Photovoltaics Research and Development (PVRD) FOA 2024 | DE FOA 0003337

Photovoltaics Research and Development (PVRD) FOA 2024 (DE-FOA-0003337) - FAQs

1) What is this funding opportunity?

The Photovoltaics Research and Development (PVRD) FOA 2024 is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0003337) that supports applied research and development in solar photovoltaics (PV). It is administered through the DOE Golden Field Office under the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO).

2) What are the main goals of the PVRD FOA 2024?

The FOA supports PV innovations intended to: (1) lower the real-world cost of PV electricity, (2) reduce emissions and energy use associated with manufacturing PV hardware, and (3) expand PV into newer or more specialized markets (such as building- and vehicle-integrated PV) where product requirements and integration constraints differ from traditional PV deployments.

3) What kinds of R&D does the FOA focus on?

The FOA emphasizes cell- and minimodule-level applied R&D, with a strong focus on performance in real-world conditions and over time (not only lab efficiency metrics).

4) What outcomes is DOE looking for from funded projects?

The FOA highlights three outcomes: (1) durable, high-efficiency cell and module technology that reduces levelized cost of energy (LCOE), including attention to reliability and degradation; (2) reduced carbon intensity and energy intensity of PV manufacturing processes; and (3) improved technical viability of PV products for emerging dual-use and integrated PV markets, including BIPV and vehicle-integrated PV.

5) Why does the FOA mention LCOE instead of only efficiency?

The FOA indicates interest in cost reductions on an LCOE basis, meaning it values technologies that perform reliably over time. This includes durability, degradation, and long-term performance, not just headline conversion efficiency.

6) What are the Topic Areas in this FOA?

The FOA is organized into two Topic Areas: Topic Area 1, Photovoltaic Advances in Cell Efficiency, Reliability, and Supply Chain (PACERS); and Topic Area 2, Building Academic Capabilities in Cadmium Telluride Applications.

7) What is Topic Area 1 (PACERS) about?

Topic Area 1 (PACERS) concentrates on PV supply chain, cell, and module technology advances. It focuses on industrial process, cell, and minimodule-level research aligned with the FOA goals.

8) Which technical areas are specifically highlighted under PACERS?

Within PACERS, DOE states particular interest in four technical spaces: low-carbon synthesis of metallurgical-grade silicon (MGS), crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics, III-V photovoltaics, and organic photovoltaics (OPV).

9) How does the FOA define metallurgical-grade silicon (MGS) for this program?

For this FOA, MGS is defined as 98% pure per the 5/5/3 standard.

10) Are applicants limited only to the highlighted PACERS areas?

No. The FOA indicates it will consider other industrial process, cell, or minimodule-level research that supports the program goals, as long as it is not in areas explicitly listed as not of interest.

11) Is perovskite PV research eligible under this FOA?

No. The FOA states that perovskite PV is excluded because it is addressed through other funding programs.

12) Where does cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV fit in this FOA?

CdTe cell/module R&D is addressed under Topic Area 2 rather than under PACERS (Topic Area 1).

13) What is Topic Area 2 focused on?

Topic Area 2, Building Academic Capabilities in Cadmium Telluride Applications, is aimed at strengthening CdTe PV research infrastructure, especially in academic settings. It emphasizes advanced R&D projects that require procurement or upgrades of CdTe-related equipment.

14) What does DOE expect from equipment-related proposals in Topic Area 2?

Proposals are expected to explain how the equipment investment will expand fabrication, characterization, or analytical capabilities for CdTe PV research.

15) Does Topic Area 2 expect broader impacts beyond the applicant institution?

Yes. A key expectation is that improvements should benefit the broader CdTe PV research community, implying a shared-use or enabling-capability approach rather than a narrowly focused, one-off equipment purchase.

16) What award instrument will DOE use for selected projects?

Awards are expected to be made as cooperative agreements.

17) What does it mean that awards are expected to be cooperative agreements?

The FOA notes that cooperative agreements typically involve substantial federal involvement in project execution compared with a standard grant.

18) What is the award ceiling?

The award ceiling listed in the FOA is $4,000,000.

19) How many awards does DOE expect to make?

The FOA estimates about 15 awards.

20) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include: state, county, and local governments; federally recognized tribal governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as described in the notice); for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses); and small businesses.

21) What is the application deadline?

The original application closing date listed is September 16, 2024.

22) When was this FOA created?

The FOA was created on May 1, 2024.

23) Which DOE office is administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered through the DOE Golden Field Office under the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO).

24) What is the program category or assistance listing information provided?

The FOA is categorized as discretionary funding in the energy domain, with CFDA 81.087 listed.

25) Where can applicants find the full requirements and submission instructions?

The FOA directs applicants to the full funding opportunity announcement posted in EERE Exchange for complete requirements, submission instructions, and the detailed list of areas of interest and non-interest.