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DOE selected nine projects for the $33 million Solar-thermal Fuels and Thermal Energy Storage Via Concentrated Solar-thermal Energy funding program. The projects will produce fuels via renewable energy resources and improve thermal energy storage technologies. Learn more about the projects, ranging from solar-powered hydrogen to solar-powered beer.
Congratulations to the first two winners of the American-Made Upskill Prize for the Solar Manufacturing Workforce! Each team won a cash prize for creating effective training programs aimed at developing the domestic solar manufacturing workforce. DOE also opened a second round of the prize for new applicants. U.S. solar manufacturers and training organizations can partner to submit workforce training plans by November 20 and register for an informational webinar on August 7.
The Solar District Cup Collegiate Design Competition is seeking student teams for the Class of 2025. Participants gain experience in the solar industry and expert training. Register for an informational webinar on August 15 at 4 p.m. ET. Learn more and apply to compete by September 26.
SETO selected 16 solar companies to receive funding through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) 2024 Phase I Release 2 funding opportunity. SBIR/STTR encourages small businesses to engage in high-risk, innovative research and technology development with potential for future commercialization.
Don't forget to participate in these funding opportunities, prizes, and solicitations:
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American-Made Solar Prize Round 8 – Innovative entrepreneurial teams with creative solutions to make solar energy more affordable, accessible, and efficient must submit applications by September 26.
SETO is hiring a new program manager for its workforce and equitable access team. Help spread the word and apply by August 5. This program manager will serve as a subject matter expert in residential low-income community solar and workforce development programs, supporting the growth of a diverse and well-supported solar workforce and increasing equitable access to solar energy for all Americans.
With a $1 million award from DOE, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) launched the Achieving Cooperative Community Equitable Solar Sources (ACCESS) project to expand affordable solar energy to rural and low- and moderate- income households. ACCESS has brought the benefits of solar energy to nearly 8,000 households, delivering substantial savings and enhancing community resilience. Discover how NRECA is paving the way for more cooperative solar projects across the country and access their free toolkit on designing and deploying community solar programs.
DOE announced the Connected Communities 2.0 funding opportunity to drive innovation to manage growing building, transportation, and industrial electric loads on the grid. This program seeks to provide new tools for utilities, grid planners and operators, automakers and smart charge management service providers, and the communities they serve. Submit a mandatory concept paper by August 20.
The SETO Lab Call Fiscal Year 2025-27 funding program supports core capabilities at the national labs as well as research and development projects that aim to fill gaps, introduce new areas of investigation, and address specific questions to help SETO achieve its goals.
The Vicars Community Center in West Atlanta, Georgia, is a hub for emergency services and community support. Learn more about how a multistakeholder team built the hub from a blueprint created during the second round of the Solar Energy Innovation Network.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Green Proving Ground funds projects that ensure a streamlined process for industry and provide the greatest value for the U.S. taxpayer. GSA recently announced the latest selections, including a SETO-funded project that evaluates a solar window system.
IEEE ISTO, an international federation of leading groups dedicated to advancing standardized technologies for the benefit of industry, welcomed the DOE-funded Universal Interoperability for Grid-Forming Inverters (UNIFI) Consortium as its newest member.
July & August | Virtual
The Equitable Solar Communities of Practice is hosting virtual community convenings this summer. These events will bring together industry experts, community members, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in scaling equitable solar energy. Each Community of Practice is led by an expert organization that will share their insights and gather participant feedback. Check out the session topics and register:
July 30 | 11 a.m. ET | Virtual
The Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) FIRST is a series of monthly interactive meetings to facilitate the adoption of standards for interconnected clean energy resources like solar and wind energy. Register here for all the i2X FIRST events and view recordings and slides from past events.
July 31 | 12 p.m. ET | Virtual
Join the i2X team for updates about MISO’s 2023 queue cycle and reform to address current transmission system interconnection challenges.
August 6 | 12:30 p.m. ET | Virtual
i2X funded Cadmus to analyze distribution-level interconnection across all 50 states, revealing significant variations in procedures and data quality. Join this webinar to learn about their findings and best practices for more efficient and fair interconnection practices.
August 6 | 2 p.m. ET | Virtual
The Solar Energy Industries Association is hosting a webinar about a new toolkit developed as part of SETO’s Solar Ready Vets Network. Register to learn about the latest resources, strategies, and best practices to recruit, hire, and retain military connected talent across the solar workforce.
August 14 | 2 p.m. ET | Virtual
This webinar will highlight the progress made and insights gained from i2X technical assistance projects aimed at defining best practices and solutions for distribution utilities and developers.
Learn more about SETO or DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
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