American Solar Power Technology Innovation

What is the American-made Solar Prize Round 8?

The American-Made Solar Prize Round 8 is a multimillion-dollar prize program designed to spur innovations in U.S. solar hardware and software technologies and address challenges to rapid, equitable solar energy deployment. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) opened applications on June 14, 2024.

What is the American-made Solar Prize?

The American-Made Solar Prize is a part of the American-Made Challenges and is administered by DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

What are solar energy innovations?

Solar energy innovations are working to make technologies cost-effective, affordable, and accessible to more people. Not everyone can install rooftop solar, which is why SETO funds innovations like Gismo Power ’s (2022 Phase I). It gives people the opportunity to own their power production regardless of the roof over their head.

Should solar technology be able to be manufactured in the United States?

Hardware innovations should be able to be manufactured in the United States. Software innovations should help address the non-hardware costs of solar, like customer acquisition, financing, and grid integration. Competitors will participate in three escalating challenges—the Ready!, Set!, and Go!

Where do universities research solar panels?

Many universities also research new solar panel technology. For example, Stanford University's Global Climate & Energy Project provides funding for research into new technologies for clean energy and renewable resources, including solar power.

Who is involved in solar panel technology research?

Other national organizations involved in solar panel technology research include Sandia National Laboratories, a research facility focusing on developing advanced PV materials, devices, and systems for a sustainable energy future. Many universities also research new solar panel technology.