DOE allocates $20 million to improve the lifecycle of solar energy systems

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $20 million to help improve the lifecycle performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. This includes improving installation quality, increasing system resiliency, and streamlining the reuse and recyclability of solar panels. The funds, which includes $8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will also help establish a Solar Partnership to Advance Recycling and Circularity to facilitate materials recovery and end-of-life practices for PV system components.

Teams utilizing the Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) funding will work to identify ways to optimize PV systems throughout their lifecycle to lower costs. Teams from a wide variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including those in higher education, for-profit entities, non-profit entities, state and local government, and tribal entities. Those interested in taking advantage of this opportunity must submit a letter of intent by September 6 at 5 p.m. ET and a concept paper by September 13 at 5 p.m. ET.