The $12 million program will shape the future of space energy, secure new markets, create high-tech jobs, and ensure America remains the undisputed leader in this vital domain.
Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation
August 31, 2026
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WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation today announced a $12 million funding opportunity to accelerate technical innovation and expand domestic manufacturing capabilities for solar panels in space applications. This funding will help ensure the next generation of space photovoltaics (PV) is developed in America.
“The next frontier for solar PV power generation is in space,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. “As demand for space-grade PV skyrockets, this investment will establish American leadership in next-generation, space-based PV, bolster our national security, and enhance our economic competitiveness.”
Unlike terrestrial solar energy systems, which are subject to regular interruption by weather and the Earth’s rotation, space PV can deliver near-constant power. Space PV also has the potential to facilitate major advances in spaceflight and further the Trump Administration’s space superiority agenda. The United States, a longstanding global leader in PV technology, developed the first solar cells specifically tailored for spacecraft and, in March 1958, launched the world's first solar-powered satellite.
Through the Space Photovoltaics (PV) Research and Development Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) opportunity, DOE and partnership intermediary TechWerx are seeking projects that address the following topic areas:
- Next-generation Cell Innovation (Topic 1): Projects will focus on the advancement of high-performance, low-cost, and durable space-grade PV cells in the lab environment.
- Rapid Production and Demonstration (Topic 2): Projects will focus on advancing innovative, high-volume manufacturing processes and demonstrating third party-validated performance of module prototypes in space or near-space environments.
This PIA opportunity will fund projects for up to three years. University and industry research laboratories developing advanced, space-applicable PV technologies or specializing in PV characterization and stress testing, as well as industry teams advancing near-commercial, pilot-scale space PV solutions with testing partnerships and the capability to fly PV prototypes or panels in space are encouraged to apply. Expected individual awards are up to $1,500,000 for Topic 1 and up to $2,000,000 for Topic 2.
A webinar with additional information on this funding opportunity will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2026. Register for the informational webinar.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 8, 2026.
The Space PV R&D initiative is managed by TechWerx in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization. This agreement enables TechWerx to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of energy solutions.
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