The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) announced the Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS) 2023 funding opportunity. This funding opportunity will award $6.5 million for seedling R&D projects that focus on innovative and novel ideas in photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) and are riskier than research ideas based on established technologies. SETO expects to make about 14 to 24 awards each ranging between $250,000 and $400,000. 

This funding opportunity is designed to streamline the application process to encourage applications from early-career researchers who have never applied or been selected for a SETO project award. In addition, applicants must submit a plan to broaden the participation of well-qualified members of underrepresented groups on their teams. These efforts will help to achieve the Biden administration’s goal to increase the diversity of those working in applied energy research fields.  

WHO:

Diverse teams from universities, federally funded research and development centers, nonprofits, community-based organizations, state agencies, local governments, and solar developers are encouraged to apply.  

WHEN:

FOA Issue Date: April 13, 2023

Submission Deadline for Full Applications: June 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET

Expected Date for EERE Selection Notifications: October 2023

Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations: Fall 2023

HOW:

https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/funding-notice-small-innovative-projects-solar-sips-concentrating-solar-thermal

Download the full funding opportunity on the EERE Exchange website