DOE Aims to Reduce Solar PV Costs by 75%

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) new "SunShot Initiative" aims to reduce the total costs of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems by about 75% before the end of the decade so that PV systems are cost competitive with other forms of energy without subsidies. In addition to investing improvements in cell technologies and manufacturing, the initiative will also focus on steps to streamline and digitize local permitting processes that will reduce installation and permitting costs. As part of the SunShot Initiative, DOE has awarded up to $20.3 million in funding to projects to improve manufacturing efficiencies and reduce costs. In addition, DOE announced up to $7 million of funding in the fourth round of the Photovoltaic Incubator Program, which helps to shorten the commercialization timeline for promising emerging solar technologies. Read more