***Selections for Advanced Power Electronics Designs for Solar Applications were announced on April 18, 2018. See a list of projects here.***

Subprogram: Systems Integration
Funding Number: DE-FOA-0001740
Funding Amount: $20 million

The Advanced Power Electronics Designs for Solar Applications funding program will help the industry develop new technology to improve the devices that serve as the critical link between solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays and the electric grid. Advanced smart inverters and other power electronics will allow utilities to collect data on photovoltaic (PV) systems and better support voltage and frequency regulation, enabling operators to pinpoint and regulate solar production levels. Given that all solar PV-generated electricity must flow through a power electronic device, this presents an opportunity to innovate and discover new applications that lower costs, offer enhanced services for improved lifetime value, and lower grid integration costs. Ultimately, these projects will improve the reliability and security of our national electric grid by improving the interface point between solar and the grid.

The FOA is divided into two topic areas:

• Holistic solar PV inverter/converter designs that lower lifetime costs by lowering upfront costs, extending product life, improving efficiencies, and lowering manufacturing costs; and
• Modular, multifunctional power electronics designs that enhance solar power electronics with new functionalities, including those that direct integration energy end use devices, provide online operations and maintenance services, support controls to reduce grid integration costs, and aid in orderly recovery from grid outages to improve resiliency, among others.

SunShot expects to make 10-15 awards under this funding program, each ranging between $0.5 million and $3 million for a total of $20 million. Projects will have a 20% cost share and up to a 3-year performance period. Prior to submitting a full application for this opportunity, a brief, mandatory concept paper is due on October 12, 2017. See all application deadlines in the table below.

Download the full funding opportunity on the EERE Exchange website

Read the press release about this funding opportunity announcement

For FOA-specific support, contact PowerElectronics@ee.doe.gov 

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