniquely positions universities to assist in the transition of PV technology from laboratory to marketplace. Universities can also offer guidance to industry on how to move forward efficiently. Additionally, market-oriented research offers students exposure to PV-related commercialization efforts and supplies industry with qualified scientists.
See DOE past financial opportunity for more details on the University PV Process and Product Development Support project.
Awardees
DOE announced the first round of University PV Product and Process Development awards in March of 2008.
- Arizona State University with SolFocus, Inc. and Soliant Energy, Inc.
- California Institute of Technology with Spectrolab, Inc.
- Georgia Institute of Technology with SiXtron Advanced Materials, Inc.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology with CaliSolar, Inc. and BP Solar International, Inc.
- North Carolina State University with Spectrolab, Inc.
- Pennsylvania State University with Honeywell International, Inc.
- University of Delaware Institute of Energy Conversion with Dow Corning
- University of Delaware Institute of Energy Conversion with SunPower Corporation
- University of Florida with Global Solar Energy Inc., International Solar Electric Technology Inc., Nanosolar Inc., Solyndra Inc.
- University of Toledo with Calyxo USA, Inc.
- University of Toledo with Xunlight Corporation