Cost-shared with industry. Electrochromic Windows Program Accelerating the development of electrochromic window products for commercial building applications. Electrochromic windows, windows that change from clear to opaque by applying electricity, allow building occupants to control the amount of light entering into the building, resulting in increased energy savings. A cost-shared grant program. Providing financial and technical assistance to encourage the innovation and commercialization of energy-related inventions within the industrial, building, transportation and power sectors.
Special consideration is given to assist individual inventors and small businesses.
A monetary incentive, currently 1.7 cents per kWh for Tier 1, is provided each year to over 60 applicants to encourage the production and sale of qualifying electricity. In addition to Golden's domestic partnerships, the office is also helping expand the international use of, and markets for, renewable energy technologies. Such efforts help the U.S. renewables industry expand into foreign markets while helping foreign governments and international financing agencies evaluate and implement renewable energy systems. Golden and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory staff are working with international organizations to bring renewable energy technologies to such international markets as Argentina, China, Chile, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and a number of African nations.