This report describes the results of an analysis tracing the technological influence of photovoltaics (PV) research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and its precursor programs, as well as PV research funded by other offices in DOE. A total of 860 PV patents are confirmed to be associated with SETO funding (483 U.S. patents, 158 EPO patents, and 219 WIPO patents). Photovoltaics research funded by SETO, and by DOE in general, has had a significant influence on subsequent developments, both within and beyond PV technology. This influence can be seen on innovations associated with the leading PV organizations. It can also be seen on innovations associated with large companies across a range of other technologies, including semiconductors, nanomaterials, optics and displays.
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
