The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) supports efforts to commercialize high-impact innovation in the solar industry. These activities amplify the impact of research and development projects and enable the private sector to develop and sustain new solar products that can be manufactured in the United States. The goal is to support a secure domestic supply chain in the face of intense international competition.
SETO funding for manufacturing and competitiveness research covers a wide variety of technologies including photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, power electronics, and soft costs. These projects are managed by SETO’s manufacturing and competitiveness team.
Learn more about SETO’s manufacturing and competitiveness research areas below.
Research Topics
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- SunShot
Solar manufacturing refers to the fabrication and assembly of materials across the solar value chain.December 17, 2025 -
SETO supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in their efforts to develop and advance solar technologies.December 17, 2025
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Dual-use photovoltaic (PV) technologies, also known as dual-use PV, are a type of PV application where the PV panels serve another function besides the generation of electricity. -
Solar energy cost and data analysis examines technology costs, location-specific competitive advantages, and assesses the performance of solar energy.
Manufacturing and Competitiveness Success Stories
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Since 2018, the American-Made Solar Prize has been energizing U.S. innovations and entrepreneurs. Hear from past winners to learn how the Prize has contributed to their success and find out what they’ve been able to accomplish since their victories. -
- Solar Energy
- Deployment
- Advanced Manufacturing Processes
- Commercial Implementation
Terabase Energy is transforming the traditionally manual processes of designing arrays, delivering modules, and installing them at the site.
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Siting solar arrays is a challenge shared by developers, state and local governments, and communities. With the help of Energy Department funding, Nevados developed hardware that opens new sites by enabling solar panel installation on uneven terrain. -
DOE awarded funding to start-up company EnergySage to build an online marketplace for rooftop solar systems and make the process of solar adoption more consumer friendly.