Solar Programs of the U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy has a number of ongoing programs that focus on renewable energy, and in particular, solar energy. The Solar Energy Technologies Program focuses on developing cost-effective solar-energy technologies that have the greatest potential to benefit the nation and the world. Solar technologies diversify the energy supply, reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuels, improve air quality, and offset greenhouse gas emissions. A growing solar industry also stimulates our economy by creating jobs in solar manufacturing and installation.

To this end, the following subprograms are an integral component.

• The Photovoltaics subprogram aggressively funds a diverse set of PV technologies that have potential in many markets that will help solar electricity achieve grid parity.
• The Concentrating Solar Power subprogram is making CSP competitive in the intermediate power market and developing advanced technologies that will reduce system and storage costs.
• The Systems Integration subprogram is breaking down the regulatory, technical, and economic barriers to integrate solar electricity into the electric grid.
• The Market Transformation subprogram works with external partners to address non-technical issues that are barriers to the widespread adoption of solar technologies.