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Solar Energy Technologies Program
 
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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.

Photovoltaics

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.

Concentrating Solar Power

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.

Systems Integration

The Systems Integration subprogram is breaking down the regulatory, technical, and economic barriers to integrate solar electricity into the electric grid.

Market Transformation

The Market Transformation subprogram works with external partners to address non-technical issues that are barriers to the widespread adoption of solar technologies.

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Solar America Initiative Solar America Initiative

The Solar America Initiative (SAI) accelerates the development of photovoltaic (also known as PV or solar electricity) technologies with the goal of making solar electricity from PV cost competitive with conventional grid electricity by 2015. SAI works through partnerships between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and industry, universities, federal, state, and local government, and non-governmental agencies to achieve the goal of lower-cost solar energy.

Solar America Cities Solar America Cities

Solar America Cities is an activity of the Solar America Initiative. Twenty-five cities across the U.S. are partnering with DOE to support the goals of SAI. These cities are committed to accelerating the adoption of all solar energy technologies (not just PV) at the local level.