U.S. Government Invests $40M in Solar Supply Chain for Sustainability
The U.S. government has announced a $40 million investment in solar energy, led by the Department of Energy (DOE). This initiative aims to boost sustainability, efficiency, and the longevity of solar technologies while supporting domestic manufacturing growth.
Focus on Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
$16 million of the funds, including $8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support the Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) program. The goal is to reduce PV recycling costs by 2030 and minimize environmental impact.
Extending Solar Panel Lifespan
Efforts will focus on making solar panels more durable and repairable, reducing waste, and tackling early system failures caused by extreme weather.
Solar PARC: Advancing Circularity in Solar Systems
The Solar Partnership to Advance Recycling and Circularity (Solar PARC) will collaborate with 30 organizations to enhance material recovery processes and establish better end-of-life management practices for PV components.
Funded Solar Projects to Strengthen Supply Chain
Four major projects have been selected for funding to support the U.S. solar supply chain:
- Case Western Reserve University – $4 million
- kWh Analytics – $2.4 million
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte – $1.3 million
- Electric Power Research Institute – $8 million
These initiatives will focus on advancing durable and sustainable photovoltaic (PV) technologies, playing a critical role in the future of renewable energy in the U.S.
Last modified: September 15, 2024
