Research Area: Manufacturing and Competitiveness
Funding Program: Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
Funding Number: DE-FOA-0003504 (PDF)
Description
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs encourage U.S. small businesses to engage in high-risk, innovative research and technology development with the potential for future commercialization. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science administers the programs and awards projects in technology areas across the entire department. This effort is part of the larger SBIR program across the federal government, which is administered by the Small Business Administration. Learn more about these programs’ past awards selected by the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO).
SBIR/STTR Phase I awards are up to $200,000 for six months to one year. Details on the topics for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Phase I release of the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) are below.
Topics open to both SBIR and STTR applications:
- Power Electronics Technologies
- Dual-use Photovoltaics (PV) including Agrivoltaics, Building-integrated PV, Floating PV, Photovoltaic-thermal Systems, and Vehicle-integrated PV
- Technologies Enabling Solar-Powered DC Microgrids
- Cybersecurity of Solar Energy Systems
- Distribution Reliability Visibility
- Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power Technologies for Gen3 CSP, Commercial CSP (Gen2 CSP), or Concentrated Solar Industrial Process Heat (SIPH)
- Affordability, Reliability, Performance, and Manufacturing of Solar Systems
Topic open to only STTR applications:
- Innovative Software Technologies and Products for Solar Energy Systems
Technical and Business Assistance (TABA)
We encourage applicants to apply for the Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) program, which provides funding for commercialization activities in addition to the STTR research funding. Examples of allowable commercialization services include product sales, intellectual property protections, market research, market validation, development of certifications and regulatory plans, and development of manufacturing plans. If you wish to utilize your own TABA provider(s), you are required to include this as one or more subcontracts or consultants in your budget and to provide a detailed budget justification. Read the NOFO for more information about this program and how to apply for this extra funding.
The American-Made Network is a great resource for finding TABA providers and vendors with specific expertise in solar energy. The Network helps accelerate solar innovations through a diverse and powerful group of entities that includes national laboratories, energy incubators, investors, prototyping and testing facilities, and other industry partners from across the United States who engage, connect, mentor, and amplify the efforts of small businesses. The Network can help companies solve pressing technology challenges, forge connections, and advance potentially game-changing ideas and innovations.
Applicant Education Services
Is this your first time considering a SBIR/STTR application, or do you have questions about the process? SETO, through the American-Made Network, is providing free Applicant Education Services. Participation is not mandatory and will have no impact on the evaluation of your application by DOE. See below for a list of Power Connectors selected to provide application education services:
- ADL Ventures: Austin Philie (austin.p@adlventures.com) and Nupur Joshi
- Yet2: Megan Waldock (mwaldock@yet2.com), Andrea Guemez (aguemez@yet2.com), and Tom Pavilo
- University of Arizona Center for Innovation: Amanda Buchanan (amanda.buchanan635@gmail.com)
Additional Information
Download the full NOFO (PDF) and email solar.sbir@ee.doe.gov with any questions.
The Office of Science hosted an informational webinar [recording; slides], and a Q&A session [recording]. SETO hosted an informational webinar on December 4, 2024. Watch the recording, download the slides, and review the Q&As for more information.
Learn more about SETO’s manufacturing and competitiveness research, sign up for our newsletter, and join the DOE SBIR/STTR mailing list to keep up to date with the latest news.