Solar cell efficiency research gains more support from DOE
January 30, 2013Solar cell efficiency funding increased
Efficiency has long been a concern when it comes to the matter of solar energy. Solar cells are becoming a more attractive technology because of their acclaimed capabilities in efficiency, but solar cell efficiency has yet to reach a level that can be considered viable for widespread use. The U.S. Department of Energy has issued more funding in order to add momentum behind research concerning solar cell efficiency. These funds are expected to help in the production of record-breaking solar cells that could change the solar energy industry for good.
New funding will help power research and development efforts
The agency has added $12 million to an existing $35.8 million grant program that is designed specifically to address the issue of solar cell efficiency. The program supports research and development endeavors that may help solar cells reach the fabled 30% energy efficiency threshold. This goal was established in 1961, but was widely considered to be impossible due to the technology of that era. Now, however, the Department of Energy believes that this goal is in sight.
Grant program links to SunShot Initiative
The grant program, which is called Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency II (FPACEII), is part of the country’s SunShot Initiative. This initiative was launched by the Obama administration in 2011 and is meant to fund research of solar energy technology. One of the goals of the SunShot initiative is to lower the cost of this technology, making it more available to a wider demographic. Along with FPACEII, the SunShot Initiative may be able to help make progress in the realm of solar cell efficiency.
US continues support of solar energy and other clean forms of power
The U.S. is currently one of the major supporters of solar energy. The country has begun to focus more heavily on solar energy in recent years due to its ongoing effort to reduce its use of fossil-fuels. While the country currently boasts of an all-of-the-above energy plan, which has it supporting all forms of power, the federal government retains a strong focus on clean energy.