Author: US DOE Staff    Published; 7/25/2023        EERE

EERE Funding Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the FY23 Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) funding opportunity, which will provide up to $20 million over three years for research and development projects to create innovative and practical approaches to improve PV system lifecycle performance as well as increase the reuse and recycling of solar energy technologies. These research activities will strengthen a circular economy for solar energy systems in the United States, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals to build a clean and equitable energy economy.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is designed to address challenges associated with the rapid deployment of PV systems in the United States, including the increasing demand for PV materials, system operation and maintenance, and recycling. The focus of this FOA is to support technology improvements to reduce these challenges, with a holistic view of all stages of the PV lifecycle—from the material needs and installation to operation and end of life. This opportunity also supports DOE’s Photovoltaics End-of-Life Action Plan which aims to halve the cost of recycling by 2030 and reduce the environmental impact of solar energy modules at end-of-life.

DOE anticipates making approximately four to seven awards under this FOA, each ranging from $2 million to $8 million. Teams from institutions of higher education, for-profit entities, non-profit entities, state and local government, and Tribal entities are encouraged to apply.

Prior to submitting a full application for this opportunity, applicants 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.

Learn more about this funding opportunity and other open funding opportunities within DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.