Funding Opportunity: Technology to Market 2
SunShot Subprogram: Technology to Market
Location: Cambridge, MA
SunShot Award Amount: $858,564
Awardee Cost Share: $428,200
This project is developing a commercially relevant integrated module-plus-mounting hardware system, which is a radically new approach to making solar modules. This alternative module assembly process enables the use of advanced materials and processes to increase the energy output and decrease the installed cost of the solar power system. The resulting module will be 20-30% lighter in weight compared to conventional modules and could have a wider available market.
Approach
The project team will produce full-scale modules plus mounting hardware using laboratory, semi-automated equipment and module assembly processes. The modules produced will then be tested against the respective certification standards. The team will also conduct interviews and demonstrations with candidate installer customers to gain feedback on system design and installation costs. That will lead to the development and completion of automated module assembly equipment.
Innovation
This project will demonstrate the commercial viability of an integrated module-plus-installation hardware system, which has the potential to reduce the levelized cost of energy by 35%. The design will facilitate U.S. manufacturing and the deeper penetration of solar power.