Industry News

DOE offers $5 million in prize money to train workers for a career in solar manufacturing

March 14, 2024

Each selected team will receive up to $500,000 to implement their projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a new competition that is designed to expand the country’s solar manufacturing workforce. The competition, named American-Made Upskill Prize for the Solar Manufacturing Workforce, will be funded by the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). The $5 million in prize money will be awarded to teams of U.S. solar manufacturers and training organizations, including unions and community colleges, that offer compelling plans to help upskill current employees or attract and train new employees. Each selected team will receive up to $500,000 to implement their projects. Applications are due by May 21.

In a recent quote, Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in solar energy manufacturing can reinvigorate communities across the country with good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. With that goal in mind, DOE is launching a first-of-its kind prize focusing on ensuring that our community colleges, labor unions, and other training organizations are fully equipped to prepare workers seeking to enter this emerging field.”

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector.