DOE invests in new solar energy projects

Projects seek to mitigate costs of manufacturing PV technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $13 million in grants to five solar energy projects that are designed to improve the domestic manufacture of photovoltaic technologies. The federal agency has been promoting the domestic production of PV modules in the hopes of helping the U.S. solar sector experience more growth. Currently, a significant portion of the PV modules that are used in the U.S. come from Asia and Europe.

Domestic production could be economically beneficial

By promoting domestic production, the Department of Energy believes that some economic benefits can be achieved. The new solar projects that have received funding may help create new jobs by reducing the costs associated with the manufacture of PV technologies. Reducing these costs can make it easier for solar developers to establish new projects, which require skilled workers in order to thrive, thereby increasing employment.

Abengoa Solar receives financial backing from DOW

Abengoa Solar is one of the companies that have received funding from the Department of Energy for its solar project. The company is working to produce concentrated solar power trough systems, which are used to lower the overall cost of concentrated solar systems. This is accomplished by making the assembly of these systems more efficient. Abengoa Solar aims to have a manufacture method in place that involved the production and assembly of concentrated solar system on-site.

Solar continues making strong growth in the US

Solar energy has experienced strong growth in the U.S. This form of clean power plays a significant role in the country's overarching energy plans and has even become quite attractive to homeowners in many parts of the country. There are still challenges that face solar energy and its adoption, however, one of the most significant of which is cost. Reducing the manufacturing costs associated with photovoltaic technologies may help make solar energy more attractive to a wider audience.