Solar Energy Technologies Office

Solar Energy Technologies Office. It is a division within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the United States Department of Energy. The office is tasked with accelerating the development and market integration of solar technologies across the United States. Its work supports the nation's goals for a decarbonized electricity grid and a robust clean energy economy.

Mission and goals

The primary mission is to advance photovoltaic and concentrating solar-thermal power technologies to make solar energy a more affordable and accessible resource. Key goals include reducing the cost of solar electricity, improving the reliability and performance of solar systems, and enabling seamless integration with the North American power transmission network. It also focuses on expanding the domestic solar manufacturing base and developing a skilled workforce through partnerships with institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.

Key research areas

Research is organized into several critical technological domains. Photovoltaics research aims to improve cell efficiency, durability, and novel materials like perovskites. Concentrating solar-thermal power work focuses on advanced thermal storage and high-temperature components for industrial processes and power generation. Systems integration efforts develop tools and technologies to maintain grid reliability as solar penetration increases, involving collaborations with entities such as the Electric Power Research Institute. Additional areas include soft costs reduction related to permitting and financing, and supporting agrivoltaics and floating solar applications.

Major programs and initiatives

The office manages a portfolio of high-impact funding programs. The Solar Energy Innovation Network fosters collaborative projects among communities, utilities, and companies. The American-Made Challenges program incentivizes entrepreneurs and startups to overcome technical barriers. Significant initiatives also include the Grid Modernization Initiative, which addresses integration challenges, and the Solar Decathlon, a collegiate competition managed in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Funding opportunities are often announced through the Funding Opportunity Announcement process.

History and legislative background

The office's origins trace to early federal solar research following the 1973 oil crisis and initiatives during the Jimmy Carter administration. It was formally established in 1991 under the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Its mandate and funding have been shaped and expanded by key legislation, including the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. More recent directives have come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Impact and achievements

Efforts have contributed to a dramatic decrease in the cost of solar energy, with utility-scale photovoltaic prices falling significantly since 2010. The office's research has supported record-breaking solar cell efficiencies validated at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Its programs have accelerated the commercialization of technologies like passivated emitter and rear cell designs and advanced thermal energy storage. These advancements have helped solar grow to constitute a major portion of new annual electricity generation capacity in the United States, supporting national climate targets and energy security.

Category:United States Department of Energy agencies Category:Energy in the United States Category:Renewable energy organizations