Fiscal Year 2025 Solar Module and Solar Hardware (SMASH) Incubator
ID: 358077Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Golden Field Office (DOE-GFO)

Award Range

$1M - $4M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358077

Additional Information

https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdfe9cde0d-e5d0-440a-805a-b83965617735
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Energy's Golden Field Office is offering a funding opportunity through the Fiscal Year 2025 Solar Module and Solar Hardware (SMASH) Incubator, aimed at advancing innovative solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. This initiative seeks to stimulate research, development, and demonstration activities that enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities across the solar supply chain, specifically targeting crystalline silicon and cadmium telluride modules, as well as non-module hardware technology. With an estimated total funding of $20 million, the program anticipates awarding between $1 million and $4 million for up to ten projects, requiring a minimum cost share of 20% for R&D and 50% for demonstration activities. Interested applicants, who must be for-profit entities, can submit concept papers by May 30, 2025, and should direct inquiries to solar.incubator@ee.doe.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    solar.incubator@ee.doe.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DE-FOA-0003460.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Solar Module and Solar Hardware (SMASH) Incubator, aimed at stimulating research, development, and demonstration of innovative solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The funding, totaling approximately $20 million, is directed toward three specific areas: crystalline silicon modules, cadmium telluride modules, and non-module hardware technology. Up to four awards per topic area are anticipated, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $4 million. Applicants must be for-profit entities, while various other organizations can participate as subrecipients. The NOFO seeks to encourage domestic manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and contributing to energy security and economic growth in the clean energy sector. Eligible projects are expected to achieve significant advancements in technology readiness levels (TRL) and demonstrate commercial viability. Key requirements include a minimum cost share of 20% for R&D activities and 50% for demonstration activities. The application process includes an initial submission of concept papers, followed by full applications. DOE prioritizes projects that address technical and business risks to ensure successful market entry and greater public benefits, including job creation and diversity in the clean energy field.
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