Program Notes

DOE Taps Industry for New Solar Program Manager

We are pleased to announce the arrival of John 

Lushetsky as the new Program Manager of the 

Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP or Solar 

Program). John joined the U.S. Department of Energy 

(DOE) on June 9. He has over 20 years of experience 

in technology development and commercialization, and will be responsible for overseeing all solar 

technology development, integration, and market 

transformation activities for the Solar Program.

John was previously with Corning, Inc., where he 

held a number of positions in strategic marketing 

and business development. Most recently, he was 

responsible for identifying and developing new strategic business opportunities 

in photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies. Prior to Corning, he was with 

Electrosource, Inc., a Texas-based start-up developing an advanced battery technology for electric and hybrid vehicles. John holds an MBA in International Business 

from George Washington University and an M.S. and B.S. with High Honors in 

Engineering Science from the University of Florida. We look forward to advancing 

the innovative work of the Solar Program and our partners under his leadership. 

Please join us in welcoming John to the Program! 

The Solar Program is enormously grateful to Tom Kimbis for his leadership and 

hard work over the past 6 months as Acting Program Manager. Tom will resume 

his position as Market Transformation lead for the Solar Program, where he will 

continue to lead efforts to remove solar market barriers and increase solar’s share 

of the energy market. 

U.S. Department of Energy • Solar Energy Technologies Program

JULY 2008

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

Program Notes

DOE Taps Industry for New Solar Program Manager... 1

Letter from the Program Manager ....................... 2

DOE Solar Five-Year Program Plan Released ........... 2

Solar Array to be Installed at DOE Headquarters ....... 2

New Solar Grid and Energy 

Storage Program Launched .............................. 3

DOE to Invest up to $60 Million in Advanced CSP...... 3

Mystic Seaport Museum is 

Newest Solar America Showcase ..................... 4-5

Environmental Analysis 

Assesses Solar on Public Land........................... 5

Financial Institutions Learn about 

Utility-Scale Solar Generation Opportunities............ 5

Industry Update

Kimbis Welcomes Solar 2008 Attendees in San Diego .. 6

International PV Power Systems Programme 

Holds 31st Executive Committee Meeting................ 6

WGA Kicks Off Western Renewable 

Energy Zone Initiative ..................................... 6

Market Transformation

Solar Cities Holds First Annual Meeting in Tucson...... 7

Bodman and Karsner Kick Off Solar America Cities 

Efforts in New York, Boston, and Austin ................. 8

DOE Solar Displays Featured at U.S. Botanic Garden.... 8

NARUC Hosts Mid-Atlantic Solar Policy Dialogue....... 9

Key Ingredients Outlined for Cities to 

“Go Solar” at ICLEI Local Action Summit................... 9

Solar ABCs Holds Gap Analysis Meeting................10

DOE Solar Program & Partner Publications ....... 10-12

Solar Program Funding Opportunities...................13-18

Solar Events Calendar....................................19

National Laboratory Technology 

Updates & DOE News .......................... throughout
P. 2

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Letter from the Program Manager

It is great to be here at DOE as the Solar Program Manager and I am excited to be 

joining a very strong team at a time of incredible growth and change in the solar 

industry. I realize that many of you have spent your whole careers working in this 

field. As you can see by my background, I’m not new to solar and also bring a private 

industry perspective in technology development and commercialization. DOE has 

a unique leadership role to play in accelerating the adoption of solar technologies 

by working closely with a number of stakeholders including the national labs, 

universities, state and municipal agencies, utilities, interest groups, private industry, 

and the financial community. I look forward to working closely with all of you to 

realize solar energy’s potential in addressing our country’s energy challenges.

Best,

DOE Solar Five-Year Program Plan Released 

In April, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Program 

released its 2008–2012 Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP). The Solar Program is 

responsible for carrying out the federal role in researching, developing, demonstrating 

and, to an extent, deploying solar energy technologies. The MYPP presents a look 

inside the Solar Program’s plans and emphases for the next 5 years.

The Solar Program is driven by the Solar America Initiative (SAI), a Presidential 

initiative launched in 2007 with the goal of achieving grid parity for electricity 

produced by photovoltaic (PV) systems across the nation by 2015—making the SAI 

a 9-year effort. The MYPP covers years two through six of the SAI, which can be 

considered the core of the initiative. The activities covered within the MYPP are 

the major efforts the Solar Program will undertake to reach the SAI goal.

During the first year of the SAI, the Solar Program laid the initial foundation for 

success through aggressive collaborative research and development (R&D) efforts with 

private industry and national laboratories, and expanded that effort to universities 

in early 2008. Simultaneously, the program launched a groundbreaking market 

transformation effort through partnerships with cities, companies, non-profits, and 

universities. The goal is to help commercialize solar technologies by targeting and 

eliminating market barriers to solar energy, as well as by promoting deployment 

opportunities. The 2008–2012 activities detailed in the MYPP build off of these 

early successes of the SAI. The document can be downloaded at www.eere.energy.

gov/solar/pdfs/solar_program_mypp_2008-2012.pdf.

Solar Array to be Installed at DOE Headquarters

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the General Services 

Administration, is in the initial stages of implementing a roof-top photovoltaic (PV)

system for the DOE headquarters Forrestal Building, located at 1000 Independence 

Ave., SW, in Washington, DC. Once complete, this 205-kilowatt system will generate 

about 200 megawatt-hours of electricity each year. The PV modules will be integrated 

into the existing roof system and will be accessible through a viewing platform. A 

kiosk showing system output will also be installed in the Forrestal Building lobby. 

The system is expected to be operational by the end of summer. 

NATIONAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

DEVELOPMENTS & DOE NEWS

Solar Program Office Moves 

to 950 L’Enfant 

In April, the Solar Energy Technologies Program 

moved offices from the Forrestal Building 

(DOE Headquarters) to 950 L’Enfant Plaza in 

Washington, DC, just a block away.

Solar Energy Technologies Program 

Annual Review Meeting Held in Austin

The Department of Energy’s Solar Energy 

Technologies Program (SETP) held a closed, 

internal program review in Austin, TX, on April 

22–23. The review was designed around three 

overarching themes—to have DOE partners 

present the status of their projects, to receive 

input from industry stakeholders on R&D 

priorities, and to increase collaboration among 

national laboratories, universities, and industry. 

SETP was honored to have Austin Mayor Will 

Wynn welcome DOE and all of the review 

participants to Austin.

The break-out sessions were split into the 

two technology areas of photovoltaics and 

concentrating solar power, and also included 

discussion of grid integration and market 

transformation activities. Sessions within each 

track were divided according to the various 

activities within the SETP portfolio. The diversity of 

sessions was mirrored by the range of participants, 

who spanned the gamut of the solar energy sector.

After the review’s close, DOE and the national 

laboratories met to discuss SETP’s strengths, 

challenges, and opportunities in the evolving 

solar energy sector. Results from these 

discussions will be used to best position the 

Program to meet its goals. 

Solar panel tiles (1) will be interlocked into the 

existing roof paver tiles (2) on DOE Headquarters’ 

north building.(3)

 


P. 3

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

New Solar Grid and Energy Storage Program Launched

The Renewable Systems Interconnection (RSI) study early this year resulted in the publication of 14 reports, available at www.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/rsi.html, 

that discuss the technical and analytical challenges that must be addressed to 

enable high penetration levels of distributed solar, wind, and other renewable 

energy technologies that are grid-connected. The industry-led Solar Energy Grid 

Integration Systems (SEGIS) program grew out of this effort. In May, the Solar 

Program published a concept paper describing how energy storage in residential 

and small commercial (<100 kW) applications may augment the SEGIS program, 

and the SEGIS-Energy Storage (SEGIS-ES) program was created.

In communities with high penetration of grid-tied PV systems, energy storage is an 

essential component of integrated systems. SEGIS-ES will address issues involving 

peak shaving, load shifting, demand response, outage protection, grid power-quality 

control, and microgrid issues to maximize PV systems’ operational and environmental 

benefits. To meet the needs of all stakeholders, the SEGIS-ES program will conduct 

comprehensive systems analysis and modeling, support an industry-led R&D effort 

focused on commercializing new integrated systems, and develop appropriate codes 

and standards that facilitate broader market penetration.

Electric energy storage is already a well-established market, and SEGIS-ES will 

work to optimize components and systems for grid-tied PV applications. Effective 

integrated storage systems can reduce customers’ utility bills, provide outage 

protection, and protect equipment on the load side from the negative effects of 

voltage fluctuations on the grid.

DOE to Invest up to $60 Million for Advanced CSP

On April 30, DOE announced a funding opportunity for up to $60 million over 

3-4 years to support the development of low-cost concentrating solar power (CSP) 

technology. The funding includes $10 million in FY 2008 appropriations and $10 

million in the FY 2009 budget request. Specifically, the funding is available for projects 

from industry and academia that develop advanced thermal storage concepts and 

heat transfer fluids to further increase the efficiency of CSP power plants.

DOE anticipates making 10 to 25 awards through this competitive solicitation. 

The total research investment in advanced solar technologies is expected to exceed 

$75 million. This includes a minimum 20% cost share by the private sector for 

research and development phases and a minimum 50% private cost share for final 

demonstration phases.

Applications for this solicitation are due on or before Thursday, July 10, 2008. Funding 

beyond monies available in Fiscal Year 2008 are subject to appropriations from 

Congress. For more information on this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), 

visit http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/solicitations_detail.html?sol_id=16.

NATIONAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

DEVELOPMENTS & DOE NEWS

DOE Holds PV Accelerated Aging 

Workshop for Industry

More than 100 participants, including 50 

companies, researchers, and DOE officials, 

attended the Accelerated Aging Testing and 

Reliability in Photovoltaics Workshop, held 

April 1–2, in Denver. The objective was to 

discuss the industry’s needs, priorities, and 

recommendations on testing and reliability 

issues related to accelerated aging.

Industry leaders described challenges 

faced daily in building reliable systems, and 

nine breakout sessions elicited additional 

information on reliability issues, needs, 

and priorities for improvement. Workshop 

discussions emphasized systems issues where 

the implications of reliability for performance, 

warranty and actual life, market share, and 

finance manifest themselves.

During the workshop, one of the primary 

requests was to share and analyze failurerelated information from fielded systems 

to establish better correlations between 

accelerated life testing and system life. 

Other issues were safety as an integral part 

of reliability, specific packaging reliability 

issues, and manufacturing diagnostics, 

especially for the emerging thin-film and 

concentrating PV products. More detailed 

information about the workshop can be 

found at www.eere.energy.gov/solar/

accelerated_aging_2008_workshop.html.
P. 4

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Mystic Seaport Museum is Newest Solar America Showcase

On May 29, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Mystic Seaport 

Museum as a recipient of a Solar America Showcase award, which provides 

technical assistance from solar energy experts to high-visibility, large-scale 

solar installations.

The Mystic Seaport Museum is a leading center for maritime research and education. 

Located in Mystic, Connecticut, on the site of three historic shipyards, the tourist 

attraction provides educational opportunities for more than 300,000 people annually. 

The plan to install a 1-megawatt photovoltaic system on an historic structure presents 

unique challenges to be addressed by DOE’s technical assistance award. Technical 

assistance may include:

•	 Regulatory and permitting assistance

•	 Structural analysis of the existing building

•	 Suggestions for structural upgrades to support the new solar system

•	 Architectural, mechanical, and electrical design assistance to ensure 

compliance with state-of-the-art solar design principles and building codes.

In addition, technical experts will assist with overall project management and provide 

best practices and “lessons learned” from other solar projects.

“Solar at Mystic Seaport Museum is a perfect fit,” said Tom Kimbis, Acting Program 

Manager of the Solar Energy Technologies Program. “The museum was built on the 

dream of creating a dynamic, educational institution to preserve America’s maritime 

culture—and turn achievements of the past into an inspirational force for the 

future. Mystic’s solar project is itself an inspirational achievement in wholeheartedly 

embracing a critical energy source for our Nation’s future.”

Past showcase winners include the following:

•	 Forest City Military Communities, for the proposal, Residential Hybrid 

Solar Electric & Thermal Systems in Hawaii. DOE is helping to determine 

the feasibility of incorporating hybrid solar-electric and solar-thermal 

systems such as solar water heating into a large military-residential 

project in Oahu.

NATIONAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

DEVELOPMENTS & DOE NEWS

ASES Salutes NREL’s Kazmerski

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) 

bestowed its highest honor on NREL’s Larry 

Kazmerski at the 37th annual ASES National 

Solar Conference in San Diego. Kazmerski 

received the Charles Greeley Abbot Award—

touted as the nation’s top solar award—for 

his four decades of visionary leadership and 

breakthrough research in solar energy.

“The solar energy industry would not be where 

it is today without Kaz’s pioneering research 

and inspiring leadership,” said Brad Collins, 

executive director of ASES. “It’s an honor to 

present him with this distinguished award.”

Kazmerski was recognized for his leadership 

as director of the National Center for 

Photovoltaics, his technological contributions 

to reducing costs and improving solar energy 

efficiency, and his continuous advocacy for 

solar energy research. With more than 300 

published journal papers on solar cells, thin 

films, nanotechnology, and other emerging 

technologies, he led NREL’s efforts to earn four 

R&D 100 Awards, including one for developing 

the first solar cell to break the 40% conversion 

efficiency barrier—the solar equivalent of the 

4-minute mile.

The re-created 19th century coastal village at Mystic Seaport. The Mystic Seaport Museum has plans to 

install a 1-megawatt photovoltaic system.
P. 5

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

•	 Orange County, Florida, for the proposal, Photovoltaic Demonstration and 

Research Facility & Family Learning Center. DOE is helping to evaluate 

the technical feasibility of placing a 1-MW PV system on the Orange 

County Convention Center, the second-largest convention center in the 

southeastern U.S.

•	 City of San Jose, California, for the proposal, Smart Solar Initiative. DOE 

is providing technical and cost-benefit analyses in evaluating the potential 

of municipal buildings and complexes in San Jose for photovoltaic and 

solar-thermal applications.

The Notice of Technical Assistance for the next round of Solar America Showcase 

awards closed on June 12, 2008. More information can be found at www.eere.energy.

gov/solar/solar_america/solar_america_showcases.html.

Environmental Analysis Assesses Solar on Public Lands

The Solar Energy Technologies Program and the Bureau of Land Management 

(BLM) have initiated a joint Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) 

to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with solar 

energy development on BLM-managed public land in six western States: Arizona, 

California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

The joint PEIS will also evaluate a number of alternative management strategies to 

determine which ones present the best management approach for the agencies to 

adopt to mitigate potential impacts and facilitate solar energy development while 

carrying out their respective missions. The measures adopted as a result of this PEIS 

will provide consistency and certainty for solar energy development and will help 

expedite environmental analysis for site-specific projects in the future.

A public scoping period began with the Notice of Intent, published in the Federal 

Register on May 29, 2008, and it will continue through July 15, 2008. A series of 

public scoping meetings have been held throughout the month of June in eight cities 

in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. An additional 

public scoping meeting is planned for 6 p.m. on July 8 in Tucson, Arizona.

For more information on the Solar Energy Development PEIS and opportunities 

for submitting comments, check the project Web site: http://solareis.anl.gov.

Financial Institutions Learn about 

Utility-Scale Solar Generation Opportunities 

On May 1, the Solar Program’s Tommy Rueckert, Systems Integration Team Lead, 

and Program consultant Charles Jennings, provided an overview of opportunities 

in which the debt capital and structured finance community can participate in the 

deployment of larger-scale solar-electric generation technologies. The audiences 

represented some 15 financial firms at the New York offices of HSH Nordbank and 

Lehman Brothers. In response to these presentations, three of the attending firms 

have begun white papers to investigate the opportunity presented for potentially 

financing the deployment of solar energy in the U.S.

NATIONAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

DEVELOPMENTS & DOE NEWS

NREL Develops New 

High-Efficiency Solar Devices 

that Could Increase Cost Savings

Solar cells made from indium gallium 

phosphide, gallium arsenide, and germanium 

(InGaP, GaAs and Ge) have ultrahigh efficiencies 

and are used for space exploration and by 

utilities. However, Ge as a bottom junction limits 

manufacturers from attaining higher theoretical 

efficiencies. Recently, NREL demonstrated 

high efficiencies in two ultrathin, Ge-free, 

triple-junction devices with nearly optical 

bandgaps. These inverted designs could lead 

to cost savings for solar manufacturers through 

substrate reuse, flexible and light-weight 

devices, and rejection of unused infrared light 

for reduced heating.

“The concentrating photovoltaics industry 

has an ongoing pressing need for cells with 

increased power output, potential for reduced 

cost through substrate reuse, and better 

thermal management,” said NREL researcher 

Dan Friedman. “This cell delivers on all three 

counts, and thus contributes to the achievement 

of the industry’s performance and cost goals.”

NREL’s devices achieved efficiencies of 33.8% 

at 1 sun, 40.8% at 326 suns, and 39.2% at 841

suns. The devices were grown by organometallic

vaporphase epitaxy in an inverted order relative 

to more conventional multijunction devices. 

The inverted design allows scientists to grow 

low-stress, low-defect metamorphic bottom 

junctions without damaging the top latticematched junctions of a solar device.

Close-up of a module using high-efficiency 

solar cells (SolFocus Corporation 2007). NREL 

recently won an R&D 100 award with Boeing 

Spectrolab for developing a high-efficiency 

concentrator solar cell that achieved the 

highest efficiency level of any PV device ever 

when it broke the 40% conversion efficiency 

barrier, making it twice as efficient as a 

typical silicon solar cell.
P. 6

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Industry Update

Kimbis Welcomes Solar 2008 Attendees in San Diego

Tom Kimbis, Acting Program Manager for the Solar Energy Technologies Program, 

delivered a keynote welcome on the Solar America Initiative (SAI) at the American 

Solar Energy Society’s Solar 2008 Conference, held May 4–7 in San Diego, Calif. 

Kimbis presented a status report of solar progress under the SAI. But he also urged 

audience members, in the face of higher silicon prices and immediate profits on 

Wall Street, to push forward in continuing to advance the underlying science and 

policies needed to make solar a success over the mid and long term. Additionally, 

Katie Bolcar, a Presidential Management Fellow with the Solar Program, presented 

a session on developing the solar workforce.

Nearly 5,000 people attended the conference and visited the exhibition hall, where 

the Solar Program had a booth highlighting the DOE’s solar efforts and available 

funding opportunities. Solar 2008 was sponsored, in part, by DOE’s Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

International PV Power Systems Programme Holds 

31st Executive Committee Meeting

The International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems (PVPS) 

Programme held its 31st Executive Committee meeting in April. The committee released 

the following two reports on urban-scale, grid-connected PV applications:

•	 Analysis of PV System’s Values beyond Energy, an analysis of economic, 

environmental, and tangential values for most countries, by stakeholder

•	 Urban BIPV in the New Residential Construction Industry, a study of innovation literature as it relates to building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), 

BIPV issues specific to building type, and measures based on the PV 

industry and policy to encourage BIPV in the residential building industry.

The 2007 Annual Report, which features an update of all the PVPS tasks, as well as 

PV technology status and prospects in IEA PVPS countries, was also released. All 

reports can be downloaded at www.iea-pvps.org.

WGA Kicks Off Western Renewable Energy Zone Initiative

The Western Governors’ Association (WGA) kicked off the Western Renewable 

Energy Zone (WREZ) initiative on May 28. The initiative will involve four phases: 

1) identify Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in the Western Interconnection, one 

of the two major power grids in North America; 2) develop regional transmission 

plans to enhance access to renewable resources located in these zones; 3) develop a 

transparent process for bringing together buyers and sellers of electricity generated 

from renewable energy sources; and 4) build interstate cooperation to address 

permitting and multi-state cost-allocation issues.

NATIONAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

DEVELOPMENTS & DOE NEWS

Solar America Initiative Featured 

at Photonic Applications, Systems 

and Technologies Conference

Scott Stephens, representing the Solar 

Program, provided an overview of the DOE 

Solar America Initiative at the Conference 

on Photonic Applications, Systems and 

Technologies, held in San Jose, Calif., May 

6–8. The presentation explored various 

technologies and programmatic strategies 

to accelerate cost reductions for grid-tied 

applications—from solar farms to residential 

rooftops. This presentation, as well as others 

from the conference, can be found at 

www.oida.org/PHAST2008.
P. 7

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Utah Governor Huntsman addressed the steering committee and members of the 

public who attended the meeting, emphasizing the critical state of affairs for our 

nation’s energy supply. “Unprecedented challenges face the West in meeting the 

growing demand for electricity, while achieving local and global environmental 

goals. The WREZ project will help us tap our vast renewable resources and develop 

transmission that considers communities, environmental impacts, and costs.”

DOE’s Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Kevin 

Kolevar, announced DOE’s plans to contribute up to $2.3 million over 3 years to 

the initiative, subject to annual appropriations.

Market Transformation

Solar America Cities Holds First Annual Meeting in Tucson 

In April, the Department of Energy’s 25 Solar America Cities met for the first time 

at the First Annual Solar America Cities Meeting in Tucson, Ariz. The 12 newly 

selected Solar America Cities joined the 13 inaugural cities, selected in 2007, over 

2-1/2 days to discuss best practices, share lessons learned, present new ideas, and 

engage in networking opportunities. Also in attendance were DOE’s solar market 

transformation team, Tiger Team technical assistance leads from the national 

laboratories, and city mayors Bob Walkup (Tucson), Will Wynn (Austin), John 

Hieftje (Ann Arbor), and Debora Fudge (Windsor, Calif., part of the Santa Rosa 

team), who spoke enthusiastically about solar opportunities in their cities.

The meeting included presentations by solar energy experts on best practices and 

national trends, as well as presentations by city teams and DOE. Additionally, the 

2007 cities were able to ask questions and provide feedback to DOE about the 

program, and the 2008 cities were introduced to Solar America Cities and DOE’s 

solar market transformation program.

On the final day, city representatives discussed various topics related to solar market 

transformation at facilitated networking tables. Topics included:

The meeting was a tremendous opportunity for the 25 cities to meet one another 

and learn from each other’s successes and challenges. Collaborations are already 

taking shape among DOE’s partner cities, with regional meetings planned for the 

near future.

Presentations from the First Annual Solar America Cities Meeting can be downloaded 

at www.solaramericacities.org/Meetings.aspx. DOE is working with its partner cities to 

identify a host city for next year’s Annual Meeting, anticipated for spring 2009.

(top) SETP Acting Program Manager, Tom 

Kimbis (left), pauses for a photo with Ann 

Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, Austin Mayor Will 

Wynn, and Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup, at the 

1st Annual Solar America Cities Meeting.

(bottom) City participants at the 1st Annual 

Solar America Cities Meeting were actively 

engaged in discussing various topics related 

to solar deployment.

•	 solar hot water

•	 solar financing 

•	 mapping and data monitoring 

•	 public outreach

•	 permitting, zoning, and solar access laws

•	 solar workforce development

•	 engaging utilities on solar 

•	 solar urban planning.
P. 8

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Bodman and Karsner Kick Off Solar America Cities 

Efforts in New York, Boston, and Austin

In April, Department of Energy officials presented the cities of New York, Boston, 

and Austin with Solar America City road signs at press events where the cities 

announced solar plans. These three cities were selected as DOE Solar America 

Cities in June 2007.

On April 8, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

Andy Karsner presented New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg with a Solar America 

City road sign at a press event held in conjunction with Newsweek’s second annual 

Global Environmental Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. At the event, 

Mayor Bloomberg announced the city’s plans to issue a Request for Proposal for 

2 megawatts (MW) of solar power to be installed on city-owned buildings in all 

five boroughs, as part of PlaNYC. The project is expected to more than double the 

city’s current solar electric capacity.

The following day, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman spoke at an event in Boston, 

Mass., to help launch the Solar Boston program and dedicate the new solar-thermal 

hot water system installation at Fenway Park. Boston has set an aggressive goal of 

25 MW of solar capacity by 2017. The Secretary presented Boston Mayor Thomas 

Menino with an official Solar America City road sign. Solar Energy Technologies 

Program’s Acting Program Manager, Tom Kimbis, and Presidential Management 

Fellow, Hannah Muller, were also in attendance.

On April 25, Assistant Secretary Karsner attended the Texas Solar Forum in Austin, 

Texas, where he announced the City of Austin’s designation as a Solar America City 

and presented Roger Duncan, General Manager of Austin Energy, with an official 

Solar America City road sign. Austin has a goal to install 100 MW of solar by 2020. 

In April, Austin Energy’s Solar Rebate Program reached a milestone of 500 solar 

installations that have received rebates through the municipal utility’s program.

DOE Solar Displays Featured at U.S. Botanic Garden 

This summer, the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, DC, is hosting a sustainability 

exhibition entitled One Planet—Ours! The exhibition, which opened Memorial Day 

weekend, will be on display through Columbus Day weekend. It features organizations 

from around the country, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals who are leading efforts toward sustainable lifestyles.

The Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities program was invited to install a display 

about the program and how DOE’s 25 partner cities are helping to pave the way to a 

sustainable solar future. The display consists of a series of 11 informative panels—two 

panels about Solar America Cities and how solar energy technologies work, and nine 

panels that each cover a different topic related to solar deployment, including:

•	 How cities are making solar more affordable for homeowners

•	 Solar financing for businesses and governments

•	 Solar workforce development

NATIONAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

DEVELOPMENTS & DOE NEWS

SAI Presented at Texas Solar Forum

Charlie Hemmeline, Acting Market 

Transformation Lead for the Solar Program, 

spoke at the Texas Solar Forum: The Business 

Case for Texas’ Solar Future, held April 

24–25 at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, 

Texas. The Forum’s goal was to stimulate 

dialogue on the best methods for Texas 

to become a world leader within the solar 

industry and market. Hemmeline highlighted 

the State’s potential for job creation and 

installed PV capacity under 2015 Solar 

America Initiative (SAI) projections for solar 

cost-competitiveness in Texas. Legislators 

and staff in attendance also heard from 

a cross-section of leading solar industry 

experts, utilities, and economic development 

organizations from around the State. For a 

copy of the event agenda, visit http://idisk.

mac.com/crowan-Public/Solar/solar_forum.pdf.

Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman (left) 

presents Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino 

with a Solar America City road sign. 
P. 9

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

•	 Various solar applications, including residential, commercial, and 

municipal buildings; schools; utility-scale solar plants; and buildingintegrated solar technologies.

DOE is also featuring a net-metering display and an interactive solar-powered fountain 

as part of the One Planet—Ours! exhibition. The net-metering display includes a 

grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system with interactive features that demonstrate 

where a home’s energy comes from—either the PV system or the grid—depending on 

the amount of energy consumed and produced. The solar-powered water fountain 

is mounted on a turntable, allowing visitors to understand the concept of solar 

orientation by rotating the PV panels toward or away from the sun.

The grounds of the U.S. Botanic Garden are located on the National Mall across 

from the U.S. Capitol. More information is available at www.usbg.gov.

NARUC Hosts Mid-Atlantic Solar Policy Dialogue

In mid-April, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners 

(NARUC) hosted a DOE-sponsored workshop entitled “Mid-Atlantic Solar Policy 

Dialogue.” This workshop offered state utility commissioners and state energy office 

staff in this very active region the opportunity to interact and discuss regulatory 

practices for furthering the integration of solar technologies into the mid-Atlantic 

energy market. The Solar Program’s Market Transformation lead, Charlie Hemmeline, discussed DOE’s efforts, as well as current and expected growth for solar 

adoption in the mid-Atlantic markets. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities 

shared its progress on New Jersey’s plan to transition to a Solar Renewable Energy 

Credit (SREC)-only PV incentive program. Also presenting at the dialogue were 

representatives from the Maryland Energy Administration, Delaware Energy Office, 

and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). 

For electronic versions of the presentations, visit http://www.naruc.org/programs.

cfm?c=Domestic&projectID=12. A similar dialogue for western states was held in 

Whitefish, MT, on June 15. 

Key Ingredients Outlined for Cities 

to “Go Solar” at ICLEI Local Action Summit

Hannah Muller, a Presidential Management Fellow with DOE’s Solar Program, 

attended ICLEI’s Local Action Summit on May 14–16 in Albuquerque, NM. This 

Summit brought together cities from across North America that have pledged to 

meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets through comprehensive climate 

action plans. Muller presented “Building a Sustainable Solar Infrastructure,” 

describing DOE’s Solar America Cities program and outlining key action areas 

for cities looking to “go solar.” The Solar Program had a booth at the conference 

that provided basic information on solar energy, as well as information on open 

funding opportunities, to the nearly 400 attendees. “ICLEI—Local Governments 

for Sustainability” is now the official name for the environmental organization 

established in 1990 by more than 200 local governments from 43 countries as the 

International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.

(bottom) David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant 

Secretary for Energy Efficiency at DOE’s Office 

of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

(EERE), and Wendy Burt, from EERE’s Office 

of Technology Advancement and Outreach, 

pose in front of one of the Solar America 

Cities panels at the U.S. Botanic Garden’s 

sustainability exhibition.

Hannah Muller from DOE’s Solar Program 

discusses collaborative opportunities for Solar 

America Cities at ICLEI’s Local Action Summit.

(top) Sarah Truitt, a consultant to the Solar 

Program, explains grid interconnection and net 

metering to young visitors at the U.S. Botanic 

Garden’s One Planet—Ours! exhibition.
P. 10

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Solar ABCs Holds Gap Analysis Meeting

The Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) Steering Committee 

met April 8–9 at the DOE Field Office in Golden, Colo., to focus on issues and 

activities developed during its first year. Findings from the meeting, compiled 

into a Gap Analysis Report issued to DOE, identify specific needs and priorities 

for the Board’s out-year operations. The findings will be used by the committee 

to generate prioritized guidelines for all future coordination and implementation 

project activities by Solar ABCs. 

The Solar ABCs Study Panels address four specific issues: Interconnection (Study 

Area 1), Net Metering (Study Area 2), Local Codes (Study Area 3), and PV/CSP 

Product Standards (Study Area 4). Coordination activities are conducted by Working 

Panels to bridge the different code-setting processes in the following five areas: 

building electrical codes, product safety codes, national standards, interconnection 

and net metering, and international standards. More information on Solar ABCs 

can be found at www.solarABCs.org. 

DOE Solar Program and Partner Publications

Market Transformation

Renewables Portfolio Standards in the United States 

– A Status Report with Data through 2007 April 2008

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory et al.

As the popularity of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) has grown, so too has the need 

to keep up with the design, early experience, and projected impacts of these programs. 

This report—the first in a regular series—seeks to fill this need by providing basic, factual 

information on RPS policies in the United States.

 http://eetd.lbl.gov/EA/emp/reports/lbnl-154e-revised.pdf 

Mainstreaming Solar Electricity April 2008

Clean Energy Group, Peregrine Energy Group

Clean Energy Group and Peregrine Energy Group released a report that highlights policies 

and programs that states can implement to advance local solar photovoltaic markets. The 

report is based on a survey of the real-time experience of the leading state solar programs. 

Today, states across the U.S. are taking the lead in supporting solar energy, recognizing this 

technology’s environmental and economic benefits. States are moving aggressively to address 

the high first costs and market challenges facing solar technology. The report describes key 

policies and program strategies that have emerged as effective tools for states to advance 

widespread deployment of solar energy.

www.statesadvancingsolar.org

NATIONAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY 

DEVELOPMENTS & DOE NEWS

DOE’s Programs Exhibit at NAHB 

Green Building Conference

The Solar Program exhibited alongside the 

DOE Building Technologies Program at the 

National Association of Home Builders’ Green 

Building Conference in New Orleans on May 

11–13. The Solar Program and National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) created 

a new publication entitled “A Homebuilder’s 

Guide to Going Solar,” which was distributed 

at the conference. The publication walks 

builders through the decision-making process 

of incorporating solar technologies (i.e., PV 

and/or solar hot water). Plans are under way 

to turn the guide into an interactive tool on 

the Solar Program’s Web site. The publication 

is available for download at www.eere.

energy.gov/solar/pdfs/43076.pdf.

Solar Workforce Development 

Highlighted at Renewable Energy 

and Energy Efficiency Conference

At the second Renewable Energy and Energy 

Efficiency Workforce Education Conference, 

held March 18–20 in Troy, NY, Katie Bolcar, 

a Presidential Management Fellow with the 

Solar Program, presented a session on the 

Solar Program’s support of solar workforce 

development. This support is presently 

focused on the North American Board of 

Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and 

providing training for code officials; the Solar 

Program plans on expanding its efforts in 

solar workforce development over the next 

twelve months. Recognizing that educational 

institutions face many challenges in 

providing a qualified workforce for the rapidly 

expanding solar industry, the Solar Program 

will strive to help meet those challenges 

through this effort. 
P. 11

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Photovoltaic Capacity Valuation Methods May 2008

Solar Electric Power Association, Clean Power Research, 

State University of New York at Albany, Sungevity

As utilities work to meet electricity demand, especially during peak summer days, examining 

the relationship between demand and solar photovoltaic (PV) output can be of significant 

value to the utility industry. Over the years, energy researchers have developed different 

statistical methods for calculating this relationship. However, there is no consensus across 

the utility or solar industries on a statistical method for calculating the capacity value of PV 

or its practical use in electricity markets and utility planning. The new report, Photovoltaic 

Capacity Valuation Methods, released by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) in 

consultation with project partners, and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s 

Solar America Initiative, examines the variety of capacity calculation methods in use, and 

lays the foundation for building consensus within the solar industry, electric utility, and 

research communities.

www.solarelectricpower.org/docs/PV%20CAPACITY%20REPORT.pdf 

Solar Photovoltaic Financing: Deployment on 

Public Property by State and Local Governments May 2008

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

State and local governments have grown increasingly aware of the economic, environmental, 

and societal benefits of taking a lead role in U.S. implementation of renewable energy, 

particularly distributed photovoltaic (PV) installations. Recently, solar energy’s cost premium 

has declined as a result of technology improvements and an increase in the cost of traditional 

energy generation. At the same time, a nationwide public-policy focus on carbon-free renewable 

energy has created a wide range of financial incentives to lower the costs of deploying PV 

even further. These changes have led to exponential increases in the availability of capital 

for solar projects, and tremendous creativity in developing third-party ownership structures. 

As significant users of electricity, state and local governments can be an excellent example 

for solar PV system deployment on a national scale. Many public entities are considering 

deployment on public building rooftops, but also, large-scale applications on available public 

lands. The changing marketplace requires that state and local governments be financially 

sophisticated to capture as much of the economic potential of a PV system as possible. This 

report examines ways that state and local governments can optimize the financial structure 

of deploying solar PV for public uses.

www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/43115.pdf 

Utility Solar Business Models: 

Emerging Utility Strategies & Innovation May 2008

Solar Electric Power Association

Within the last year, major photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal plant announcements 

by utilities across the country are showing how the utility industry can drive solar market 

transformation. A combination of external drivers is causing utility executives to consider 

the relevance and importance of solar in their overall business plans, including renewable 

portfolio standards, impending climate-change policy, and the inverse relationship between 

increasing costs of traditional generation resources and declining costs of solar resources. 

This new report offers a proactive look at lessons learned, with a consideration toward 

developing best practices that will help make solar more practical and profitable in today’s 

shifting energy landscape. 

http://solarelectricpower.org/docs/Utility%20Business%20Model%20FINAL%206_03_8.pdf
P. 12

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Grid/Building Integration

Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems Concept Paper October 2007

U.S. Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories

The inevitable transformation of the electrical grid to a more distributed generation configuration 

requires solar system capabilities well beyond simple net-metered, grid-connected approaches. 

Time-of-use and peak-demand rate structures will require more sophisticated systems designs 

that integrate energy management and/or energy storage into the system architecture. This 

document provides an overview of the SEGIS concept, which promotes the development of 

technologies that can increase the penetration of PV into the utility grid while maintaining 

or improving power quality and the reliability of the utility grid. The emphasis of the SEGIS 

program is on developing inverters/controllers that enable integration of large amounts of 

PV into the electric utility distribution system.

 www.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/pdfs/segis_concept_paper.pdf 

Renewable System Inteconnection Study (15 reports) February 2008

National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, et al.

As the market share of renewable energy grows, concerns about potential impacts on the 

operation and stability of the electricity grid may create barriers to further expansion. To 

overcome these potential barriers, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Renewable Systems Interconnection (RSI) study during the spring of 2007. DOE brought together 

a team of industry experts to address the technical, regulatory, and business issues that have 

the potential to limit the market uptake of distributed PV and other renewable technologies. 

The RSI effort resulted in the completion of 14 studies and an executive summary.

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/rsi.html

Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems – 

Energy Storage Concept Paper May 2008

U.S. Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories

Although electric energy storage is a well-established market, its use in PV systems is generally 

for stand-alone systems. This paper describes the scope of the SEGIS-ES Program; why it will 

be necessary to integrate energy storage with PV systems as PV-generated energy becomes 

more prevalent on the nation’s utility grid; and the applications for which energy storage is 

most suited and for which it will provide the greatest economic and operational benefits to 

customers and utilities.

www.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/pdfs/segis-es_concept_paper.pdf 

Critical Renewable Energy Storage Technology Study Plan June 2008

U.S. Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories, 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory, et al.

This document defines a follow-on effort to the original RSI studies, with a more detailed 

focus on integrating renewable energy and storage technologies to meet the challenges of high 

penetration. The conclusions of the RSI studies will serve as a basis for the direction of the 

Critical Renewable Energy for Storage Technology (CREST) effort. There is a key difference 

between the two, however: RSI has focused to date on high penetration of distributed PV. 

But CREST will address issues and needs at both the transmission and distribution levels 

down to the end user, while considering renewable technologies such as wind and CSP, as 

well as address issues for stranded renewable resources.

www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/pdfs/crest_study_requirements.pdf
P. 13

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Summary of Solar Program Funding Opportunities

Pipeline of Program Activities

The Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) is engaged with a range of stakeholders and activities along the solar pipeline. 

From Materials and Device Concepts to key Market Transformation efforts, SETP is supporting the development of innovative 

projects to accelerate the growth of the U.S. solar industry.

Figure 1. Summary of Solar Program Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunity

Announcement (FOA) 

or Solicitation

Award

Date

Funding

amount Description STATUS

Systems Development and 

Manufacturing: Technology 

Pathway Partnerships (TPP)

March 8, 

2007

$168 M 

over 3 years 

Cost-shared industry-led projects 

for PV systems development, and 

manufacturing demonstrations. 

Collective portfolio of projects will 

reduce direct manufacturing and 

installation costs by at least 30% by 

2010, and will deliver up to 2.4 GW of 

new manufacturing capacity by 

year-end 2010. 

• Amonix (CA)

• Boeing (CA)

• BP Solar (MD)

• Dow Chemical (MI)

• General Electric (DE)

• GreenRay (MA)

• Konarka (MA)

• Miasole (CA)

• Nanosolar (CA)

• Soliant (CA)

• SunPower (CA), includes 

PowerLight (CA)

• United Solar Ovonic (MI)

Market Transformation: 

Codes and Standards

March 26, 

2007

$4.2 M 

over 5 years

Working Group will address code 

development and outreach activities 

in areas of critical importance to solar 

market penetration (e.g., interconnection 

procedures, net metering, product safety, 

international standards coordination). 

Will lead to a major improvement in 

the responsiveness, effectiveness, and 

accessibility of codes and standards to 

U.S. solar stakeholders at all levels.

Solar America Board of Codes and 

Standards (SolarABCs)

PV Capacity Credit Valuation Study:

• State University 

of New York (NY)

• Tucson Electric Power (AZ)

Market Transformation: 

State/Utility Solar 

Technical Outreach

March 27, 

2007

$1.7 M 

over 3 years

Will conduct tailored solar technical 

outreach to states and utilities and will 

provide resources and best practices to 

address solar issues faced by states 

and utilities.

Utility Technical Outreach:

• Solar Electric Power Association (DC)

State Technical Outreach:

• Clean Energy Group (VT)

• National Association of Regulatory 

Utility Commissioners (DC)

• National Conference of State 

Legislatures (CO)

CLOSED PENDING OPEN PROPOSED

Continued on following page
P. 14

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

FOA or Solicitation Award

Date

Funding

amount Description STATUS

Market Transformation:

Solar America Showcases 

(SAS)

May 16, 

2007

Technical 

assistance 

only

Showcases are designed to help facilitate 

large-scale installations that involve 

cutting-edge solar technologies, novel 

applications of solar, high-visibility sites, 

and/or high likelihood of replicability. SAS 

does not provide financial assistance; 

instead, it provides technical assistance 

through teams of DOE-funded solar 

experts from the National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory, Sandia National 

Laboratories, the Southeast and 

Southwest Regional Experiment Stations, 

and private firms.

• City of San Jose (CA)

• Forest City Military 

Communities (HI)

• Orange County Convention 

Center (FL)

Component and Pilot Scale 

Production: PV Module 

Incubators

June 20, 

2007

$27 M

over 18 

months

Projects focused on solving technical 

challenges that must be overcome 

to scale-up manufacturing and 

commercialize new products by 

2010 and shortening the timeline for 

companies to transition pre-commercial 

PV technologies into full-scale 

manufacturing.

• AVA Solar (CO)

• Blue Square Energy (MD)

• CaliSolar (CA)

• EnFocus Engineering (CA)

• MicroLink Devices (IL)

• Plextronics (PA)

• PrimeStar Solar (CO)

• Solaria (CA)

• SolFocus (CA)

• SoloPower (CA)

Market Transformation:

Solar America Cities

June 20, 

2007

$2.5 M 

and technical 

support over 

2 years

Cities will integrate solar technologies 

into city energy planning, zoning, and 

facilities; streamline city-level regulations 

and practices that affect solar adoption 

by residents and local businesses (e.g., 

permitting, inspections, local codes); 

and promote solar technology among 

residents and local businesses (e.g., 

outreach, curriculum development, and/or 

implementation, incentive programs).

• Ann Arbor (MI)

• Austin (TX)

• Berkeley (CA)

• Boston (MA)

• Madison (WI)

• New Orleans (LA)

• New York (NY)

• Pittsburgh (PA)

• Portland (OR)

• Salt Lake City (UT)

• San Diego (CA)

• San Francisco (CA)

• Tucson (AZ)

Summary of Solar Program Funding Opportunities, Continued

Continued on following page

CLOSED PENDING OPEN PROPOSED
P. 15

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

FOA or Solicitation Award

Date

Funding

amount Description STATUS

Device and Process 

Proof of Concept: Future 

Generation PV Devices 

and Processes

November 8, 

2007

$21.7 M 

over 3 years

For companies to perform exploratory 

R&D for developing innovative, highly 

disruptive future-generation solar electric 

technologies. Device and manufacturing 

process research targeted here is 

expected to produce prototype cells 

and/or processes by 2015, with full 

commercialization in the 2020–2030 

timeframe.

• Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)

• California Institute of Technology 

(Pasadena, CA)

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

(Cambridge, MA)

• Mayaterials, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI)

• Pennsylvania State University 

(University Park, PA)

• Rochester Institute of Technology 

(Rochester, NY)

• Solasta, Inc. (Newton, MA)

• Solexant, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA)

• Soltaix, Inc. (Los Altos, CA)

• Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

• University of California, Davis (Davis, CA)

• University of California, San Diego 

(La Jolla, CA)

• University of Colorado (Boulder, CO)

• University of Delaware (Newark, DE)

• University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)

• University of Illinois (Urbana, IL)

• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

• University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)

• University of Washington (Seattle, WA)

• Voxtel, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)

• Wakonda Technologies (Fairport, NY)

Concentrating Solar Power 

Funding Opportunity 

Announcement

November 29, 

2007

$5.2M for 

Phase 1

For companies to develop storage 

solutions, manufacturing approaches, 

and new system concepts for large-scale 

concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. 

Collaborative public/private partnerships 

established herein will work to reduce the 

nominal levelized cost of energy of CSP 

power plants from 13-17 ¢/kWh in 2007 

to 7-10¢/kWh by 2015 and 5-7¢/kWh 

by 2020.

• 3M (St. Paul, MN)

• Alcoa (Alcoa Center, PA) 

• Brayton Energy (Hampton, NH)

• Hamilton Sundstrand 

(Canoga Park, CA)

• Infinia (Kennewick, WA)

• PPG Industries (Pittsburgh, PA)

• Skyfuel (New York, NY)

• Solar Millennium (Berkeley, CA)

• Solucar (Lakewood, CO)

Continued on following page

Summary of Solar Program Funding Opportunities, Continued CLOSED PENDING OPEN PROPOSED
P. 16

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

Systems Development and 

Manufacturing: University 

Product and Process 

Development Support

March 12, 

2008

Up to $30M 

over 3 years

For universities to perform targeted 

materials science and process 

engineering research that offers 

direct, near-term improvements in PV 

products and development processes for 

commercialization by 2010.

• Arizona State University 

with SolFocus and Soliant Energy 

• California Institute of Technology 

with Spectrolab

• Georgia Institute of Technology 

with Sixtron

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

with CaliSolar

• North Carolina State University 

with Spectrolab

• Pennsylvania State University 

with Honeywell

• University of Delaware 

with Dow Corning

• University of Delaware 

with SunPower

• University of Florida 

with Global Solar Energy Inc., 

International Solar Electric Technology 

Inc., Nanosolar Inc., and Solyndra Inc

• University of Toledo 

with Solar Fields, LLC

• University of Toledo 

with Xunlight

Solar America Cities March 28, 

2008

$2-$3 M 

over 2 years

Building on the success of the initial Solar 

America Cities FOA, the Solar Program 

issued a similar FOA to allow more cities 

to participate. Solar America Cities are 

recognized as partners who are highly 

committed to solar technology adoption 

at the local level.

• Denver (CO)

• Houston (TX)

• Knoxville (TN)

• Milwaukee (WI)

• Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN)

• Orlando (FL)

• Philadelphia (PA)

• Sacramento (CA)

• San Antonio (TX)

• San Jose (CA)

• Santa Rosa (CA)

• Seattle (WA)

Solar America Showcases May 29, 

2008

Technical 

assistance 

only

The Solar America Showcases are 

designed to help facilitate large-scale 

installations that involve cutting-edge 

solar technologies, novel applications 

of solar, high-visibility sites, and/or high 

likelihood of replicability. SAS does not 

provide financial assistance; instead, it 

provides technical assistance through 

teams of DOE-funded solar experts 

from the National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, 

the Southeast and Southwest Regional 

Experiment Stations, and private firms.

• Mystic Seaport Museum (CT)

Continued on following page

Summary of Solar Program Funding Opportunities, Continued CLOSED PENDING OPEN PROPOSED
P. 17

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

FOA or Solicitation CLOSING 

Date

Funding

amount Description STATUS

Component and Pilot Scale 

Production: Solar Energy 

Grid Integration Systems

February 4, 

2008

Up to $6.25 

M per year 

over 3 years

To perform exploratory R&D targeting 

dramatic improvements in inverters and 

energy management technologies for 

solar electricity production.

The Solar Program released this FOA on 

November 28, 2007, which will provide 

up to $6.25 M per year for 3 years. 

There will be up to fourteen Phase 1 

recipients in FY 2008. Applications 

were due on February 4, 2008, and 

awards are expected to be announced 

in July 2008.

Component and Pilot Scale 

Production: PV Module 

Incubators- Round 2

April 18, 

2008

$3 M per 

award 

Projects focused on solving technical 

challenges that must be overcome 

to scale-up manufacturing and 

commercialize new products by 2010-

2011 and shortening the timeline for 

companies to transition pre-commercial 

PV technologies into full-scale 

manufacturing. PV Incubator is led by the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

LOI released: March 3, 2008

Technical Questions Due: 

March 24, 2008

Responses due: April 18, 2008

Responses reviewed: 

April 25-June 11, 2008

Selections announced: August 2008

Awards made: Late-August, 2008

Solar America Showcases June 12, 

2008

Technical 

assistance 

only

The Solar America Showcases Notice 

of Technical Assistance (NOTA) was 

well received and the Solar Program 

plans to release a similar NOTA. To 

receive technical assistance for a Solar 

America Showcase, the project must be 

a large-scale (>100 kW), high-visibility 

solar installation that uses a novel solar 

technology, a novel application for a solar 

technology, and replicable components.

Notice of Technical Assistance currently 

closed, see: http://e-center.doe.gov/

iips/faopor.nsf/8373d2fc6d83b666852

56452007963f5/c21e8d152fceb9e185

2573b8007c40a8?OpenDocument. 

FOA or Solicitation CLOSING 

DATE

FUNDING 

AMOUNT DESCRIPTION STATUS

Concentrating Solar 

Power: Advanced High 

Temperature Storage 

Solicitation

July 10, 

2008

Up to $60M 

over 3-4 

years

Two topic areas are of interest for this 

solicitation to support CSP technologies: 

(1) advanced high temperature heat 

transfer fluids (HTF) with an objective 

to identify and characterize novel fluids 

or fluid types that possess the physical 

and chemical properties required for 

an improved HTF and thermal storage 

fluid for CSP technologies; and (2) novel 

concepts for high temperature thermal 

energy storage (TES) with an objective is 

to generate and evaluate novel concepts 

for TES that have potential to reduce the 

cost of TES to less than $15/kWhthermal 

and achieve round trip efficiencies greater 

than 93%. Work in TES may be applicable 

to any or all CSP technologies, parabolic 

trough, power tower, linear Fresnel, or 

concentrating dish. Both objectives work 

toward the 2015 and 2020 goals of 

making CSP technologies cost competitive. 

Announcement issued: 

April 30, 2008.

Applications due: 

July 10, 2008.

Awards made: 

August 2008.

Anticipated start date: 

September 9, 2008.

FOA# DE-PS36-08GO98032, see: 

https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/

UNID/8DEFBC0157F43F198525743B00

535BE0?OpenDocument.

Summary of Solar Program Funding Opportunities, Continued CLOSED PENDING OPEN PROPOSED
P. 18

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

FOA or Solicitation CLOSING 

DATE

Funding

amount Description STATUS

PV Supply Chain FY 2008 TBD by 

appropriations

The PV Supply Chain solicitation will 

address the grid parity goals of SAI by 

developing subsystem components, 

materials, or processes that can be 

supplied across the industry to reduce 

cost, enhance performance, or extend 

lifetime over today’s technology. 

Minority University 

Research Associates

FY 2008 TBD by 

appropriations

DOE plans to provide support to attract 

and encourage qualified science, 

engineering, and business minority 

undergraduate and graduate students to 

pursue advanced degrees and careers 

in science and technology by providing 

scientific and technical R&D opportunties 

in solar energy technologies. Will solicit 

applications from accredited universities 

and colleges defined as Minority Serving 

Institutions.

Education, Training, 

and Certification

FY 2008 TBD by 

appropriations

The Solar Energy Technologies Program 

is also anticipating releasing a new 

FOA this year for education, training, 

and certification, with the details to be 

released at a later date.

Summary of Solar Program Funding Opportunities, Continued CLOSED PENDING OPEN PROPOSED
P. 19

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

SOLAR EVENTS CALENDAR

Third Annual New Energy Symposium

July 9–10, 2008

Albany, NY

www.neny.org/nes/2008/home

Intersolar North America 2008

July 15–17, 2008

San Francisco, CA

www.intersolar.us

2008 North American Solar Challenge

July 13–22, 2008

Dallas, TX

www.americansolarchallenge.org/

SolWest Renewable Energy Fair

July 25–27, 2008

John Day, OR 

www.solwest.org/

American Society of Mechanical 

Engineers 2nd International Conference 

on Energy Sustainability

August 10–14, 2008, Jacksonville, FL

www.asmeconferences.org/ES2008/

31st World Energy Engineering 

Congress (WEEC)

October 1–3, 2008

Washington, DC

www.energycongress.com/

Solar Power 2008

October 13–16, 2008

San Diego, CA

www.solarpowerconference.com/

Greenbuild International 

Conference and Expo

November 19–21, 2008

Boston, MA

www.greenbuildexpo.org/

Globalcon 2009

April 1–2, 2009

Atlantic City, NJ

www.globalconevent.com

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

This DOE Solar Energy Technologies 

Program Newsletter is for you—the 

participants and stakeholders in the DOE 

Solar Program and the Solar America 

Initiative. We envision sending this 

newsletter at least every quarter. If you 

have any comments or suggestions about 

the newsletter, e-mail solar@ee.doe.gov.

A Strong Energy Portfolio 

for a Strong America

Energy efficiency and clean, renewable 

energy will mean a stronger economy, 

a cleaner environment, and greater 

energy independence for America. 

Working with a wide array of state, 

community, industry, and university 

partners, the U.S. Department of 

Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy invests in a diverse 

portfolio of energy technologies.

For more information contact:

EERE Information Center 

1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463)

www.eere.energy.gov