Leadership Wanted for Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Accelerator Consortium

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are seeking leadership to manage a new consortium launched through the $20 million Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Photovoltaic (PV) Accelerator Program. The goal is to advance cost-effective and efficient CdTe thin-film solar technologies and manufacturing techniques, as well as research capabilities to increase opportunities for U.S. workers and entrepreneurs.

This program has up to $9 million in funding available to lead the consortium over 36 months, with up to $4.5 million of additional funding available to launch consortium-guided work efforts at NREL or other institutions. Applicants may be teams led by for-profit businesses, nonprofits, or educational institutions and are strongly encouraged to have significant participation from industrial partners.

Review the request for proposals on SAM.gov and apply by July 19, 2021, at 6 p.m. ET. Selections are expected to be made in September.

The consortium will consist of industry, national labs, and universities whose research and expertise can expand domestic CdTe PV material and module production, support the domestic CdTe supply chain, and enhance U.S. competitiveness. The managers will identify and direct the consortium’s research priorities for technology development. Learn more about what the consortium will do.

CdTe thin films are the second most common PV technology in the world, behind crystalline silicon, and account for 20% of the modules installed in the United States. While their efficiency rates have significantly increased and costs have continued to decline, this consortium will ensure continued progress.

More information is available from NREL, including the recording of the informational webinar.